Quality of life gear

[Pryce]

Hey yall!

So I've been thinking alot about what I need to get to have good "quality of life" while I'm out under the stary skies.
This isn't directed at the actual telescope equipment you need to find those pesky little bright spots(or aliens) but more of a question about chairs, storage equipment and that sort of thing.

What gear do you use that you couldn't(Aka. Don't want to) live without?

[Peter Drew]

Observatory.       🙂

[Pryce]

13 minutes ago, Peter Drew said:

Observatory.       🙂

Well, not really what I had in mind, but sure! 😆

[iPeace]

• mozzy repellent
• woolly hat & socks, gloves, thermal undergarments
• sleeping bag to sit in (in extremis)
• observing hood / tea towel
• outer garment with deep, wide pockets
• ID for when the neighbours call local law enforcement on you (again)
• torch, unless local light pollution suffices
• spare batteries
• essential tool pouch

...each where appropriate, subject to time of year / outdoor temperature

[John]

In my case it is an observing area (patio) that is very close to the house so that I can pop in and out really easily. I keep my eyepieces, star charts, laptop etc in the dining room just a few paces and a pair of french doors away from where the scope is. Easy to pop in to warm up, use the loo and have a cuppa as well.

If I did not have such a convenient arrangement I'm not sure that I would still be in the hobby to be honest with you

 

 

[Nigella Bryant]

My electric body warmer, lol. Particularly in the winter.

[teoria_del_big_bang]

10 minutes ago, Nigella Bryant said:

My electric body warmer, lol. Particularly in the winter.

Sort of same here as its an electric kettle that boils the water for the umpteen cups of tea and coffee I need in Winter.

Steve

[Helen]

Sometimes little additions make a big difference.  Here's one of mine.  The short extension means the scope doesn't hit the tripod.  My handset is in a case with a loop on it, so the red hook gives me somewhere convenient to hang it 😁. Best bits though - the hook is the right shape to allow easy on/off but better still the strap rotates around the pillar so you can make it convenient wherever direction you're observing. 😎

(Is it sad I'm excited about a strap 🙄)

Other than that - ugh boots, duvet jacket, neck ruff, grippy gloves, handwarmer (I easily get cold!!)

Or for solar imaging my Think tank pixel sunshield - while initially seemed expensive it has survived frequent use, folding and unfolding/travelling for over 12 years

Helen

[Pixies]

For some reason, our kitchen kettle illuminates blue when on, so a good Thermos flask to keep the tea hot for several hours. Plus hip flask with appropriate contents.

A comfy and adjustable seat. There are specialist observing seats, but I play the drums and a drum stool is perfect.

Specs lanyard, if you observe with specs off, but need them on for the Telrad.

Camping table - for binoculars, EPs, charts, and all the other bits and bobs.

 

[CraigT82]

Insualted boots and a big down parka. When Standing still for long periods outside at night  you can get very cold, even when the temp isn't that low

[Second Time Around]

I wouldn't be without an observing chair.  AFAIC, a necessity rather than an option.

[Pryce]

1 hour ago, Pixies said:

Specs lanyard, if you observe with specs off..

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan, beats my "I'll put them there and hope I don't step on them" tactic 🤣  I'll be getting one of those for sure!

[iPeace]

Hm. Just noticed you're in Norway. Apologies for suggesting how to keep warm...

[iPeace]

I've pondered using a music stand to hold my tablet computer; may or may not be handy.

[Pryce]

7 hours ago, iPeace said:

Hm. Just noticed you're in Norway. Apologies for suggesting how to keep warm...

No worries! Only good intentions, so I completely understand!😁 

Besides, when I did bootcamp, the cityboys had to be taught how to dress properly for winter😂 So we have those non-viking types as well 😅

 

I consideree bringing music myself, but I fear the screen will disturb my vision too much!

[iPeace]

19 minutes ago, Pryce said:

but I fear the screen will disturb my vision too much!

Good point - my light pollution is so bad that it doesn't matter, so I tend to forget about dark adaptation...glad it's a factor for you.

[Robindonne]

What i notice i’m carrying around every day, is a small keychain red led.   It was part of a used set a while ago but it moves from jeans to jeans.  Even on the cloudy days/nights.   It has become a part of the daily stuff, and used in many situations!

[Nigella Bryant]

22 hours ago, teoria_del_big_bang said:

Sort of same here as its an electric kettle that boils the water for the umpteen cups of tea and coffee I need in Winter.

Steve

That reminds me, I need a kettle in my Observatory.

[Starwiz]

Shorts, T-shirt, chair, table and a cold beer at this time of year in Malta.

The mozzies are big and going to bite me anyway but I'm gradually becoming immune.  🤣

[steveex2003]

An old friend who similarly enjoys driving out on the moors at stupid-o-clock.

Properly charged vehicle air-con.

Stanley Master Flask.

Rab something or other jacket.

Alpaca socks.

[Tenor Viol]

Interesting post. I have been thinking about this whilst I wait fro my 'scope to arrive. I've had a few sessions with just the camera on the HEQ5 and I've used the Sky Guider once thus far. 

At the moment, I'm observing from the patio, so it's just a step out of the conservatory, which is also my dining room (the conservatory's quite large). There's a table outside which is useful. I have a head torch which is also useful, but I need to get one that is red only rather than settings of bright, even brighter, and red. I've got plenty of hill walking and skiing gear so don't need to worry about clothing options for colder weather. For this time of year and especially as we head into September, repellent with at least 50% DEET to keep the mozzies at bay (I live near water).

I do need to think more about portable options. When garden is finished (who knows) I will have external power etc and the ability to set-up laptop in conservatory etc. But when out and about I need to think how to do that, so portable table and storage, as well as chair (already bought the chair). 

Edited August 16, 2020 by Tenor Viol
death by predictive text...

[Dippy]

On 15/08/2020 at 11:51, Pryce said:

Hey yall!

So I've been thinking alot about what I need to get to have good "quality of life" while I'm out under the stary skies.
This isn't directed at the actual telescope equipment you need to find those pesky little bright spots(or aliens) but more of a question about chairs, storage equipment and that sort of thing.

What gear do you use that you couldn't(Aka. Don't want to) live without?

I like comfort more than anything else because it helps to concentrate and actually see more. I place my observing equipment on a table near the window, the telescope tube sticking out towards the south with me sitting comfy on a chair inside the room. Everything I need is easy to reach and I can take breaks as I wish during observation without leaving my equipment exposed to outside environment. I sometimes put my feet up on a small stool, pulling the giant tube of the Skywatcher 150 refractor coupled with a binoviewer towards my eye , resting my head on a headrest and observe the Moon or Jupiter. I feel probably I am the most relaxed observer of the night sky (until I see someone more comfortable). Sometimes I even don’t bother to open the window and observe through the double glaze, mostly during winter months. I also use different equipment for different moods. For quick look during breaks in clouds even a ready to use Skywatcher Infinity 76 blue penguins telescope  is a joy to use.

Edited August 16, 2020 by Dippy

[DaveS]

A nice warm, well lit control room with Remote Desktop connection to the two imaging rigs.

[Ken82]

Personally I don’t have a warm room but I do see why others would like this. 
 

In a way I like to be out in the elements especially when it’s really cold. It also prevents the misses coming out as she hates the cold. 
 

A large down jacket is essential though (Rab positron is my choice) 

Ken 

 

[Pryce]

1 hour ago, Ken82 said:

It also prevents the misses coming out as she hates the cold. 

Suddenly, all astronomers took to the hills never to be seen during night time again.