On Tuesday, Mark Suleau from Channel Ten News will be visiting our Observatory at Aratula, to do a segment for future airing on the News.
I will add to this post, when I find out the "On Air" date.
The site now has 2 live cameras operating and can be viewed online @ http://www.seti.org.au/ camera 2 has a great view of most of the site.
The system is primarily there for security, but we can be seen working as well. The shots are updated every 20 seconds, so a refresh is needed.
We have had a massive weekend sprucing the place up, Saturday's work included erecting the feed horn on the first 40 foot dish and can be seen online, a few more weekends spent wiring and fitting the skin will see the big dish fully operational.
We will certainly be planning a big "First Radio Wave" party for this event, with invitations going to all our sponsor's. It is what we have been working toward for the last 5 years.
Wow Mike - it’s been quite a while since I dropped in to see you guys - the progress you have made sounds fantastic. It is quite extraordinary seeing how your collective vision has manifested, through all your hard work, into such a fabulous Observatory and site. Good luck with the interview and all the future developments. I look forward to seeing the segment on the CH10 news.
You guys have also got a superb website – where do you get the time?
Hi Dennis,
Come out for a visit again soon, Noel was only asking me yesterday what you were doing now.
We just make time, how we do it is beyond me, but we do it.
The Observatory has grown a lot since you came last time.
I forsee it becoming the best Observatory in QLD at the least.
There is still much to do. Both dishes have yet to be mounted on piers, one on rails.
And all this made possible by my friend Noel. I just work there, he makes it happen.
John,
Yes, we do have some very generous sponsors, and we are extremely grateful to them, without them,this project would not be possible.
The Solar array's alone amount to to largest contribution, with the aid of grant's from the QLD Gov't, I can't say enough about them.
All of our sponsors donate equipment that is vital to the construction of the Observatory, without anyone of them it would fail. They are all wonderful people and deserve to be recognised for thier foresight into the education of Rural Children and the advancement of science.
Now, the other Mike (as in Admin.) might zap this post due to terms of service of the forum. Regardless, I'm bunging up a list of sponsors - as shown on your site - in order to further acknowledge their contribution to an amazing project.
*******************
EMR Switchboards
Power Solutions Australia
Conetix - Web Solution Provider
ACT - Australian Computer Traders
Ozbuild Materials
Atlas - specialty metals
EnerSys - Power solutions
York Optical
Shade Direct - DIY shade specialists
Kyocera - copiers, printers, cameras and more
Mulford Plastics
Metro Tiles - ceramic tile specialists
Sound Technology (S T Spectra Group)
Mike Cook's Signal Software
Data Delivery Services - wireless telemetry
Lightning Bolt Co - hardware (bolts, nuts, rivets and more)
Downer EDI - engineering and infrastructure management
Dulux - paints and advice
Brisbane Axles and Trailer Components
Readymix - concrete
Metalcorp - steel (sheds, pipes, fencing, structural and more)
Bushmans - water tanks
JBS Air - Air conditioning and ventilation
Plasmatronics - regulating and metering devices for solar powered devices
Sunshine Electrical Services - solar power electrical systems with 'grid connect solar power system' expertise
Micro Computer Systems - networks and more
B&R Enclosures - racks, enclosures, cabinets
ADA - Anthony Donovan - Architects
Commercial Images - office furniture and fittings
Mills Engineers - structural design
Agilent Technologies - measurement equipment (analysers, oscilloscopes, test gear and more)
Selectronic - power inverters, transformers, chargers and more
Nova Astronomics - providers of the ECU planetarium control program and the Micro-Guider 5 computer interface
No Graham,
That is another stargazer, they haven't been round for a visit yet, but maybe after this goes to air they might.
We have only been there for 5 years.
Astroron,
Sure can organise a night under the stars, we have only 1 shower, but 2 real flushing toilets now.
Would need Iceman's permission to call it Iceinspace though.
The visit went well, Mark was very impressed with what we have done so far, He is quite a character with a great sense of humour.
He said that it wouldn't go to air for about 2 weeks, and will let us know the date.
Here is a photo of Mark, his cameraman and Noel.
There is 1 quote, that will definately go on air.
Mark was interviewing Ron, our eldest enthusiast at 80 odd years old about getting signals from other Planets,
Ron said, "Well Mark, it could take 25 years for the signal to get there, and another 25 years for an answer to get back, and it will probably be" "What did you say".
Mark cracked up. Then said "Thats in for sure".
I will try and record the segment when it goes to air, and make it available to everyone.
There was a bit of BS with some of the shots, like me and Noel using "Starry Night" during the day, the cameraman was fascinated by it. Mark just replied, "Well it is show business".
be great to see, I doubt us southerners will see the segment, as i would say its for local consumption, but then you just never know?? nice work guys, kudos to all involved!
The Interview goes on air tonight.
Mark Suleau called, the interview will be on ch Ten News tonight, short version, and again at 11am tomorrow, long version.
Mark also said that he hopes it will go national tomorrow.
The Interview goes on air tonight.
Mark Suleau called, the interview will be on ch Ten News tonight, short version, and again at 11am tomorrow, long version.
Mark also said that he hopes it will go national tomorrow.
Mike.
Mike - that is great news, I'll be sure to watch the segment.
Thanks Dennis. Hahaha.
How did you get those frames done so quick?
Mike.
Hi Mike
I have a dual tuner HDTV card in our PC so whilst I was recording the segment (whilst also viewing CH10 news in a window) I just took snapshots when your famous mug appeared! This saves the pictures to disc as stills, and then I opened them in Corel Photo paint to re-size/re-sample and save a jpgs.
It was a terrific segment and I look forward to the full version at 11:00am tomorrow.
They're ours. and generosity only stretches so far
Mike, fine site and a good job you are all doing, you could possibly arrange an iceinspace field night or weekend sometime next year
