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[Paulie pchris00]

I think we all know the usual method of projection solar observing, but just in case, here's a look at how it's done.

pchris00pnc.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-friday-morning-i-was-greeted-to.html

Lately I've been thinking about another method for projection viewing of the Venus transit, and possibly other public observations, especially the Moon and planets.

While finishing my Christmas shopping, I came across this A/V projector for less than $60. I bought it.

www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/persistentgiftshop/forhim/PRD~514325/Discovery+Expedition+Wonderwall+Entertainment+Projector.jsp

Having done some prior research on projectors, it seemed too good to be true. Maybe it is, as I haven't even taken it out of the box yet. I know that I won't be able to run it through my laptop, but it has standard audio/visual hook-ups. That's where this comes in:

www.telescope.com/Accessories/Sale-Accessories/Sale-Astrophotography-Accessories/Orion-StarShoot-Video-Eyepiece/pc/3/c/361/sc/374/p/52174.uts#tabs

I haven't ordered the video eyepiece, but if the projector works okay, I think I'll probably spring for it.

I would still need a screen, and though they're more expensive than I thought they'd be, some are still within reason, like this:

www.bestbuy.com/site/Elite+Screens+-+Tripod+T119NWS1+Portable+Projection+Screen/4220764.p?id=1218465418198&skuId=4220764

Of course, for nighttime observations of Moon and planets, I can do this outside as long as I have a power source (also on my list, and talked about in this thread started by Rich).

astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Equipment&action=display&thread=3551

For daytime viewing, that's where my recent post about a sheltering canopy comes in.

astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=2012venustransit&thread=3610&page=1

Now, the Venus transit is going to be awesome, and I want to make the most of this once in a lifetime observation, but is it really worth dumping all this money into, money that I don't really have? Yes. Because once I have the gear, it gives me new ways to show people the sky. And let's face it; as cool as it is to let your eyeball soak up some long-traveled photons, today's generation is impressed by gadgets and technology. I don't know what the demand is like, but I fully intend to market myself as an astronomer for hire at private star parties. I want some cool stuff at my disposal that will both impress, and allow large groups to observe simultaneously. I will still have eyepiece observing, but having more capabilities will let me charge higher rates. The Venus transit just gives me an excuse to gear up and experiment.

I just hope I have a really nice tax return coming this year.

[tomlee]

Jan 2, 2012 10:36:55 GMT -6 Paulie pchris00 said:

I don't know what the demand is like, but I fully intend to market myself as an astronomer for hire at private star parties. I want some cool stuff at my disposal that will both impress, and allow large groups to observe simultaneously. I will still have eyepiece observing, but having more capabilities will let me charge higher rates.

That's the right attitude Paulie, to present with meticulousness. Be the director and get a lot of powerful lasers.

I don't know your total cost for the outfit but at today's price a flat screen TV as monitor which is fairly large is not that expensive. Newer ones are relatively light and transportability is very manageable. In term of tech gear, it may be more hi-tech looking. Better contrast in daylight and all . . . no shades (unless it for cooling) . . . I can image the crowds reaction when they see you put on the first image with the audio effect of your choice.

[Paulie pchris00]

Very true, Tom. This is why I throw ideas out there. I might wind up with a better idea.

But... I still have a budget to work with. It will come down to what I can do with the fewest dollars. If I hit the big time, I can always upgrade later, while retaining previous capability. The whole idea is to finance my addiction...

[-=CROMAN=-]

Paulie.. I think im going to order this today. I have been pushing around the idea of connecting to my projector. I attach my dalite screen across my garage in the summer to watch movies with the kids. This would be kinda nifty. It's really too bad there arent any outlets around the adler that we could plug into.

[Paulie pchris00]

Hopefully by May I will have all the pieces in place, including a battery. I'd love to do a lunar observation via projector, and be able to show dozens of people at a time. I could give detailed explanations of what's appearing on screen. Nothing beats direct eyepiece viewing, but with subtle features, I'm never sure if the audience quite sees what I try to pint out. This way, they get expert(?) knowledge before looking through the eyepiece, and can be more confident in their own observing. I can't wait to try this sometime at Adler.