Well, I'll be right for September 19...

[erick (Eric)]

.....being international Talk like a Pirate Day!! "Ahoy, me hearties!"

I've just bought myself an eyepatch. Well, not actually a patch, but a black plastic protective eyecover held in place with an elastic band around my head. $3.95 from the pharmacy.

I've grown tired of holding a hand in front of my non-observing eye. No matter how dark the sky is, this open eye always distracts me with its view of the scope and focuser. And I have a battleship grey Bintel scope and black focuser. I've no idea how those with glistening white scopes cope with the distraction.

It feels comfortable enough, I have my eye wide open inside it and there is only a little gap at the bridge of my nose letting light in - but I won't be looking there. It should work well, except I don't know how it will go with the beanies and fur caps I have to wear in this winter weather! I will have to flip it up or push it up often, and it will probably get fouled in my head gear.

Any comments, hints, suggestions, experiences gratefully received.




Oh, and back to Talk like a Pirate Day? See:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interna...e_a_Pirate_Day

(or Aussie version!? http://www.yaaarrr.com/ see wench22.gif - what she says makes me feel better already)

Ooops! Just searched - I'm going back over old ground, sorry
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ead.php?t=4267

[Outbackmanyep]

I use one too for my hand guiding, i know if you get too warm a little moisture builds up inside it! hehe
When you guide for 60 minutes in freezing ambient temps without lifting the patch i can feel the moisture running down my face, thankfully it hasnt turned into an icicle!
I dont find it bothers wrapped around a beanie, but getting it comfortably settled may take a little to get used to.....
As for the little bit of light getting in, try rotating the eyepatch slightly to get the pointiest end right into the corner of the eye being blocked, i usually end up with the strap sort of on a 45 degree tilt. My best eye is my left eye, so i have the patch on my right eye and the strap runs over my left part of my forehead and under my right ear on the other side....try it around the other way! It should feel really comfortable...
I dont have a parrot or a peg leg yet either!! My pirating vocabulary is very limited! Have fun with it you scurvy dog! hehe

Cheers!