Just a brief introduction

[John Green (John)]

G'day everyone; I've just joined up, and this is post number one. I have done a quantum leap from my $60.00 70mm reflector, to a GSO RC8 & HEQ5PRO. Talk about a steep learning curve, its more of a vertical line. I don't know when 1st light will be but clouds and fog allowing, it may well be over this w/end. I'm slowly leaning towards some radio astronomy as well, (vk2nix). At the moment the scope is on the mount in my radio shack and powered up, after the obligatory balancing etc, so its only a matter of time and weather before I get outside. Wallendbeen is only a small village of approx' 150 people and has the blackest of skies, so I'm eagerly awaiting the opportunity to take advantage of it. I look forward to one day being able to contribute to the site, in the mean time i'll be picking your brains. CheersJohn.

[renormalised (Carl)]

Welcome to IIS, John. You'll learn a lot from here and meet some fantastic people

[oosh (Jason)]

Welcome to the forum John - I'm new also, and everyone here has been very welcoming Good luck with the new scope, and hopefully the weather clears up nicely for us very soon.

[bartman (Bart)]

Welcome John,
I envy your location and dark skies.
Enjoy your new baby. This forum is certain the place to ask questions and post your results - whether it be visual or photo!
Bartman

[JohnG (John)]

Hi John and welcome

I live just down the road from you at Coota, feel free to come and see me or ask questions.

Will be good to have someone else around here .

Cheers

[Liz]

Welcome John, great to have you onboard!!

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Hi John, and welcome.

You live in the same type of place as me. About 150 people and dark dark dark sky

Hope to hear more from you as you conquer that scope and mount

[Ric]

Welcome John, I hope you you have a great time here with us.

Your off to a flying start with the fact that you have dark skies. I also enjoy dark skies living in a rural setting. Unfortunately the clouds seem to have moved in as of late.

Cheers

[Matty (Matt Fowler)]

Well met John. I'm a complete newby too and seem to be suffering from an equal case of aperture fever 114 Newtonian then jumped to a 14inch goto dob from skywatcher. My wife thinks I'm crazy nice to know I'm not alone. Sounds like you have a fantastic location for our obsession. Me I have to put up with Sydney's light pollution so it looks like I'm going to cover a lot of km in pursuit of dark skies. The guys in this forum have been very helpful in suggesting some locations though. Kudos IIS I look forward to hearing bout the first light on the new scope and wish you many clear nights.