A Kodak moment

[1ponders] (Paul) · #1 08-05-2010, 08:39 AM

There were big smiles and plenty of bragging rights last night.

Its been 2 years in the making and while not the first time I've had everything mounted up, it was a special moment last night. Apart from getting the electrical fittings installed and a couple of small finishing off jobs (like an access ramp or stairs

) the observatory is basically done. And what a night to mount up. After months and months (literally) of disappointing weather, last night was brilliant. A bit cool and wet (plenty of dew, the inner walls were running by midnight), but as you can see from the photos not a cloud to be seen.

A good omen I'd say.

astroron (Ron) · #2 08-05-2010, 09:07 AM

It looks good in the Light Paul, But it really looked good in the Dark

RB (Andrew) · #3 08-05-2010, 10:07 AM

Excellent Paul !
Congrats on a job well done.

After seeing your's and houghy's complete, it's time to get myself into gear too I think.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #4 08-05-2010, 10:14 AM

You won't regret it Andrew. Roll the roof off and turn the power on.

It was really brought home last night as others were packing up to go home and I was packed up in a matter of minutes.

DavidTrap (David) · #5 08-05-2010, 01:40 PM

Congrats Paul,

Looks like some beautiful country around you. Let's hope this improved weather continues - we all deserve a break!!!!!

DT

[1ponders] (Paul) · #6 08-05-2010, 01:48 PM

Thanks David. It is very nice here. It has a lot going for it particularly for astronomy. A low range of hills between me and the worst of the Coast and Brisbane light pollution. By 9 - 10 at night it is lovely and dark. As a bonus moon rise here can be an hour and a half and more after moonrise on the coast, which means longer imaging times

I'm up on a bit of a hill and when the fog comes in I can often be left sitting above the worst of it. And its quiet. Just the sounds of the dark night.

Bolts_Tweed (Mark) · #7 08-05-2010, 02:13 PM

Real Nice Paul - tidy and functional.

Nice observatory, nice part of the world and not a Wollworths in site in your images

I spent a lot of time in the seventies and eighties in tents in your part of the world - lovely spot.

Mark Bolton

xstream (John) · #8 08-05-2010, 04:00 PM

Looks great Paul, I'm sure you'll love it.

I can't quite see that concrete slab in the pics though!

Kevnool (Kev) · #9 08-05-2010, 04:13 PM

She sure is a beauty Paul.
Very well constructed and thought out + fit out.
Cheers Kev.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #10 08-05-2010, 04:28 PM

Don't worry John, I'll find a flat spot for you somewhere.

The fitting out, Kev? I'm still working that one out as I go. But it is fun. thanks

Dennis · #11 08-05-2010, 04:30 PM

Hi Paul

What a magical setting! The observatory looks just fabulous – the last shot of the x5 OTA’s in silhouette almost had me on the floor with astonishment!

A job well done mate!

Cheers

Dennis

rogerg (Roger) · #12 08-05-2010, 04:51 PM

Looks great, really great

Must be fun using it

Very nice setting also.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #13 08-05-2010, 05:43 PM

thanks Dennis and Roger

I'll get you up here for a look one day Dennis. You know you have an open invitation to visit.

here's the view to the SW and the N, Roger. It is a very nice setting

pmrid (Peter) · #14 08-05-2010, 06:05 PM

Well done Paul. It looks extremely well made and planned. I loved the pictures also but about the scope - Paul, there isn't a camera in sight.
Peter

multiweb (Marc) · #15 08-05-2010, 06:19 PM

That looks sooo cool!

You've got a top spot for astro there with great skies I bet by looking at Google satellite. Awesome.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #16 08-05-2010, 06:20 PM

LOL Not last night Peter. It was settle in night. Balance, polar alignment, autoguiding check on the new Gemini. This isn't the final setup, but I wanted to load up the mount to check stability.

I've got a few other setups to try, including cameras, before I pull the mount down again. I regreased it a couple of months ago and grease may have wicked up onto the clutch disk as the clutches won't tighten fully.

kinetic (Steve) · #17 08-05-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

You won't regret it Andrew. Roll the roof off and turn the power on.

It was really brought home last night as others were packing up to go home and I was packed up in a matter of minutes.

Aint it just divine?

Very professional, tidy job Paul.

Steve

peter_4059 (Peter) · #18 08-05-2010, 06:43 PM

Looks perfect Paul.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #19 08-05-2010, 07:50 PM

It did end up being a beautiful night. And the obs looks just great.
Nice to catch up with you again Ron, along with Mark and Mark and Adam.
Thanks for the hospitality Paul.

Kevnool (Kev) · #20 08-05-2010, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

Don't worry John, I'll find a flat spot for you somewhere.

The fitting out, Kev? I'm still working that one out as I go. But it is fun. thanks

Bad choice of words maybe, was talking about your equipment.
Cheers Kev.