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DeepSpace67
sage
Reged: 05/13/06
Posts: 448
Loc: Kansas City, KS, USA
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Newbie to Astro Veiwing with Binoculars. Isn't there a Binocular holder that can be used when laying on your back observing? Thought I saw a picture somewhere, but it doesn't use a long arm with counter weight.
Thanks!
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Matthew
10" Antares Dobsonian, 8x50 RACI, Telrad, Green Laser
Apogee RA-88-SA, Custom Mount, Green Laser
Garrett Gemini Lightweight 11x56 Binoculars
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 14686
Loc: Hurricane Alley
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Are you referring to something like this?
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=704484
Clear dark skies...
MikeG
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Galactic Stone & Ironworks - Buy/Sell/Trade Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, & 35 different falls and types!
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DeepSpace67
sage
Reged: 05/13/06
Posts: 448
Loc: Kansas City, KS, USA
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The Sima SVP 3 video prop may work, or perhaps a inexpensive mop as a "T" stick, but not what I'd pictured.
Believe it's a small frame that holds the bino's over your head (while you lay on your back) and enables them to pivot while providing support. Think it's in the Backyard Astronomer's Guide by Dickinson? Will have to check.
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Matthew
10" Antares Dobsonian, 8x50 RACI, Telrad, Green Laser
Apogee RA-88-SA, Custom Mount, Green Laser
Garrett Gemini Lightweight 11x56 Binoculars
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devond
super member
Reged: 08/21/06
Posts: 122
Loc: Northern CA, USA
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On a related note I've been curious if anyone has tried mounting something like the Oberwerk SteadyMount:
Oberwerk SteadyMount
to a chair / chaise lounge. I know there are plenty of parallelogram mounts in the world and bino-chairs but
the SteadyMount seems to have an extra articulating arm that would make it easier to position without needing to move the chair / body. Unfortunately it maxes out at 5lbs, which is a tad light.
Anyone try one of these or something of the same ilk?
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Clear skies,
-DevonD
Bincos: 7x35,10x25,11x56,15x50,15x70,25x100
Scopes: AT66, ST80, 90mm Apex Mak, 100mm Skyview, 8" C8
EPs: Hyps(5,8,21),Pans(22,35),Nagl(3-6),Pentax 10 XW, Orion 3.7 ED-2,Vixen 15 LV, Misc Junk
Mounts: CG-5GT, Orion XHD+PGram, Bogen 501 HDV
Toys: Power-X-Switch S2, BV3 Binoviewer
Money: zilch
---sleep deprivation indicator---
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Heli Bass
super member
Reged: 09/25/06
Posts: 135
Loc: Tumwater, WA The Everwet State
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I ordered one of those mounts while I was in Afganistan, last year. I took a set of Stellaevue 15x63 Binos with me and a monopod for a mount. I didn't like the way the monopod worked at all, still too much vibration to suit me. I use a parallelogram mount at home and really like it, but it was too bulky to ship along with a tripod etc. So I ordered one of the steady mounts. The attached picture shows me using it. There was a lot of light pollution at the airfield in Kandahar though.
Usually I clamped it to a table or porch rail (even the helicopter I fly once  . The 15x63's weigh in at 3.8 lbs. when you get the arms extended, if it's not clamped to something real sturdy, vibration gets noticable. The tilt and rotation locks are not the smoothest things in the world. I was thinking about adding an alt/az device like this one from orion http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=141&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=6&iSubCat=24&iProductID=141
but didn't get to it before I rotated back.
Overall, I was much happier than with the monopod.
I have been thinking of clamping it to an old office chair I have to see what kind of a Binochair it might make. Might be a winter project 
Blessings
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Keith
There is a fine line between Vice and Addiction 
Not a newbie, but a recycled original memeber!!
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10146
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Something similar to this is what I'm planning to obtain to attach to a steel or wooden frame which I can then LIE underneath on a soft padded quilt to enjoy overhead views at night !
Thanks for the photo !
Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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DeepSpace67
sage
Reged: 05/13/06
Posts: 448
Loc: Kansas City, KS, USA
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The Backyard Astronomer's Guide did have a picture of a small frame that attaches to a patio reclining chair. Considering designing something for use over a blow-up pool raft.
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Matthew
10" Antares Dobsonian, 8x50 RACI, Telrad, Green Laser
Apogee RA-88-SA, Custom Mount, Green Laser
Garrett Gemini Lightweight 11x56 Binoculars
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Craig Simmons
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/10/03
Posts: 1502
Loc: Falls Church, VA
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For lying down I use this
http://tinyurl.com/aenx3
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Craig Simmons
Oberwerk 8x56, 20x90
Nikon Action IV 10x50
Barska 15x70
Galileo 20x60
Stellarvue 15x63, 20x85
Orion XT10 pre-Classic
Antares 10
Stellarvue AT1010
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Heli Bass
super member
Reged: 09/25/06
Posts: 135
Loc: Tumwater, WA The Everwet State
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Since imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, I must give credit to a previous article for a "Redneck Binochair". I saw his use of an office chair and requisitioned the idea. So here is my adaptation of the Steady mount to the chair.
