8 replies to this topic

[Michael Rapp]

Hi all,

 

I have reached analysis-paralysis on getting a better clipboard for sketching at telescope.  I've been using the standard 8.5"x11" clipboard and it works well, but I wish I had a bit more room to clip a gooseneck redlight or even pencils attached with magnets/velcro.

 

What size board works for you?  Furthermore, portrait or landscape orientation?  I've experimented with both, but landscape always feels unbalanced and wobbly.

[gstrumol]

When I did Ha sketches I used a 6x9" clipboard, with a 3x5" index card on it. Worked for me!

[ButterFly]

Get an actual board of something to your liking and size, then cannibalize the clipping portion from your present clipboard.  Shape can also help, with a thigh hole or the like.

 

Another option is to use an adjustable table, then put your clipboard on that.  Google "table with adjustable height and angle" to see some of the options out there.  Pay attention to the feet to see whether they will suit your style and chair, and whether there is a lip or sill at the bottom of the table that would get in your way.

[bphaneuf]

Here's my setup- an outsized board to which I've attached spring clips that hold a variety of diameters for pencils, eraser and various sized blending stumps.  It's worked quite well.  Got the big board and rubber band idea from Cindy Krach (Warmvet), and the gooselight idea from Alex (Maroubra Boy).  Can't remember who recommended the clips, but they're very handy.

 

         

 

-b

[frank5817]

I have several clipboards, The one I use most often is 14" by !2". I can clip an assortment of lights on to the boards or on my vest. I wear a light weight vest to hold everything else pencils, blending stumps, erasers etc.

[starquake]

I use this little clipboard just slightly larger than the A4 size sheets I use. I like it because of its size and the four clips holding the corners of the paper nicely in place. Also, I prefer to hold only the necessary weight in my hands during sketching, so I don't want anything attached to the clipboard all the time. I use two types of red light, one has a wider cone of light, and about 4-5 types of pencil (2B, 5B, 6b, 8B, sometimes HB). I have the lights in my pockets and use the one I need (they are both extremely faint, so I vary the angle and distance from the observing sheet as needed), and pick the pencil I need from a nearby table.

 

Edited by starquake, 27 June 2024 - 03:35 AM.

[Special Ed]

I just use a standard size clipboard--but I don't hold it while I'm sitting at the eyepiece.  I have a music stand that I place it on (got the idea from Carol Lacomiak).  The stand is adjustable in height and angle.  It has a narrow shelf along the bottom edge so you can place the clipboard upright (portrait) or on its side (landscape)--no awkwardness.  The shelf also holds pencils and my eraser.  I bought mine at a local music store--they are inexpensive.

[bphaneuf]

I just use a standard size clipboard--but I don't hold it while I'm sitting at the eyepiece.  I have a music stand that I place it on (got the idea from Carol Lacomiak).  The stand is adjustable in height and angle.  It has a narrow shelf along the bottom edge so you can place the clipboard upright (portrait) or on its side (landscape)--no awkwardness.  The shelf also holds pencils and my eraser.  I bought mine at a local music store--they are inexpensive.

I would LOVE to have the music stand option!  Unfortunately I'm up a ladder over a concrete floor
 

[AstroBoyInTheCity]

+1 for using a stand. When at home or traveling heavy, I use an Amazon Basics laptop stand. It’s a bit more heavy duty than most music stands and allows me to rest my arm on it while sketching.