New Top 10 Useful inexpensive things

[prbaxter]

The original thread is here: http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/61004-top-10-useful-inexpensive-things.html

A Summary of suggested useful inexpensive things

ORIGINAL 14

1. Warm Clothing
   
2. Red Light torch/ LED head torch
   
3. Spare Batteries / Hardware / Tool kit
   
4. Velcro / sticky backed Velcro
   
5. A good astronomy book / star maps / star lists
   
6. Eye Patch
   
7. Laser Pen/ Pointer (do not take to star parties!)
   
8. Storage Box / Containers
   
9. Table
   
10. Glow in the dark paint / nail varnish / stickers / tape
    
11. 12vDC Hair Dryer
    
12. Pocket Warmers (snap/microwavable)
    
13. Red Acetate (red film sheet)
    
14. Nylon Tipped bolts
    ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS
    
15. Hand held spectroscope
    
16. A comfy chair / stool / deckchair / sun-lounger (horizontal seating for binocular viewing)
    
17. Night Vision Goggles
    
18. Portable radio
    
19. Bahtinov Mask / Focusing Mask
    
20. Those 3 drawer plastic storage units that you see in PoundStretcher. Wilkinson.
    
21. Small Step Stool
    
22. Cheap torch and red felt tip pen.
    
23. Large plastic washing basket for carrying stuff
    
24. Old sheets bedcovers for covering scope
    
25. Light sheets can be used as a ground covering to outline dropped pieces
    
26. Snack foods, coffee, water
    
27. Reading glasses, compass, watch, pen and notepad
    
28. Glasses cord for hanging the specs round your neck
    
29. Heated insoles
    
30. Dew shield
    
31. Gaffer Tape
    
32. Multi-tool
    
33. Wire, string, rope
    
34. Lighter, Matches, Blowtorch
    
35. Bug spray
    
36. First aid kit
    
37. White cables
    
38. 3M reflective tape
    
39. Spirit level
    

[spacemanblue]

Nice, I got so cold tonight.

[MissMessier]

Interesting List. I think you forgot the weather check..

[Super Nova]

Hi all and prbaxter,

thanks for all of that.

Super Nova Yusuf

[neurostar]

thankfully i'm moving to the south so i won't need as much warm clothing!

[Scosmico]

Quite funny!

[damnut]

Missed off large fan for moving the clouds.

[Rob]

You have missed a few... very important ones

Beer or wine

MP3 Player

[wrinkly]

The skivvies/slaves needing to check and carry all that gear seem to have been omitted.

[Wildwood]

Hi. Whats the red felt tip pen for please?

[Staypuft]

Hear Hear!

[prbaxter]

Hi. Whats the red felt tip pen for please?

For colouring the torch glass if you don't have any red acetate or film. Bit messy though.

[s.howie]

what the hair dryer for lol?

[ScubaMike]

removing condensation on optics ??

[prbaxter]

Drying hair.

[wrinkly]

What's hair?

Discovered that the eyebrows are turning white.

Now feel older than the stars.

[felipelacerda.r]

here in brazil we can dismiss the cold clouth! hahaha

Its always sumer here in the coast side! ad the night is pretty refreshing!

[onesmallstep]

An alternative to red felt tip is brakelight repair tape available from car accessory shops / autoparts stores. This comes in a small roll and can be cut / torn to size.

Also, included in warm clothing should be a multi pack of ladies tights (yes, I am a bloke). Outdoor workers such as builders and painters / decorators swear by them in cold weather so see if you can get hold of a few pairs (please wait until your wife / girlfriend / significant other has finished wearing them and be prepared for some funny looks in shops).

[wrinkly]

Not inexpensive but if you really want to stay warm, cycling tights and you don't get funny looks in the shop.

[StevieDvd]

High on the list for me in the winter is a flask of hot tea

[CurrantBunbury]

Also, included in warm clothing should be a multi pack of ladies tights (yes, I am a bloke) ... be prepared for some funny looks in shops).

Not inexpensive but if you really want to stay warm, cycling tights and you don't get funny looks in the shop.

Running leggings likewise. You can get el cheapo ones in places like Decathlon and they're a great extra layer. I wear mine whenever I go camping somewhere high and silly.

Thanks for the ideas, everybody. The glow-in-the-dark paint is particularly brilliant (pardon pun).

[onesmallstep]

I'll ditch the tights then.

[Alma]

- saw (for annoying trees and branches),

- jet contrail disperser (no such thing, sadly),

- loving spouse/partner who buys you things with "TeleVue" labels on the box for your Birthday (neither are "inexpensive" though)

- more patience than I have, (free, but impossible),

- Pink Floyd on my ipod (child of the 60's!)

[Phenakist]

Can I ask what the spectroscope would be for in regards to observing? I'm sure i'm missing something but could you fill me in please

[Smeghead]

one thing i have found handy is rear cycle lights (£1 from poundland) to put at the foot of the tripod legs.

saves kicking the legs by accident after all the setting up time !

might need a bit of tape to cover them or turn them inwards as they can be a bit bright.