Observations 26 Sept 2008
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Cosatrak 1 (Computerised satellite Tracking System).
Camera mount now carries two systems that can be operated
together as two totally different sytems and computers used.
Generally the DSI Pro II camera will be used for high altitude
slow moving objects. Tests seem to indicate that its sesnitivity
is comparable to the MINTRON ( possibly better) but as its not
possible (?) to time stamp to better than 1 second accuracy the
time resolution is not good enough for LEO objects.
(1) MINTRON low light level CCD surveillance camera (0.005
lux typical in non integration mode) and 0.00005 lux in STARLIGHT
mode with 128 frame integration.
Used with 135mm focal length f/2.8 lens,integrating for 128 frames
which is equivalent to a max exposure of 2.56 seconds maximum
per image. Field of view 2.7 x 2.1 degrees.
Individual frames are video time stamped with GPS derived signal.
(2)Meade DSI Pro II Monochrome CCD camera without filters.
using integration times of 20 sec min to 60 seconds maximum
depending on brightness of sky in particular area.No image
processing done but dark field applied.
Used with 200mm focal length f/2.8 Nikkon telephoto lens,
field of view 1.88 x 1.40 degrees. Can get to magnitude 13
or so in less than 20 seconds exposure.
Exposure time to nearest second inserted into image FITS header
from PC clock which is automatically checked every minute against
GPS signal.
Site 0433 : Longitude 18.51294 deg East, Latitude 33.94058 deg S,
Elevation 10 metres-situated in Pinelands (Cape Town),South Africa
For CLASSFD.TLE:
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20355 89 090B 0433 P 20080926172538000 56 15 0012576-070815 39 +100 05
20355 89 090B 0433 P 20080926173435000 56 15 0022258-065104 39 +100 05
20929 90 095A 0433 P 20080926174133000 56 15 2332099-051010 39 +115 05
20929 90 095A 0433 P 20080926174548000 56 15 2336214-050320 39 +115 05
20963 90 097B 0433 P 20080926175721000 56 15 2350283-053109 39 +110 05
20963 90 097B 0433 P 20080926175911000 56 15 2352160-052717 39 +110 05
Notes:
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(1) Usual story - cloud about then clouded out totally with rain
(2) Recovered MAGNUM 3 - #20963 - last observed about a year ago.
(3) FREE!!!! -
one lump of rock approximately 10 miles long, 3 miles wide and
extending up to 3500 feet, known locally as TABLE MOUNTAIN
and in Cape Town.
Complete with wild animals, natural flora and an expensive cablecar
system. New owner to remove and place in his backyard at own expense.
Ideal for cloud watchers. At no extra "charge" we will also provide you
with
muggers that attack people walking on the slopes. What more excitement
can you ask for! Also available some wild baboons who will raid your house
periodically!
Cheers
Greg
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