W/C 13th February

[swamp thing]

Hi All

Not sure the weathers gonna play ball this week. Again.

I will keep an eye on the sky. Any particualar day anyone fancies this week?

[jam1e1]

any day i can get a babysitter!! this week may be difficult, next week if cannot - will post on day if can make

[swamp thing]

How was astrofest Jamie?

Buy any goodies?

[jam1e1]

Was good actually, just went to exhibition. Chatted to some guy about spectroscopy as didn't know anything about it, was interesting to see kit used and how done. had a look at the 150 esprit on ovl stand, great bit of kit but well out of price range so still a dream!! Found a small outfit guy who made custom parts to spec, got a new puck for sky tee for 24 with MUCH deeper jaw, it's a screw bolt design not whole jaw clamp type but look fwd to testing it out. Also got an Orion centring adapter - ace bit of kit it is just an eyepiece holder but rather than two or one bolt to hold ep it is a twist tension design- its only because chatted to guy on stand that realised its what been after- its 1-1/4 inch so only for the smaller ones. Also got Cheshire collimator as needed to redo 250 after the flock job. Had a look at TV stand but left before any dangerous impulse buys were considered! Generally was good just to view various bits of kit rather than as picture, really gives u appreciation of sizes! Looked at solar scopes too, was keen on getting HA solar filter for 120 as u can see much more than white light until price became apparent-2.7k!!! Really nice ppl I spoke to on that stand, but way out my budget. Was great to chat to sellers and pick up some brochures, was there for about 1.5hr.

I left with a £7.7k wish list- none of it can afford or will materialise (that is without new job, remortgaging or lottery win) but you can always dream!!

[swamp thing]

Those centering adapters sound very interesting. Suspect they could enable more accurate collimating.

Look forward to seeing one.

[tombulgin]

you boys not out tonight? looks clear from where I'm sitting. same again tomorrow night i think...

[swamp thing]

I was out but down the boozer. not with the scope.

Will keep a look out for tonight.

[jam1e1]

hey if clear tonight should be up for RC - anyone else?

[swamp thing]

Yeah, I'll give it a whirl.

[jam1e1]

What time you ok for, shud be ok for around 830?

[swamp thing]

I'll try and get there for then might be a little later though.