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nyc_nurse
sage
Reged: 07/29/09
Posts: 254
Loc: nyc
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Oldie but goody pen & paper, excel spreadsheet, some new fangled web based app or something else entirely?
I'm trying to devise a good observing log system. Paper based seems straight forward and reliable but not so user friendly when you want to do searches - I see a lot of people pull out an old observation they did way back, say Aug. 2nd, 1972 when an interesting thread pops up. Can believe they're able to do that with a notebook based system. So what do you use?
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Sam P.
www.agirlandaguy.blogspot.com
Pentax 7X50
TV-102 APO w/ (Starbeam - on backorder  )
Ash Gibraltar w/ SkyTour DSC
NZ3-6, N9T6, N13T6
TV 20 Plossl
Pan 24, 35
Pentax XW10, XW14
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stevecoe
"Astronomical Tourist"
Reged: 04/24/04
Posts: 2861
Loc: Arizona, USA
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Sam;
I have created a set of text files for each constellation and then I add the new observation to that file. I find that plain vanilla text files do just fine, I can chop out what I need and paste it into anything.
Within the text files are places for NGC/Messier and Non-NGC and double stars and red stars. That covers what I observe quite well. AND, it is all at my fingertips once I know what constellation is being discussed. Since I write the "What's Up" articles as a constellation study, it is perfect for me.
I also run an excel spreadsheet that records when and where and with what scope I went out observing. Easy to search and find all those fun times you have forgotten.
Enjoy;
Steve Coe
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TeleVue 102 refractor on CGEM mount
9.25 inch Celestron SCT
Author "Deep Sky Observing" Springer-Verlag
Author "Nebulae and How to Observe Them" Springer
Canon Xt astrocamera with Hutech modification
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brianb11213
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/25/09
Posts: 3304
Loc: 55.215N 6.554W
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Quote:
Paper based seems straight forward and reliable but not so user friendly when you want to do searches
It does work, for the author, because the act of writing fixes the information & the keys to finding it again in the brain. A looseleaf system also allows sections to grow without destroying the relationship of the sections to each other or the organization within a section.
I do use a computer based system now, but it's just text files, and the organization is essentially the same as the old paper records. The only reason I changed is that I find typing more efficient than handwriting.
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nyc_nurse
sage
Reged: 07/29/09
Posts: 254
Loc: nyc
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Hi Steve. I guess I already do what you do. Since I arrange my observing plan by constellation and write notes on the observing sheets that I bring, all I would need to do is re-enter the data in an excel or word file. Sounds pretty straightforward. I like it.
brainb - I agree that writing is a great tool for increasing both one's attention to what he's doing and to fix it in memory. I still have my old school pads that I used as a kid to make observation notes from my Tasco.
I think what I need is an observing table. I find it a hassle to sometimes write in the field without a nice big flat surface. I use a metal folding medical chart holder, which works ok but I think a table would work better.
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Sam P.
www.agirlandaguy.blogspot.com
Pentax 7X50
TV-102 APO w/ (Starbeam - on backorder )
Ash Gibraltar w/ SkyTour DSC
NZ3-6, N9T6, N13T6
TV 20 Plossl
Pan 24, 35
Pentax XW10, XW14
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 44004
Loc: montana
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I take notes & sketch the targets at the scope, using a "spiral bound" notebook. I tne transfer my notes, etc. to observing sheets that I keep in a 3-ring notebook.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
Garrett 20x80 TWP setup
DreamCatcher Dobservatory
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zizzapnia
super member
Reged: 05/15/06
Posts: 129
Loc: Virginia
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Digital voice recorder, then transcribed to MS Word, then added to text files listing all my observations of each object, which are linked to the object in my charting software. When I click on an object, I can bring up the text file of all my observations of that object. Weak link: transcribing is a real chore and I'm so far behind I can spend my entire retirement (if I have one) just catching up. But as someone once said, it's amazing how much you can accomplish if you don't play golf.
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Zizzapnia
http://astronomerica.awardspace.com
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walt r
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/13/07
Posts: 3524
Loc: Doylestown, PA
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I use a bound sketch book while observing. Then I transcribe my notes into an Excel spreadsheet so I can sort by object number (NGC, M, PK, etc), object type (PN, glob, Gx, etc), constellation, RA/Dec, magnitude, size or date.
I also have a Excel spreadsheet for my "look for" objects. These are ones mentioned here on CN or ones I read about on web site or in magazines. These are also sortable so I can easily pick some for a nights observing session.
