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Re: Laptops in the field (was Re: (IAAC) Re: Uranometria)

Jeff,

You "got it goin' on!"  I'm keeping your note for future reference.  Thanks
for the reply.

Don

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeffrey D. Gortatowsky <jgortatows@aol.com>
To: netastrocatalog-announce@atmob.org <netastrocatalog-announce@atmob.org>
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2001 7:15 PM
Subject: Laptops in the field (was Re: (IAAC) Re: Uranometria)


>> I must admit, however, that I've never attempted to use a
>> PC in the field.  It seems to me that the amount of light emitted by the
>> screen - even in red-mode - would preclude full dark adaptation.  After
>all,
><snip>
>> I'd certainly be interested in hearing about anyone's experiences using
>> PC's/laptops in the field.
>>
>> Clear skies,
>> Don
>
>Hi Don!
>
>I place several layers of rubylith over the screen. I don't think my dark
>adaptation is hurt anymore than by a red flashlight of sufficient
brilliance
>to illuminate your chart. But you may be right. I have not done an
>'experiment'.
>
>My laptop will run on it's own battery for at least 2 hours (4 if I take
out
>the CD and buy a 2nd internal battery). I also use a heavy 34amp/hr
>"jumpstart" like device with a small built-in inverter ($79). It'll go all
>night and recharge from the truck or an AC outlet. Or I can run it
literally
>for nights at a time on a heavy deep cycle and the inverter. I have such a
>beast as well for multi-night star parties. I use a soft sided cooler that
>acts as a case for it as well as all the cables and inverter. So I never
>forget any items needed. The computer (and SkyMap Pro) can flip, mirror,
>scale, rotate, filter, add stars, remove stars, add objects, remove them,
>identify objects, and find fields of view dare I say faster than one can
>find the right chart in U2000 or MSA 2000. Plus it can give me instant
>positions of asteroids, trans-Neptunian objects like Pluto, comets, and
>more. No waiting for another night to compare fields of view.
>
>Oh and one other item I should mention, I normally observe out at my club's
>site where power is available. :)
>
>Obviously I am true believer. :) I love the printed atlas, and as I said,
>_always_ take U2000 with me "just in case". Funny, I have, and don't use,
>GOTO on both my EQ mounts. I like the computer as my atlas, but not as my
>telescope. Weird.
>
>Clear, dark, and quiet skies,
>Jeff
>
>
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