Qld AstroFest 2011 - Page 3

GrampianStars (Rob) · #41 13-02-2011, 02:53 PM

http://search.dicksmith.com.au/electronics/Ups
Here you go.
Note the UPS is good for only about 30-40 minutes so sensitive equipment can be shut down in an AC failure
It is NOT A RESERVE POWER backup
I use the 500VA to the scope for smooth........ running
i.e. no spikes to cook the electronics

DavidTrap (David) · #42 13-02-2011, 04:04 PM

Successfully proved I can run the night on 12V batteries powering mount, camera, laptop, dew heaters & associated electronics last night. My current camera isn't cooled, but the one I'm thinking about draws 2amps, so that shouldn't be an issue long term.

Thanks must go to Mark who has sourced some 12V SLA batteries at the right price.

After all the tripping at Duckadang last year, I'm inclined to think that 12V might be more reliable and ultimately safer in the dew.

It's not a small investment in batteries and chargers, but I already have chargers and one battery for camping, so it eases the burden.

DT

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #43 13-02-2011, 11:55 PM

Thanks J&P!

The ball is well and trully rolling now.

I pesonally think that the event is too long and should be reduced back to the original 7 days. I guess that a part of the issue has been the enormous strain organising two weekends has been on the team. If people disagree, then send me hate mail now, otherwise I will move that at the next meeting

h0ughy (David) · #44 14-02-2011, 07:57 AM

THE FEW EXTRA DAYS MAKES MY TRIP UP THERE MORE WORTHWHILE!!!!

dont kill off my holiday?

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #45 14-02-2011, 08:34 AM

If there was one person who could be defined as maximising his time astrofest, it's Houghy!

thunderchildobs · #46 14-02-2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

Thanks J&P!

The ball is well and trully rolling now.

I pesonally think that the event is too long and should be reduced back to the original 7 days. I guess that a part of the issue has been the enormous strain organising two weekends has been on the team. If people disagree, then send me hate mail now, otherwise I will move that at the next meeting

Maybe this idea should have its own thread, or in a thread about how to make the astrofest better for both the attendees and organisers.

I vote for 10 days.

Brendan

firstlight (Tony) · #47 14-02-2011, 01:22 PM

Hi Jonathan,

As I sent in my email to you this morning Jonathan, 7 days is actually more work than 10. A hell of a lot to set up first off while people are milling about complaining that we're not ready for them, and a huge spike in attendance at the end of the week when we are busiest doing everything else that needs to be done on the last couple of days.

What would be great is if everyone who arrives pitches in and helps set up the camp for the benefit of everyone then (and this is the killer)pitches in afterwards to help pull down and pack the gear for the Astrofest. It maybe a surprise to everyone but the Queensland Astrofest is not a holiday camp, and is instead a place so that like minded people can gather for the exchanging of ideas and friendships, and the committee are not staff.

Most times everybody packs thier own stuff and heads for the hills as soon as they can while the half dozen or so of the committee remain and are lucky to arrive home before dark... unlike Houghy we only live 2 hours away but for the last 4 or 5 years we arrive home in the dark. (Sorry to have a winge)

h0ughy (David) · #48 14-02-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firstlight

Hi Jonathan,

As I sent in my email to you this morning Jonathan, 7 days is actually more work than 10. A hell of a lot to set up first off while people are milling about complaining that we're not ready for them, and a huge spike in attendance at the end of the week when we are busiest doing everything else that needs to be done on the last couple of days.

What would be great is if everyone who arrives pitches in and helps set up the camp for the benefit of everyone then (and this is the killer)pitches in afterwards to help pull down and pack the gear for the Astrofest. It maybe a surprise to everyone but the Queensland Astrofest is not a holiday camp, and is instead a place so that like minded people can gather for the exchanging of ideas and friendships, and the committee are not staff.

