Was just checking out Ice In Space as it has been a while since I found the time to do so.
When I saw this thread I thought I should comment, after all I am on the Astrofest committee...
This years preparations are going very well. It is a significant year for Astrofest, 2013 marks the 25th f this great Star Party. To mark this milestone we have limited edition polo shirts for sale and a special display planned.
Places are filling up quickly so if you are thinking about coming you should make your booking very soon. If you haven't already go checkout the new Astrofest website and book while your there. http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/
Yeehah - all booked and paid for - first Saturday to the end
I think I have spent too much time on the cusp of the imaging field as this year (along with my dob) I will be bringing a recently acquired EQ6AZ. Yes it has goto ... but I am only using it for tracking purposes I promise . I am also looking forward to seeing how my 400mm f2.8 lens performs under some dark skies.
Is it essential to bring along home baking this year?
See you all there! ... is it to early to start packing?
It's never to early to start making packing lists and sorting through what you are going to be taking with you.
I'm backing the camper out tomorrow and fitting it with block out curtains and double checking all the camping gear is in order.
All I should have to add then is food, astro gear and clothes.
I've also been busy making weather proof covers for the mounts at well.
It's never to early to start making packing lists and sorting through what you are going to be taking with you.
I'm backing the camper out tomorrow and fitting it with block out curtains and double checking all the camping gear is in order.
All I should have to add then is food, astro gear and clothes.
I've also been busy making weather proof covers for the mounts at well.
Home baking is optional
Looking forward to catching up with you Andrew.
curious - what product are you using for the weather proofing?
I had this amazingly stupid idea of somehow making a fold down dome that you can erect up over the scope in seconds and the main part is pegged to the ground in a semi circle and then you fold out up and over the mount in one go, its ribbed in several "slices" with fibreglass fold down poles and had a vent on 4 sides with a Velcro flap over it. its all in my head but I cant seem to get it out. could even act as a wind break with a few extra poles etc. its in my mind - will have to draw it up and get it costed to manufacture. thought about the camping replacement poles and make up a few arches and see how it goes. probably need a floor? so the grand purpose would be to cover it up after a session and also be fully waterproof in case of rain and even heavy rain
Yeehah - all booked and paid for - first Saturday to the end
I think I have spent too much time on the cusp of the imaging field as this year (along with my dob) I will be bringing a recently acquired EQ6AZ. Yes it has goto ... but I am only using it for tracking purposes I promise . I am also looking forward to seeing how my 400mm f2.8 lens performs under some dark skies.
Is it essential to bring along home baking this year?
See you all there! ... is it to early to start packing?
LOL you could set up near me, I wont influence you a bit that's peters and JJJ's job
I'm using the heaviest grade silver tarp and simply folding it over and sewing both ends down, leaving the bottom open. I fold the bottom of the tarp back over to the other side and use anodized snap hooks to keep it in place. Works a treat. My scope and mount were outside in 90kph winds and everything stayed dry and in place.
I have made customised cotton covers for the scopes too to keep the dust off them.
ATM I'm working on making "skirts" to cover the tripod legs too, for extra protection.
I'm making sure it is all very easy to put on quickly and securely.
Quote:
Originally Posted by h0ughy
curious - what product are you using for the weather proofing?
I had this amazingly stupid idea of somehow making a fold down dome that you can erect up over the scope in seconds and the main part is pegged to the ground in a semi circle and then you fold out up and over the mount in one go, its ribbed in several "slices" with fibreglass fold down poles and had a vent on 4 sides with a Velcro flap over it. its all in my head but I cant seem to get it out. could even act as a wind break with a few extra poles etc. its in my mind - will have to draw it up and get it costed to manufacture. thought about the camping replacement poles and make up a few arches and see how it goes. probably need a floor? so the grand purpose would be to cover it up after a session and also be fully waterproof in case of rain and even heavy rain
It's never to early to start making packing lists and sorting through what you are going to be taking with you.
I'm backing the camper out tomorrow and fitting it with block out curtains and double checking all the camping gear is in order.
All I should have to add then is food, astro gear and clothes.
I've also been busy making weather proof covers for the mounts at well.
Home baking is optional
Looking forward to catching up with you Andrew.
Looking forward to catching up with you too Jeanette and hearing first hand about your travels ... so long as you can share some of what goes on tour
As soon as I read this I had a flash of exactly what your talking about and it is a brilliant idea..I have a friend that used to sew canvas stuff as a living and could probably help in this idea...i will shoot you an idea later on of a concept drawing and see if this is what you were thinking as well...
Quote:
Originally Posted by h0ughy
curious - what product are you using for the weather proofing?
I had this amazingly stupid idea of somehow making a fold down dome that you can erect up over the scope in seconds and the main part is pegged to the ground in a semi circle and then you fold out up and over the mount in one go, its ribbed in several "slices" with fibreglass fold down poles and had a vent on 4 sides with a Velcro flap over it. its all in my head but I cant seem to get it out. could even act as a wind break with a few extra poles etc. its in my mind - will have to draw it up and get it costed to manufacture. thought about the camping replacement poles and make up a few arches and see how it goes. probably need a floor? so the grand purpose would be to cover it up after a session and also be fully waterproof in case of rain and even heavy rain
As soon as I read this I had a flash of exactly what your talking about and it is a brilliant idea..I have a friend that used to sew canvas stuff as a living and could probably help in this idea...i will shoot you an idea later on of a concept drawing and see if this is what you were thinking as well...
yeah was thinking of something like this? or a similar LOL wouldnt that start a new trend - i took the first portable dunny to astrofest many years ago - now it looks like mushies after a storm
We could call it "The Escargot", I seen to remember seeing some pool covers being made like that. Made from rip stop nylon, using removable battens like a sail, a few less segments as well, it wouldn't be expensive to make.
Just had a thought, perhaps a beehive model would be better, concentric hoops to collapse down flat.
I'm booked for the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday night and then the inevitable drive straight back to school after my final all-nighter. Been there and done before. I pitty my kids after viewing all my images. See you there.
. I am also looking forward to seeing how my 400mm f2.8 lens performs under some dark skies.
so the grand purpose would be to cover it up after a session and also be fully waterproof in case of rain and even heavy rain
that's peters and JJJ's job
