How early do you set up?

[Manok101]

For me it varies greatly depending on the night, and the lights of the pharmacy next door. Usually right at sunset though, so I don't have to waste time setting up later. What about you?

[rory]

20 mins before for me.

[Black Knight]

Once I've made a decision about the weather, and generally when it is still light. Deciding about the weather can take me all day until it starts to get dark though .....

[twotter]

Normally an hour before I want to observe, though setting up a dob isn't an arduous task

[Mr Spock]

I prefer to set up while it's still light so I can put things in the right place!

[RikM]

I try to set up as early as possible but I do the cooking at home, so it usually isn't until after we've eaten and cleared up. About 7pm'ish usually.

[saturn4me]

Just before dusk so i can see what i'm doing.

[faulksy]

usually around 7 p.m. after i have checked 7 timer and the like for about the tenth time, dont usually start observing till around 9

[Klesk14]

I try to set up as early as I can giving me some light so I can actually see what I'm doing.

[todd8137]

hi there a few good hours before a start but i try always to sort every thing out before it gets dark i always check the 300p with the Cheshire,( part of the set up now have in a quick check of the mirrors takes seconds) also setting up in the light lets every one on my street all 10 of them,see am out and like magic all the security lights go offand porc lights

[Ags]

My scope goes outside under cover at in the evening if it looks promising. If I plan an early morning session, the scope stays out all night, under cover of course.

[Moonshane]

I prefer if possible to put both my scopes out when still light and after the sun (yeah right) has gone over the top of my house. if necessary though I put out my scope and start observing straight away at low power, this is sometimes OK even with the big dob.

[saturn10]

Hi,

I like to setup just before it gets dark.

Its the putting everything away later I don't like.

regards,

Rob

[Telrad]

I set up at least 30-40 minutes before and allow the scopes to cool.

[singlespeedman]

Typically I set up about 25 minutes before 7timer changes it's forcast to accommodate the clouds that have just moved in. I would love to say I am jesting too but the last seven sessions have gone exactly that way.

[Charon]

Two hours(ish) for me, always in daylight to make carting the kit up on the roof easier, it is the carrying it down after is the pain.

[Nexus 6]

925 is stored in the conservatory, I open up and leave it cool down, is always better to leave it for a few hours before using it as the views are so much nicer

[JohnC]

Normally set up at least one hour before dark.

Hate packing away

[Astro Imp]

Usually before it gets dark so I can see what I'm doing.

Don't mind packing away too much, usually move everything to the garage and pack away in the morning.

[HippyH]

I dont mind setting up in the dark. Someone conveniently put lights on the front of my car