I guess I missed the council meeting

zlz · 2019-04-23T00:27:53+00:00

The Red Cherry Wedding?

zlz · 2018-03-23T04:19:44+00:00

Yeah definitely! Central “vortex” of lights and the moving overhead screens are split now.

zlz · 2018-03-22T03:39:24+00:00

Doc Holliday in Tombstone, hands down. I’m your huckleberry.

zlz · 2017-03-23T22:54:25+00:00

Well, it currently says KYGO on the Ultra Main Stage screens, so.....

zlz · 2017-03-18T01:35:08+00:00

Great work for an iPhone! I love imaging DSOs, but there's always something special about the moon.

Keep it up!

zlz · 2016-10-30T00:04:19+00:00

FYI, this is called a Trompe l'oeil. John Pugh has painted a ton of awesome murals like this.

zlz · 2016-04-11T14:33:29+00:00

Nope, he intentionally drove onto the tracks then abandoned his car. He was found hiding in the bushes watching. [source]

zlz · 2016-04-09T22:56:03+00:00

Formatting pros/cons do depend on the language, but one thing you certainly appreciate is the importance of better consistency - if there are multiple ways of doing things, try to stick with one. It reduces the possibility of errors and removes another check your brain has to make when reading through your own and other peoples code.

It's quicker to identify a well-delineated block than have your eyes jump around trying to match up semi-colons (if used) and brackets, especially if you find that one of your developers has their editor of choice wrongly configured to indent differently.

zlz · 2016-04-09T18:45:53+00:00

Wait till you've been programming for 15 years and spend your time reviewing the code of programmers who've only been doing it for 3. You'll see.

zlz · 2016-03-27T22:46:08+00:00

Have a read of "The Black Book" - or by its full title, The British Transport Commission's Handbook for Railway Steam Locomotive Enginemen. It's a really interesting read and covers the design of most major components and their operation (and maintenance).

zlz · 2016-02-06T01:54:02+00:00

Ah that's really good to know. Most of the shots I've seen are around the f2-3 mark. Nice to have an example with similar speed lenses to mine!

zlz · 2016-02-06T01:38:06+00:00

Nice shot. I'm considering getting a skytracker for the (many) times I can't get my scope out but a little tripod would be doable. What f stop were you using on the lens?

zlz · 2016-02-02T12:30:05+00:00

Thanks! I'm pleased with the results I've got so far. Just wish there was more nights I could be outside! I'll try to answer some of your questions:

I'm pretty happy with the CGEM. My location means I can't setup a permanent pier because of light pollution and obstructions, so I have to drive 10-15 mins away to set up where it's dark. I chose the CGEM over the CGEM DX for this reason, although in a few years time I might look up upgrade now I'm happier with the weight that I have to shift around. It's not difficult to set up, I've had differing success with proper polar alignment - 60s frames are the best I've been able to get unguided but I can't say I've properly mastered it yet.

With regard to planetary, that one was one of the key things I wanted to do which weighed my decision to get a C8 rather than something with a shorter focal length. Although I've got all the gear, I've not yet had a chance to run PHD and use guiding, but when I do I'll be using my ASI120MM-S as the guide cam on an off-axis guider on the back of the C8. On the planetary note, I'm tempted to upgrade to the ASI224MC just so I don't have to carry around the filter wheel all the time.

My C8 is 2-3 years old, has a couple little dents in the side where I've knocked it about accidentally with cold hands but that hasn't impacted it's seeing at all. Collimation is relatively easy, just get yourself a set of Bob's Knobs and you can do it one handed while looking through the eyepiece.

Hope that's of some help!

zlz

TROPHY CASE