Overall, it WORKS!! 
A couple of improvements are needed, 1st a headrest, 2cd I'm going to install a bolt in the arm that the mount can screw onto. This gets rid of the clamp, more secure and a little cleaner looking. 3rd upholster the seat.
Anyway, thanks  for getting me off my duff and trying this out, I've been wanting to do it for months. Andromeda was gorgeous last night!!
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Keith
There is a fine line between Vice and Addiction
Not a newbie, but a recycled original memeber!!
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 14686
Loc: Hurricane Alley
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Quote:
Not a newbie, but a recycled original memeber!!
Keith,
Welcome back, and I'm glad you made it back from Afghanistan in one piece!
I bet there is a lot of local light pollution around a military airbase. Sadly, there are likely some VERY DARK skies out in the "sticks" of Afghanistan, but I imagine it's not the safest place to go out and set up for stargazing!
Out of curiousity - what kind of binoculars is the military using now? Steiner? Fuji? ?
Clear dark skies...
MikeG
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Galactic Stone & Ironworks - Buy/Sell/Trade Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, & 35 different falls and types!
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starramus
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 1124
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Quote:
Since imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, I must give credit to a previous article for a "Redneck Binochair". I saw his use of an office chair and requisitioned the idea. So here is my adaptation of the Steady mount to the chair.
Actually this a modern rendition of a much earlier version. Leslie Peltier in his "Guide To The Stars /Exploring the Sky With Binoculars" describes building something on this order in an old wooden swivel chair. A chair such as this might be very expensive these days as it would qualify now as an antique. If you have this book check out the illustration and plans on pages 161 and 162.
I think Peltier's version would be safer. That clamp looks very precarious. I don't think I'd risk even my $68.00 Skymasters on it.
Regards and clear skies,
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starramus
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 1124
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Quote:
Quote:
Not a newbie, but a recycled original memeber!!
I bet there is a lot of local light pollution around a military airbase. Sadly, there are likely some VERY DARK skies out in the "sticks" of Afghanistan, but I imagine it's not the safest place to go out and set up for stargazing!
I wonder what kind of observing buddy Osama Bin Laden would make. 
Regards and clear skies,
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devond
super member
Reged: 08/21/06
Posts: 122
Loc: Northern CA, USA
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Very cool Keith - thanks for the photos and congrats on your safe return.
I'm curious as to how easily the arm can be repositioned. Can you leave it loose enough to reposition without needing to untighten then retighten the joints or does it start to sink once loosened enough to move?
Regards,
-Devon
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Clear skies,
-DevonD
Bincos: 7x35,10x25,11x56,15x50,15x70,25x100
Scopes: AT66, ST80, 90mm Apex Mak, 100mm Skyview, 8" C8
EPs: Hyps(5,8,21),Pans(22,35),Nagl(3-6),Pentax 10 XW, Orion 3.7 ED-2,Vixen 15 LV, Misc Junk
Mounts: CG-5GT, Orion XHD+PGram, Bogen 501 HDV
Toys: Power-X-Switch S2, BV3 Binoviewer
Money: zilch
---sleep deprivation indicator---
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Heli Bass
super member
Reged: 09/25/06
Posts: 135
Loc: Tumwater, WA The Everwet State
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Devon;
The arms start to sink as soon as they are loosened. With no counter weight it would be pretty tough not too. It takes a little bit to get comfortable with all the adjustments, but once you have done it a couple times it's pretty easy.
The think I like about it is, it is pretty portable, clamp it to a picnic table, or a truck rack, or a......just about anything. My wife can use it for photography during the day also. The pan and tilt mechanism is pretty smooth.
Craig, as always you inspire the rest of us with your ingenuity, keep it up!
Thanks everybody for the good wishes.
Blessings
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Keith
There is a fine line between Vice and Addiction
Not a newbie, but a recycled original memeber!!
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Mike Moffatt
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/13/05
Posts: 856
Loc: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
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Keith,
I too took some binos to Kandahar with me, was there April/May '05. Got pretty mad when they added the perimeter lights to the Air Force tent city area.
When were you there?
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Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth.
- Ptolemy,c.150 AD
Mike Moffatt
6" f8 Coopered Newt/Dob
15x70 Celstron Skymasters
www.tulsawalk.com/telescope
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Mike Moffatt
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/13/05
Posts: 856
Loc: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
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Quote:
I must give credit to a previous article for a "Redneck Binochair".
COOL! I thought mine was simple. Glad I could inspire someone.
How steady is it? I was my heartbeat in mine until I filled the sides of the adapter with epoxy.
Latest modifications can be seen here.
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Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth.
- Ptolemy,c.150 AD
Mike Moffatt
6" f8 Coopered Newt/Dob
15x70 Celstron Skymasters
www.tulsawalk.com/telescope
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Mike Moffatt
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/13/05
Posts: 856
Loc: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
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Quote:
Actually this a modern rendition of a much earlier version. Leslie Peltier in his "Guide To The Stars /Exploring the Sky With Binoculars" describes building something on this order in an old wooden swivel chair. A chair such as this might be very expensive these days as it would qualify now as an antique. If you have this book check out the illustration and plans on pages 161 and 162.
For clarity sake and not to start any sort of aggravation here I want to be clear that I have never seen the book nor chair mentioned above, and not that it matters other than the possible implication of plagerism in the above post, the idea was my own.
With that said, plagerise me all you want. It is about making the observing better and having something to do in the daylight. The project is as much fun for me as the astronomy.
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Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth.
- Ptolemy,c.150 AD
Mike Moffatt
6" f8 Coopered Newt/Dob
15x70 Celstron Skymasters
www.tulsawalk.com/telescope
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Heli Bass
super member
Reged: 09/25/06
Posts: 135
Loc: Tumwater, WA The Everwet State
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Mike;
That's funny, here we meet on CN and we were in Afghanistan at the same time.  I was at Kandahar Mar 05 to Mar 06. And to top it off you are the builder of the 'Redneck Binochair' For as small of a compound as it was, there was a huge amount of people there. I met a second cousin I had never met before there also.
I'm going to add a headrest to mine and bolt the base to the arm (gets rid of the clamp) The base on the chair is worn so it's wobbly, but it's much more comfortable than a straight tripod and steadier than hand holding for the moment. Worked well enough to continue to fiddle with it
I know what you mean about the lights, the overal glare at the compound was huge. Then they put the construction lights on the runway, yuck!! I took them to a couple of overnight trips to Qalat with me, fairly dark skies, but then got eaten alive by the mosquitos  couldn't win. oh well.
Where you stationed now?
Blessings
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Keith
There is a fine line between Vice and Addiction
Not a newbie, but a recycled original memeber!!
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CESDewar
GorillAstronomer
Reged: 01/16/05
Posts: 1811
Loc: Morganton, GA, USA
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Quote:
On a related note I've been curious if anyone has tried mounting something like the Oberwerk SteadyMount:
Oberwerk SteadyMount to a chair / chaise lounge.
I originally got a SteadyMount thinking it would be useful, but found it too limiting motion-wise. Yes, it will work, but if you ever use a p-mount with 6 degrees of freedom, you'll never be happy with something this limited. A good p-mount almost disappears as you can point the binoculars freely in all directions and just let go. With the Steady-Mount, I kept on finding it just wouldn't move in the axis that I wanted it to - enough to quickly give up on it for general use. But then again, p-mounts are quite pricey....
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Mike Moffatt
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/13/05
Posts: 856
Loc: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
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Quote:
The base on the chair is worn so it's wobbly
Hmm.. wonder about the possibility of a bushing to tighten things up some. Mine has a little wobble as well but only when it is not "loaded". Once sitting down all it takes is a little bit of pressure which is natual with my feet on the ground or on the legs of the chair and every thing is very stable.
Quote:
I'm going to add a headrest to mine and bolt the base to the arm
Adding a headrest will make your time the in chair more enjoyable. My first night out I got a terrible stiff neck after a couple of hours.
Quote:
Worked well enough to continue to fiddle with it
Fiddling with things is half the fun of this hobby for me.
Quote:
Where you stationed now?
I'm a guard baby. Full time in the Oklahoma Air National Guard now for 18 years in Tulsa, OK. August was 20 years military. Don't know if you are familiar with the Guard technician program but there are traditional (weekend warriors) guardsmen and there are full timers (technicians) who are federal emplyees on a full time basis. Still wear the uniform, basically the same rules, just a different pay status than active duty. Benifits are a little different as well.
I'm in the 219th Engineering and Installation Squadron, we install communications infrastructure such as fiber and copper cable, towers, air traffic control radar, radio, networks and etc. Don't stay at one place too long, just in and out for a project and then move on. You might have noticed the new giant voice siren stations installed while you were there. 4 tan poles with black speaker stacks on top of them. Two along the far edge of the runway and two more sort of in the heart of the base. We installed those as well as the new red and white 100' tower with radio shelter in the field adjacent to the large army transient quarters. (see photo)
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Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth.
- Ptolemy,c.150 AD
Mike Moffatt
6" f8 Coopered Newt/Dob
15x70 Celstron Skymasters
www.tulsawalk.com/telescope
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