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Walt
Obsession 18" f/4.45 #1370 AN/SC
MK67 Deluxe 6" f/12 Mak-Cass, Super Polaris GEM, JMI MicroMax DSC
DIY 60mm f/6 Achromat
Cookbook 245 CCD
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JayinUT
I'm not Sleepy
Reged: 09/19/08
Posts: 1302
Loc: Utah
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I'm with zizzapnia. I use a digital voice recorder but then transcribe them into an Excel Database, and keep a voice recording in iTunes which I back up to an external hard drive and to a backup hard drive. I also sketch at the EP, and scan that image into a database where I link the image to the original database. A good activity for a cloudy night like this.
Right now I'm working through the Herschel 400 using Stepehn O'Meara's H-400 Guide so I pre-enter my objects into my Herschel page by month since that is how the book is broken out. I record item by Date, Location of observation, NGC number, constellation, RA, Dec., Magnitude, Size, Seeing, Transparency, Telescope Used, EP('s) used, Filter(s) used (if any). Last comes my directions of how to find the item and/or the description of the object. Last comes the sketch.
On a different note I've figured out how to post my digital recordings on my blog and though I need to update those, I'm working on that right now.
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Jay in Utah
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Historian Donald Osterbrock called him (Edward Barnard) an "observe-aholic," because Barnard, happiest when he could spend all night observing, was moody and difficult when the sky was cloudy.
My Blog
Edited by JayinUT (10/29/09 09:25 PM)
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zizzapnia
super member
Reged: 05/15/06
Posts: 129
Loc: Virginia
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Yes, I'm realizing the personal value of keeping the recordings themselves. I used to just tape over them (remember tape recorders?), but now I save the digital files. I figure when I'm old, blind, and feeble, I'll enjoy recreating the night by listening. It really comes back, especially if you also note things like animal noises and similar night time occurrences. I can even here owl hoots and stuff like that in the background (sometimes other observers oohing and ahhing, too, but mostly discussing equipment).
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Zizzapnia
http://astronomerica.awardspace.com
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knuklhdastnmr
Fumble feet
Reged: 02/24/05
Posts: 4955
Loc: Beerpuddle, Colorado
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I use an observer's log. I post .pdfs of the notes here: Observing Reports by Knuck
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Knucklhead Astronomer
Obession 18 Classic named "Ed"
Observing Reports by Knuk
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RLTYS
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/18/04
Posts: 2333
Loc: New York (Long Island)
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Quote:
Yes, I'm realizing the personal value of keeping the recordings themselves. I used to just tape over them (remember tape recorders?), but now I save the digital files. I figure when I'm old, blind, and feeble, I'll enjoy recreating the night by listening. It really comes back, especially if you also note things like animal noises and similar night time occurrences. I can even here owl hoots and stuff like that in the background (sometimes other observers oohing and ahhing, too, but mostly discussing equipment).
Yes, I also use a digital voice recorder for my variable star observations and planetary observing. It makes observing a lot quicker and I can transcribe the recordings at my leasure. I transcribe my observations into both my notebooks and MS Word. Only when sketching and double star observing do my notes go directly into my notebook. I have notebooks back to 1968 and enjoy browsing thru them on cloudy nights.
Rich (RLTYS)
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10" F4.8 Refl.
4" F5 Refr. (Genesis)
3" F4 Celestron FirstScope
50mm F12 Refr. (Tasco #6TE-5)
12x63 and 10x50 Binoculars.
"I want to do more then just look."
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 44004
Loc: montana
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Quote:
I also use a digital voice recorder
I was going to get one last year, when a member mentioned these; then forgot about it 
Now, I am going to get one! It would be so much easier to use, than trying to take notes by hand.
Are there any features one should look for, when buying?
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
Garrett 20x80 TWP setup
DreamCatcher Dobservatory
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ebusinesstutor
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/01/09
Posts: 636
Loc: Nanaimo, BC, Canada
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Incidentally, many of you may already have voice recorders and didn't know it. 
Most newer cell phones have a voice memo feature so you can record voice memos and transfer them to your computer later. Have a look in your phone menu or handbook.
I use this feature all the time when I am out to take notes on things.