Most times everybody packs thier own stuff and heads for the hills as soon as they can while the half dozen or so of the committee remain and are lucky to arrive home before dark... unlike Houghy we only live 2 hours away but for the last 4 or 5 years we arrive home in the dark. (Sorry to have a winge)

discussions are healthy

well for me it is a 12h drive home and yes i do arrive when it is dark

As for the last 5 years i have packed up on the saturday for the impending trip home and cleaned up as much as we can, including the area on the field where i was set up careful to remove rubbish and any stray G11's that may have wandered into my area

. But have tried to help where possible with setting up of the blockouts, powerboards and the such. I think it is a good idea to help lighten the load for you guys - but for me that is only in setting up the camp as i normally leave in the wee hours of the morning to head home. i personally think those that have done the job have earned the right to be called legends! It takes make hands to make light work of any situation and i am appreciative of it. i will help where i can - or most usefull

firstlight (Tony) · #49 14-02-2011, 03:00 PM

I hope that you wern't thinking that I was having a go at the people who have enormous distances to travel, Dave. I was pointing out that many don't have a 12 hr drive ahead of them, but can complain that not enough is done for them in the way of power, amenities and entertainment (there is also a lot of talk of the cost of Astrofest as well) but first thing Sunday morning they are out the gate without a backward glance.

On the matter of cost, it must be remembered that the Lions charge for every attendee no matter if they bunk, caravan or camp. Perhaps not all people use the kitchen or the coldroom. I'm pretty certain that they would use the toilets and drink the water, and if the Astrofest does not pay for self catering cost of the kitchen, or having a coldroom delivered, there would be no Astrofest. To my mind that is not something I want to think about.

h0ughy (David) · #50 14-02-2011, 03:11 PM

nor i - where else can brendan stay warm

i didnt take it that way tony..... and cost is great value when compared facilities and bang for buck - never bettered!

Louwai (Bryan) · #51 14-02-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstroJunk

OK, The AAQ have had its AGM today and have its new president - Me [GULP]

I have emailed the other presidents and will report back when I know more. There is no way I am going to rest until I am confident that this event is in safe hands [what a drama queen].

Onya maaate.....

mozzie (Peter) · #52 14-02-2011, 06:54 PM

i love astrofest its a great location!!!great company!!!!! great everything!!!!!!
cost is fine nothing is cheap anymore and you can stay for upto 10 days for next to nothing!!!! try and stay at the gold coast for 10 days and see what it will cost.heaps and heaps

although there a soft lot those qlder's have no strength throwing a little bit of steel

DavidTrap (David) · #53 14-02-2011, 07:32 PM

Mozzie - there should be a "levy" on Mexican attendees!

DT

h0ughy (David) · #54 14-02-2011, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidTrap

Mozzie - there should be a "levy" on Mexican attendees!

DT

oh you must be talking about the Victorians

supernova1965 (Warren) · #55 14-02-2011, 08:25 PM

If the prices are anything like last year it is cheap as chips I would love to be there this year FINGERS CROSSED

DavidTrap (David) · #56 14-02-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

oh you must be talking about the Victorians

Anyone from south of the Tweed I'm afraid!

DT

AstroJunk (Jonathan) · #57 15-02-2011, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louwai

Onya maaate.....

Thanks, Looks like I'm gonna have to stop larking around for the next 12 months!

mozzie (Peter) · #58 15-02-2011, 05:48 AM

david i thought you were talking about our tassie visitors there well south!!!!!!

hotspur (Chris) · #59 15-02-2011, 06:46 PM

It certainly sounds like a few issues were had last year re power supplies.I am not really up on electricity supplies to peoples' astro set ups.But over many camping trips and similar,I have bought some reasonably inexpensive car batteries from various automotive outlets such as 'Auto Cheap' or similar.Recently we purchased the cheapest battery they had for $49,I really did not expect much-but it works very well.I purchased a few more,So one for lap top,one for controller and one for dew zappers.I have a simple battery charger-$50 from 'Jaycar'.all works really well.

Maybe this solution could help some astrofesties,Very simple,in fact one chap I know says his car battery will power his laptop for 5 days before recharging.

Then again,going by some of the posts here,some must have a very power hungry set up.

The organises do an amazing job for this event,from what I read here,It sounds like its way better than anything down South-no wonder so many southerners turn up,always wondered why that was so.

Cheers Chris

firstlight (Tony) · #60 15-02-2011, 10:21 PM

Thanks for the invite, just going to sign up now.