Listening to the Voices in My Head

Telescope: check

DSI: Check

Adapted Webcam: Check

Laptop/table: Check

Who the hell ordered all those clouds and gusty winds???!!!

I tried, really I did, but the telescope was vibrating just too much for imaging. I managed to use the webcam for about 3 mins of Venus imaging, but then the clouds and winds really kicked in.  Gave up trying to get pictures/avis.

Got some good viewing of Mars, even with the 9mm eyepiece. Getting better at finding and focusing. Just a bit disappointed that it wasn't a good night for DSI. *sigh*

Been reading the DSI manual (something I suggest one does when rested or at least awake so it makes sense), and using it is a lot different than using the McGuyvered webcam. Hopefully, I will be able to start the first series of things to do tomorrow, weather permitting.  Also, got a 'puffer brush' to keep eyepieces and filters dust free.

Pillage was good. Biggest irk is why do we run out of the big ticket items all at once? And why the hell are cleaning supplies so friggin' expensive??  $30 for a mop?

aikidomayland came back early from business trip, and that is a pleasent event.  :) Much mushy hugs were to be had.

Been passing "Snake Hips" around, and it's been enjoyed by all who have read it.

Set up the new DSI, and was familiarising myself with it and the software that came with it.  I like the IRIS software better than the slightly cludgy Autostar Suite. This, of course, could just be lack of familiarity with new program. However, IRIS can't/won't detect the DSI. I had found a FAQ site as to how to make IRIS detect and use other cameras than the standard ones, but be damned if I can find it again.

So, there I am, working with Venus. Hmmm,overly bright, and since not familiar with software controls, the darned planet moves out of field of view before I can make adjustments to exposure. *sigh*

So, I try some stellar observation. Locked onto( Beta Centauri , and played around a bit. Meh. )

Tried Mars as it cleared the screen of trees. Again, planet moves out of field of view before I can make adjustments. The extremely bright full moon didn't help much either. Neither did the taxi bringing aikidomayland  home. *again with the sigh*

I swear I did better with the McGuyvered webcam. Oh well, chances are with practice and experience with the DSI, imaging will improve, as did with the webcam.

Meade DSI Pro is on its' way! (thank you shadoutcarver !). I will do some more practicing with the webcam. I will probably still use the webcam, as I see no reason to totally retire it.

Dance class tonight. :) Will be  working  on  smooth transitions and making sure one dance move is completed before starting another one. Eagerness tends to make for rushing.

Oh yes, I forgot. Here is our adopted bird. No name yet.



Male silver (variation of normal grey), pearled. About 4 to 6 months old. He will lose the rest of the pearled feathers as soon as he is finished with his first molt. Only the females retain the pearled feathers.