Loaner Scope & Quick STARt Status Page

SJAA offers all of it's members the opportunity to borrow various types of loaner scopes.   The challenge with any such program is the ability to provide a current listing of scopes and their availability.  
 
I am pleased to say that we have developed a system which will provide 100% transparency.

When you go to the SJAA main website - please note the link circled in red below.

After clicking on Telescopes/Mentoring link - it takes you to the Loaner Scope Program status page as seen below:

Above is a screenshot of an embedded Google spreadsheet that is opened up to the Advanced Loaner Scope Status page.  This page will show you the up-to-date status of all of the clubs loaner scopes.   When you send me a request via email for a particular scope I will put your name in the "On Deck" column, when you pick it up the status will change to "Out on loan" and the due date will be noted in the Comments column.  Should the scope be out on loan already, your name will stay in the On Deck column until it becomes available and you pick it up.
 
Another benefit that the club offers to our new members is the ability to participate in the Quick STARt program.    To see an overview of the program please click on Quick START (QS) Program tab.  After doing so - it brings you to:

Those new SJAA members who have requested (or accepted in invitation) to attend the next session will have their names listed.  If you don't see your name on this list please send me an email.

The QS Scopes tab lists all of the scopes dedicated to this program and their current status.

Please keep in mind that the scopes above are available to "ALL" members to borrow.   The QS  program participants get 1st priority though.   Please email me if you are interested in checking out a QS program scope and it's related items as described in this previous post.
http://sanjoseastronomy.blogspot.com/2012/07/quick-start-gets-upgrade.html

We also would love to hear from you on how to make this program better.  Are there any scopes or items you want the club to put into the program?

Thanks for your support.

Regards,
Dave Ittner

Quick STARt get's an upgrade

SJAA is proud to announce an upgrade to their innovative Quick STARt (QS) program.   The QS program is for new members with little to no experience in the hobby.  It is designed to provide some basic instruction about the night sky and how to use one of the loaner scopes.

For more information about the program and to check to see if you are on the invite list, please go to: http://www.sjaa.net/loaners.shtml and then click on the Quick STARt (QS) tab.

Below is a nice picture of the items now provided in this program.  (click on picture to enlarge it)

The recently approved upgrade consists of the following new equipment:
- An Observers Chair.  An adjustable height chair that folds down flat for easy transport.
- A new large accessory case with pluck foam. (replaces smaller case)
- A new 32mm Orion Plossl eyepiece.
- A new 8mm AstroTech Paradigm eyepiece.  (replaces Orion 10mm eyepiece)
- A new Moon filter.
- A new 9 LED red flashlight.  (replaces Orion mini led flashlight)
- A Bright Star Atlas.

Existing items still in the package are:
- an Orion XT6 or XT8 scope
- a 25mm Orion Plossl eyepiece.
- a 2X Barlow lens.
- a Discover the Stars book (introduction to the hobby)
- a Planisphere
- a Moon Map

Here is a closer look at the accessory case:  (click on picture to enlarge it)

The Quick STARt sessions are made available to all newly approved SJAA members.  These sessions are by invite only.   To request an invite please email SJAAmentor@gmail.com

Clear skies,
Dave Ittner