I am new to Star Parties. I am traveling with a bumper hitch RV and three astrophotography rigs (and a Dob). Do I just park in one of the two observing fields and set up right next to my RV? Trying to figure out the logistics of cables and extension cords (and if my telescopes will be next to my RV). Also, is there some protocol on where to park or not park? Do certain groups have an unwritten claim to specific areas? Anything else I should be aware of?
Take a look at the picture on the bottom of our website to see the layout of the field. There is no real claim on areas though groups or clubs kind of get together in areas. Just avoid parking in the roadways they are marked with white lines. If you have a really big rig try and not block your neighbors view. Yes you setup your telescope near your RV.
Good advice. Also, there is power run throughout the observing fields so no matter where you set up there should be a power cord running close by. I bring a 50ft extension cord and it’s always been more than enough to get power to my AP rig. The field power is for astronomy related purposes only (with the exception of medical equipment such as CPAP machines) and has always been reliable in my experience.
So, based on what has been said, 1) I will pick a spot to set up my RV and then 2) set up my equipment “at my campsite” (near my RV). I am looking for the norm. I don’t want to come across as a hermit. If people park in one spot and setup in another… I am willing to be a lemming. I guess I have to watch the height of my RV too so I don’t block my view. Having power available for our telescope rigs. That is awesome.
You can setup your equipment somewhere else if you don’t want it next to your RV. Just make sure to keep it out of the roadway and try not to take up an area that someone could setup there RV or tent.
Welcome Mike! Glad to hear you’re going to be at Okie-Tex this year!
Don’t worry too much. While we do have some basic rules, which you’ll get when you check in, I hear we’re more laid back than some other star parties you may have been to. Just make sure you don’t set up on an access way and you should be fine.
Here’s a pic showing you what part of the field looked like in 2019.
As you can see, most folks set their scopes up very near their RV or tent.
My first post here. Last year was my first Okie-Tex and I took some pictures. You drive on to the field and find a free spot within the parking spaces between the electric runs. You can figure out how to park your RV depending on your equipment if you are early and there is still space to experiment. It did fill up quite fast last year.
My neighbor last year was a bit late to arrive on the first day and had to drive a bit around the field to find space and he found some next to me with his RV. Him and a couple of other people I met there are planning to attend this year too.
I am new to Star Parties. I am traveling with a bumper hitch RV and three astrophotography rigs (and a Dob). Do I just park in one of the two observing fields and set up right next to my RV?
Pretty much.
Trying to figure out the logistics of cables and extension cords (and if my telescopes will be next to my RV).
Like mentioned before, power is available on the field for telescopes. As is basic WiFi. I will advise you to bring one or two extension cables and/or a power strip as the nearest outlet could be ~10 or 20 feet from your scopes.
The yellow cable on the ground in the below pic is the star party power cable and I have my power strip and DC adapters in the black box on top of my black crate.
Also, is there some protocol on where to park or not park? Do certain groups have an unwritten claim to specific areas?
Not that I am aware of. I parked in an available space (which was kind of hard to figure out in the dark early morning on opening day as a first timer. I just followed the RV in front of me at the gate and took cues from them).
Anything else I should be aware of?
While not strictly necessary, bring some common OTC medicines along with you. Last year towards the final few days, a lot of us contracted RSV and I had to drive to the nearest Walmart in Guymon (~100 miles one way) to get Imodium and Gatorade etc.
Some more of my pictures: