Congrats Martin!!

Michael - seven (yes, 7 :shock: ) years is the latest waiting period I've heard of... THe AP1200 mount waiting period has gone down though for a couple of years to about 18 months. But it may go up again when AP move into full production of the Mach 1 mount. It seems their new production faciltiy is geared mroe towards mounts than OTA's...

I guess that's quality gear for you though, like an Aston Martin DB9...

I'm on the Starfire list for over three years now Four more to go....

Anthony - you are gonna be unstoppable. But at Mag 21, 42531 Mckenna is going to be a severe challenge even for your very own impeccable credentials. But I wish you the very best of luck

Dave

David Asher has informed me that during the opposition at 2009 the asteroid will be mag 17 but will only be at an altitude of 10 - 20* as seen from Armagh.

Michael - seven (yes, 7 :shock: ) years is the latest waiting period I've heard of... THe AP1200 mount waiting period has gone down though for a couple of years to about 18 months. But it may go up again when AP move into full production of the Mach 1 mount. It seems their new production faciltiy is geared mroe towards mounts than OTA's...

Dave,

It is seven years for those who signed up in 1999 (ex. the two of us). For someone signing up right now, I would not be surprised if it is higher than that! Ouch!

I guess that's quality gear for you though, like an Aston Martin DB9...

I can vouch for my AP160 ... I knew from the first night out that this scope is something else!

I'm on the Starfire list for over three years now Four more to go....

Oops ... I thought you were from the class of '99 ...

Anthony - you are gonna be unstoppable.

I have some killer projects all lined up involving Abell's planetary nebulae, Arp's catalog of peculiar galaxies, Herbig-Haro objects, Worlf-Rayet bubble nebulas and lots more goodies.

But at Mag 21, 42531 Mckenna is going to be a severe challenge even for your very own impeccable credentials. But I wish you the very best of luck

I have access to mag 7+ skies within a couple of hours from Athens, Speak about a nice target to test the combo (AP160+AP1200GTO) under truly dark skies.

Just be slightly patient Martin .....

Anthony.

I can wait Anthony....looking forward to the results

Anthony - unfortunately, I was a latecomer on the StarFire list But the 1200 was well worth the wait. Glad I'm not going on the StarFire list at this moment, it could well be over 7 years as you say... How much do you think the premium is on your very own StarFire? I'd not be surprised if you commanded 25 or 30% on the new price..... Not that you'd sell of course


You WILL have a killer combo. 21 is a stretch even for AP - but if anyone can do it, it'd be you And those targets you have lined up, all I can say is brinng 'em on! They'd be very tasty indeed.

Dave

How much do you think the premium is on your very own StarFire? I'd not be surprised if you commanded 25 or 30% on the new price..... Not that you'd sell of course

Dave,

There was an eBay auction which got as high as $13000 (or $13500, I do not remember) and it did NOT meet the reserve the seller had placed. I also remember seeing a unit for sale on Astromart for $13000 as well. Given the price of the OTA alone is $7950, the premium is over 50%. The biggest problem for those waiting is the annual price increases and, with the price of oil up to $70, I am sure there will be a hefty increase for the next run (I remember Roland Christen telling me that he is doing his best with the spiralling oil prices but it seems to be a game he can't win).

And those targets you have lined up, all I can say is brinng 'em on! They'd be very tasty indeed.

I forgot to mention my fifth major catalogue to be tacked in its entirety ... Barnard's Dark Nebulae.

I also have various mini-projects including light curves for the four exoplanets within reach of amateur equipment, stars with high proper motion, carbon stars, colourful doubles etc etc.

I am seriously rubbing my hands in anticipation of lots and lots of most interesting work and results to come our way as early as next month. YES!

Anthony.