Spsp 2014 - Page 4

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #61 20-05-2014, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan

I am curious, any idea how many people are going to SPSP this year?

Think we have about 275 pre-registered. Expecting another handful or 2 drop-ins.

Allan · #62 20-05-2014, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlgerdes

Think we have about 275 pre-registered. Expecting another handful or 2 drop-ins.

That sounds pretty good, wonder how many telescopes that will be?

uwahl (Ulrich) · #63 21-05-2014, 03:37 AM

Wow - 275! I am looking forward to this trip. I have just finished accumulating all my gear after retiring and will use this trip to get it sorted and working together. There should be plenty of expertise around if I run into trouble!

Does anyone know what the policy is for running generators is at Wiruna? Can you run them any hour or only at designated times. Mine is fairly quiet and if I can get a parking spot near the edge of the imaging field I should be able to have it far enough away so it doesn't bother anybody. There will be power points available if anyone wants to charge batteries etc.

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #64 21-05-2014, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uwahl

Wow - 275! I am looking forward to this trip. I have just finished accumulating all my gear after retiring and will use this trip to get it sorted and working together. There should be plenty of expertise around if I run into trouble!

Does anyone know what the policy is for running generators is at Wiruna? Can you run them any hour or only at designated times. Mine is fairly quiet and if I can get a parking spot near the edge of the imaging field I should be able to have it far enough away so it doesn't bother anybody. There will be power points available if anyone wants to charge batteries etc.

Generators are not allowed on the main field. They are tolerated on the imagining field, as long at you run then away from people, so bring a long power cord.

Yes, there is power for charging batteries during the day on both the main field and at the imaging field.

Rodstar (Rod) · #65 21-05-2014, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xstream

Guinness stew is cooked and being frozen as I write.

The dinner of Champions!

Looking forward to it John.

Went shopping last night for the nibblies one inevitably requires after strenuous activity (eye strain). Double brie and smokey cheddar, honey soy crisps, smoked almonds, etc Will bring the Glenfarclas 105 (cask strength) and the Wild Turkey Rare.

Hoping to arrive about 1.30pm ish tomorrow (Thursday).

h0ughy (David) · #66 21-05-2014, 08:08 AM

Well to all the attendees I wish you happy photon hunting. Unfortunately this year my plans for attending were scuttled (my son has an operation today). With the light pollution problem I have the dark skies would have been a treat.

There is a contingent from Newcastle going there – travel well guys, enjoy the donuts

RB (Andrew) · #67 21-05-2014, 08:28 AM

I'm going to miss out again this year guys, I was told I will be working over the weekend, starting Thursday night.

I'm so sorry, I was so looking forward to catching up with everyone.

I hope you guys have a great time and great weather.
Have a glass or two for me.

RB

mental4astro (Alexander) · #68 21-05-2014, 08:37 AM

I'll be giving the good folks of 3RF a hand with their Sky Tour. I'll be parking my 17.5" dobbie next to their 18".

I have a question about using lasers here. What is the policy regarding using them? I attended Wiruna one other time, not during an SPSP, and we just used the lasers only during the early stages of the evening (first couple of hours after sunset), and put them away afterwards. Similar situation this time?

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #69 21-05-2014, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mental4astro

I have a question about using lasers here. What is the policy regarding using them? I attended Wiruna one other time, not during an SPSP, and we just used the lasers only during the early stages of the evening (first couple of hours after sunset), and put them away afterwards. Similar situation this time?

Hi Alex,

From our Rego Kit info you should have received (if you haven't please PM me) we state:

For the comfort and safety of SPSP attendees,the use of laser pointers (except to collimate a telescope) is not allowed.

One key thing to consider with lasers, is that they are visible from a long way away and there are a number people probably imaging in the portion of the sky you are pointing your laser, thus destroying images they are capturing.

tlgerdes (Trevor) · #70 21-05-2014, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mental4astro

I'll be giving the good folks of 3RF a hand with their Sky Tour. I'll be parking my 17.5" dobbie next to their 18".

Aren't they bringing the 30 out? It could sort of make you feel inadequate if you only have a 17.5 next to that monster

mental4astro (Alexander) · #71 21-05-2014, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlgerdes

Aren't they bringing the 30 out? It could sort of make you feel inadequate if you only have a 17.5 next to that monster

Oh, yeah. Just a wee bit inadequate...

Thanks Trevor. That's why when I was up at Wiruna, the folks up there that night said a laser pointer could only be used for the first two hours when doing a sky tour - the imaging folks wouldn't be disturbed that way. But I guess a blanket ban will deal with people who can't follow instructions.

Hmmm, it's got me thinking. I might look at making a red dot finder rig that people can look through to see where the scope is pointed to. Not as convenient as a pointer, but will do the job too. I've got a couple lying around not doing much - two set at different heights will help more people. I'll see what I can do.

Rodstar (Rod) · #72 21-05-2014, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB

I'm going to miss out again this year guys, I was told I will be working over the weekend, starting Thursday night.

I'm so sorry, I was so looking forward to catching up with everyone.

I hope you guys have a great time and great weather.
Have a glass or two for me.

RB

RB you will be sorely missed buddy. Will be sure to have a dram in your honour mate.

gary · #73 21-05-2014, 09:20 PM

Other family commitments on the weekend mean that unfortunately this
will be the first SPSP I have not attended in 18 years.

However, Wildcard Innovations are proud to once again be a sponsor and
Don Whiteman will be presenting our lucky door prize on our behalf.

Wishing everyone a great time and here's hoping you get clear skies.

All the best.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

strongmanmike (Michael) · #74 21-05-2014, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary

Other family commitments on the weekend mean that unfortunately this
will be the first SPSP I have not attended in 18 years.

However, Wildcard Innovations are proud to once again be a sponsor and
Don Whiteman will be presenting our lucky door prize on our behalf.

Wishing everyone a great time and here's hoping you get clear skies.

All the best.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

..........

Will miss the heaping of praise on the Hon MT

Mike

Rodstar (Rod) · #75 22-05-2014, 07:01 AM

Sorry we're not going to see you Gary. Hope all is well with you and Mai.

I commented to my wife last night that I might try your trick with pouring water on someone's tent this year.... will let you know how I get on....

Barrykgerdes · #76 22-05-2014, 08:33 AM

I get sick of hearing excuses for non attendance because of family commitments. I am in the same boat as SWMBO is incapacitated due to a broken neck and arm in a sling. I was not going to stay home as a nursemaid and miss the best star party of the year.

I just arranged for her to stay in hospital over the weekend to give me a free weekend.

Barry

lacad01 (Adam) · #77 22-05-2014, 08:37 AM

Starting the pack now; amazing how much crap one bloke can accumulate and that's without scopes

The Mekon (John Briggs) · #78 22-05-2014, 09:18 AM

Bad news in the Herald this morning about smoke from burn offs in the Sydney Basin. Lets hope it does not ruin the skies like it did for at least one night last year.

xstream (John) · #79 22-05-2014, 12:15 PM

No smoke here so far, was an excellent nights viewing last night. 😊

RB, Rod, Big Mike and myself will surely have a dram or Two in your honour mate! 👍

RB (Andrew) · #80 23-05-2014, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodstar

RB you will be sorely missed buddy. Will be sure to have a dram in your honour mate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xstream

RB, Rod, Big Mike and myself will surely have a dram or Two in your honour mate!

Guys thank you, have a wonderful time.
I'll be thinking of you and I'll there in spirit at least.

RB