Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Technical => Topic started by: Mac on Nov 22, 2008, 09:12:09

Title: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Mac on Nov 22, 2008, 09:12:09
Whilst looking at getting two more large capacity leisure batterys for friday,
I decided to go for a small 240 petrol generator instead, as the price difference was minimal.
and the combined weight and sizes are the same. ish.

http://www.thegreenreaper.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=1741 (http://www.thegreenreaper.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=1741). 2kw
it runs for 3 hours at full output, and its quiet!!  61db. although it is quoted at 7m, which is strange as its normally quoted at 1m,
Ill have to check the noise level when i get it and set up a wind/noise break if needed.
so you might even see this (http://www.waudbys.co.uk/images/shop/more/340_1180596691PAGE36WindbreakStonewall.jpg) there

So if anyone would like to use a mains hook up, (Providing its delivered by next friday) you are more then welcome.
even if its just to charge your batteries

Just bring an extension lead and RCD.  http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=4022.msg20507#new (http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=4022.msg20507#new)

Saves messing about with, 12-240 for laptops, power for the cameras ect,
I can just use the original transformers.

Plus the fact i can run a kettle and have a tea in less then 15mins.
and a heater, and hifi, TV, PS3, Microwave, cooker, Fridge, model railway..............................
and not forgetting Fay, a Hairdryer, sorry that should be a dew heater.

Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 22, 2008, 09:16:12
hey you could even run a flood light as well,
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Mac on Nov 22, 2008, 09:22:13
Quotehey you could even run a flood light as well,

home from home.

(http://www.figheldean.org/attach.pl/36/35/DSCF0043.jpg)


Might bring this one as well.

(http://www.gottu.net/Livinghistory/Pics/Search%20light%202.jpg)
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: MarkS on Nov 22, 2008, 09:25:28

You could use the big one for tracking the ISS !
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Mac on Nov 22, 2008, 09:49:24
i think it was the laser pointer for the keck. 8)
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: JohnP on Nov 22, 2008, 11:39:14
QuotePlus the fact i can run a kettle and have a tea in less then 15mins.
and a heater, and hifi, TV, PS3, Microwave, cooker, Fridge, model railway..............................
and not forgetting Fay, a Hairdryer, sorry that should be a dew heater.

Hopefully not all at once.... it's only 2kW!!!! :-)

I hope it's quiet else you could pee off a few astronomers....

Out of interest can you refill it when it's running..? It'd be a bummer to have to turn everything off after 3hrs to refill.... :-)


John
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Fay on Nov 22, 2008, 12:17:04
Mac, you are funny.
You are now, the equipment king.....should be entertaining. I will bring my hairdryer!!!

I love the laser pointer. Could start off WW3 8)
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Mac on Nov 25, 2008, 16:59:26
Well the genny arrived this afternoon,
I know it was small, but its tiny.
Its smaller then the box the HEQ6 Head comes in!
Primed (eventually) and tested.

Dosent sound too loud, not compared to the ones we use at work and those you cant hear yourself next to them.
even at full throttle its resonable, and thats standing next to it.

i'll bring it on thursday fire it up and see what people think.

It will be behind a wind break &  behind the car
So any sound will be directed away from the houses & us.

Just got to make up the leads for the sockets.

1600W continious, 2000W peak.
3 Hrs @ 1600W


Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Mac on Nov 26, 2008, 13:37:25
i've ordered two extension reels, one 25m and one 50m,
both have 4 sockets on them, and i'll fit the adapters to the other ends.
so remember your RCD & Extension leads, if you need mains.

Not too sure about filling it whilst its running,
the manual says not too, but who reads manuals anyway.

will look in to a funnel of some sorts, to make it easier.
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Ian on Nov 26, 2008, 13:49:14
or should we fail to get a funnel, we could perhaps organise a funeral?

Still, it should be ok if we make sure the fuel filler is leeward of the wind...
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: JohnP on Nov 26, 2008, 14:12:12
Mac - Just make sure your hands aren't shaking when you fill it... :-)
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Ian on Nov 26, 2008, 14:19:29
Tony's got steady hands. Although to be fair, it might just be that way when he's got his hand near a home made firework...
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Mac on Nov 26, 2008, 15:26:44
experements for deep sky camp.
Just a thought.
i know we've played with thermite, ect.
but how about flour or custard powder?

small bag of flower, large banger, naked flame?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iIkk0D2tUU8 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iIkk0D2tUU8)
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Ian on Nov 26, 2008, 15:49:00
it's a thought.

how about water on burning oil? wouldn't have to worry about shaving for a while. Possibly for ever...
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Mike on Nov 26, 2008, 16:24:53
Quote from: Mac on Nov 26, 2008, 15:26:44.....naked flame?.......

Like i said earlier.... With the weather forecast for this weekend, good luck with any kind of flames!
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 26, 2008, 21:00:37
don't care i want to see mac powering one of those nazi spotter 2000 lamps above on this thread.

and i have 3 air guns to play with
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Ian on Nov 26, 2008, 22:07:20
3 now is it? I hope your NRA membership is up to date.

We could go lamping for rabbits. Or with that lamp, probably cows too.
Title: Re: Mains at deep sky camp.
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 27, 2008, 08:17:40
I got the old one we need to fix, the pistol and the SMK CO2 one(http://www.ronniesunshines.com/xs78-rifle-p-713.html), its very accurate, I'll bring some targets.