Hello from old new guy

[larry brockman]

Hello to all,
I’m a new old guy that has rekindled his interest in Astronomy. After many years of running my business , being too busy, on the move etc. Don’t let this happen to you. My interest started 52 years ago. And what is available today for young Astronomers is incredible. Ice In Space is a great opportunity. From the Forum Exchanges I have read it is most impressive.
Three years ago I bought a CR-150 with manual drives. I built a custom fabricated tri-pod as the one supplied was too shaky to carry all that weight. I have collected various accessories to use with it. I have had some fun with this, however, its lack of portability is a problem. Unfortunately I’m not in a situation where I can leave it set up. I also have 25X100 Binoculars that I designed and fabricated a counter weighted parallelogram mounting. I set it up on the old Aluminium Tripod that the CR-150 came on. It’s a great set up and easy to use with great portability. Astro Photography is something I am interested in, however, know little about it and what hardware would work with what I have.
From what I have read on the Forum I suffer from what many seem to also," alining the celestial south pole" I know I have read some procedures that sound easy, however, from my back yard in suburban Melbourne, lining up 6th magnitude stars is challenging. The drift method sounds good but I don’t think there are enough hours of darkness to achieve it.
In the near future I will post some specific questions to see if anyone can assist me.
Best regards to all Larry Brockman

[erick (Eric)]

Hi Larry

You make me feel better for only leaving it 40 years from first interest to taking serious moves to do something about it!

Can you post more about you binocular parallelogram mount - I'd be interested, for one.

Thanks
Eric

[larry brockman]

Originally Posted by erick

Hi Larry

You make me feel better for only leaving it 40 years from first interest to taking serious moves to do something about it!

Can you post more about you binocular parallelogram mount - I'd be interested, for one.

Thanks
Eric

Erick, I havent got manufacturing drawings , however, would be happy to email photos of the mounting. I had my own manufacturing ( fabrication business) and still have access to it ( semi-retired). There is only one special bushings required, all other items are typical hardware items. With your permission I will email photos if you like.
regards larry brockman

[iceman (Mike)]

Larry, great story and welcome back to Astronomy!

You're right - astronomy is much more accessible these days than it was 5 or 10 years ago. Which is great for us, and great for the future of astronomy. Big telescopes are cheaper, and sites like IIS help people to choose the right telescope and make sure they don't get ripped off or disillusioned by a $50 ebay refractor!

I hope you enjoy your time at IIS and look forward to your many contributions and questions!

[mick pinner]

welcome Larry whereabouts in Melbourne are you?

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Welcome to IIS Larry. Looks like you are off and running straight up

[erick (Eric)]

Larry, best if you post your photos in the "ATM & DIY projects" part of this forum with a few words of explanation, for all to see. You just might have to downsize the photos to the 150kByte limit, that's all. Eric

[Dujon]

Hello, Larry.

You are certainly not alone in the resurrection of a long ago interest. I'm somewhere between yourself and erick in the longevity stakes and I am also sure that there's a fair few others among those who help to populate this site.

My first 'scope is the ancient Tasco mentioned in my signature. I still have the beastie. It brought me much pleasure at the time as well as considerable frustration. It also enabled me to introduce my son to astronomy and, whilst he is now in his thirties, he still is interested in the subject even though he does not have a 'scope of his own.

So: Welcome back to the fold, Larry. As you have already noticed the people here are most helpful and friendly. There is a wealth of knowledge buried within their collective experience which seems to be made available to all just for the pleasure of helping out others.

[Ric]

Hi Larry and welcome to the group.

Cheers

[larry brockman]

Originally Posted by mick pinner

welcome Larry whereabouts in Melbourne are you?

HI mick,
I am situated at Westmeadows near Tullamarine.
Regards Larry Brockman

[chunkylad (David)]

HI Larry and welcome.

Hope you really get to enjoy your resurrected interst in astronomy.

Cheers

Dave W

[ving (David)]

hiya larry, welcome aboard

[astro_nutt]

Hi Larry and welcome to IIS!!

[jonathank]

Hey Larry,
Take time to enjoy the beauty of the universe.

[acropolite (Phil)]

to IIS Larry. Good to hear your interest has been rekindled.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Welcome Larry. I hope you get to visit some nice dark sky around Victoria

[Scorpius (Dave)]

Larry, One is never too old to take up new hobbies. At 72 I am enjoying a new stage in my life. Clear skies and good luck

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

That is so true.

Last week I had an 80 year old take his first ever look thru a Telescope.
He has been interested in Astronomy his whole life, but just had never seen thru a scope!

Now he is hooked on them, and wants to buy one.

[larry brockman]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

That is so true.

Last week I had an 80 year old take his first ever look thru a Telescope.
He has been interested in Astronomy his whole life, but just had never seen thru a scope!

Now he is hooked on them, and wants to buy one.

Hi Ken
Hang on man I'm only 63 and have the mind of a 17 year old.

Best regards Larry Brockman

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by larry brockman

Hi Ken
Hang on man I'm only 63 and have the mind of a 17 year old.

Yep, I know what you mean. I'm 49 going on 10

But feeling 79 physically