Technology -- STILL kicking my ass in 2026

[toprob]

This is a follow-up to my earlier post 'Technology -- still kicking my ass in 2025.' Only goes to show that nothing really changes....

I now know that, like skiing, astrophotography is not a summer hobby. Wednesday was the first clear night in almost 2 months, and also a full moon, which completely wrecks the visibility. I'm hoping that by the time the new moon comes around the weather might be more settled, otherwise I'll have to wait for March.

I finally have a working setup almost, though, just a couple more issues to solve. One is controlling the camera via PC. I have been dragging my old desktop PC out, but it's a pain to set up, so I bought a second-hand laptop just for that one job. It seemed to be a bargain, 1TB SSD +16GB memory, for $200. It works great, the only problem is it doesn't recognise my camera. I've been on to Canon support, who have been very patient, but in the end nothing worked. It's meant to work, there doesn't appear to be any reason why it wouldn't. It just doesn't.

I may buy another laptop, but I don't think I'll get the same features for a similar price. Not a big issue, as I don't need all those specs just to control the telescope mount and the camera. (It does control the mount properly, which is something.)

My Canon DSLR is not the best camera for the job, and I am saving for a dedicated astro camera, $3000, so it'll take a couple more months on my pension. Looks like I still won't have a travel budget this year....

Speaking of travel, my family invited me to go with them to Colombia this year (all expenses paid), but since then the world situation has changed enough to rule that out. Dammit. I won't get into the politics here, but I have realized late in life that the world is a lot less stable than I ever thought. I've been a keen scifi reader for more than 50 years, and always enjoy a good dystopia yarn, but actually living in one is far less fun.

[Splitpin]

Wow, I admire your patience Astro Rob, looking forward to seeing more star stuff.
Re the world ...I agree , its not good. I've had a similar travel offer, but to Japan in November but I respectfully declined for similar reasons.
I really don't go anywhere these days.... everything I need or want to do is within 20ks of home....and online of course.
My work environment has increased my situational awareness considerably , it can be very volatile at times . That awareness extends to basic stuff like being at the supermarket, gas station etc.
I don't go near shopping malls anymore (never enjoyed them anyway) I like being able to walk in a straight line ....not changing course to avoid people.
Anyway....maybe I have a problem, is there such a thing as being overcautious ...maybe.

Take care Rob and I hope you return to the stars asap