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Garland Coulson
Orion XT8i Dob
Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Click Zoom & Siebert Observatory 36mm
SkyWatcher Observing Chair
Webmaster, Nanaimo Astronomy Society
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 44004
Loc: montana
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Mine doesn't; that's why I'm getting a separate voice recorder, & wondered what features to look for.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
Garrett 20x80 TWP setup
DreamCatcher Dobservatory
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David Knisely
Postmaster
Reged: 04/19/04
Posts: 8797
Loc: Beatrice, Nebraska
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Quote:
Quote:
I also use a digital voice recorder
I was going to get one last year, when a member mentioned these; then forgot about it
Now, I am going to get one! It would be so much easier to use, than trying to take notes by hand.
Are there any features one should look for, when buying?
Oh, there are all sorts of units from simple to complex. I like the ability to record for at least four hours continuously, and for me, that would record multiple observing sessions. I have a little Olympus VN-2100 Digital Voice Recorder (under $40). It is quite small and does well (up to 35 hours of extended record mode recording time). It has one annoying issue: a little bright green LED in the middle of the thing that lights up in playback mode (it is red in record mode). It forces me to cover it up with my finger when listening to what I just recorded under dark skies to preserve dark adaptation. Other than that, it is simple, has lots of features, and serves my needs pretty well. Clear skies to you.
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David W. Knisely
Hyde Memorial Observatory
http://www.hydeobservatory.info
Prairie Astronomy Club
http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 44004
Loc: montana
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David, thanks for that information! This unit seems like it will be perfect for me.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
Garrett 20x80 TWP setup
DreamCatcher Dobservatory
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Cygnus_x1
Sketcher Extraordinaire
Reged: 11/17/04
Posts: 2606
Loc: Sunny English south coast
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Quote:
Oldie but goody pen & paper, excel spreadsheet, some new fangled web based app or something else entirely?
I'm trying to devise a good observing log system. Paper based seems straight forward and reliable but not so user friendly when you want to do searches - I see a lot of people pull out an old observation they did way back, say Aug. 2nd, 1972 when an interesting thread pops up. Can believe they're able to do that with a notebook based system. So what do you use?
Definitely 'old skool' for me. I love the feel of proper note/sketchbooks and I don't think anything can really beat them (apart, maybe, from a loose-leaf ring binder system, by constellation). I number mine and write the dates (e.g. January 2004 to March 2009, for example) on the front cover and spine (unless it is a spiral-bound one) and I can always dig out an observation when needed. However, I also scan the sketches into the computer and type out the observations in Word.
I have thought of going down the route of using a recorder, but I'd still need (want) to do sketches and that's where the voice recorder falls down. I also hate the sound of my own voice and would be cringing too much to be able to transcribe the spoken notes! 
When it comes down to it, whatever system suits you is best. Not the one that suits other people and not you.
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Visual Deep Sky Observing - NEW website
Observing blog
My astronomy event photos on Flickr
12 inch Dob
8 inch Celestron C8 Newtonian
4 inch Meade SCT
8x42 Leica binoculars
Various TeleVue eyepieces
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 44004
Loc: montana
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Even while using the recorder, I'll still sketch at the eyepiece. I then transfer my notes & sketches the next day to my Observing Notebook; which is simply a 3-ring binder with downloaded sheets for each subject.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
Garrett 20x80 TWP setup
DreamCatcher Dobservatory
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JayinUT
I'm not Sleepy
Reged: 09/19/08
Posts: 1302
Loc: Utah
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Carol,
Make sure the one you buy has a USB on it so you can connect it right up to the computer to transfer your recorded notes/observation to whatever your going to use to keep your recordings on. I have two, an Olympus WS-210S and an RCA VR5220-A, both that have similar light issues to David K's. I have some red tape that I just put over the Olympus light and now it shines dimly. I modified the RCA though by putting a piece of black electrical tape and that kills the light. I like the red tape the best so I can tell if the recorder is still running. Also, I put it in a coat pocket or a table when done because my pant pocket seems to turn the thing on and those recordings are sometimes the most interesting as I talk to myself while observing or star hopping! I've posted an audio observation the other day on my blog so you can see what that is like if you want.
Note to self: I need to post up a sketching observation where I record how I sketch so others can hear the process while I describe it, and then see the end product and offer suggestions.
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Jay in Utah
---------------------------
Historian Donald Osterbrock called him (Edward Barnard) an "observe-aholic," because Barnard, happiest when he could spend all night observing, was moody and difficult when the sky was cloudy.
My Blog
Edited by JayinUT (10/31/09 07:32 PM)
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 44004
Loc: montana
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Jay, thanks for that tip! I think I will really enjoy recording; as I don't take the time to write down everything, while observing.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
Garrett 20x80 TWP setup
DreamCatcher Dobservatory
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