What arose when the sun set down at the dark site we went to? Dark skies and objects (constellations, star clusters, nebulae, ...) that don't show up well in light-pollution, densely populated areas. What three items am I talking about? A TV tray table, a transparent cookbook stand, and a thin, portable gaming monitor.
In the Beginning (of the Astrophotography Session)
We met with another astronomy photographer (AKA astrophotographer) at a dark site, both parties for a nebula 1000 light years away. Our friend stayed long enough to also photograph a set of galaxies 60 million light years away. BTW, astrophotography is not merely taking one pic and seeing loads of details. Each session for each target tends to take hours, sometimes multiple sessions, specialized equipment for taking out-of-the-world pix, and cooperative climate conditions.
Portable Gaming Monitor
Our friend showed a new acquisition for showing audience members at outreach events—a portable gaming monitor that he read about in a NYT Wirecutter article, maybe "The Best Monitors". Arzopa seems eye-poppingly low cost, compared to other reviewed monitors. "Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor Review" lists the measurements as 8.2 by 14.9 by 0.5 inches, weighing 1.7 pounds. (The traditional dimension reference is 16.1 (corner to corner).
Table Slots Between Slats a Hindrance to Stable Monitor Support
Anyway, he is understandably concerned about the monitor's thin foldable corner support falling through slots on his display table (square with narrow gaps between slats). Noting the monitor's thinness, I mentioned having a plastic, transparent cookbook stand that would probably work with such a monitor.
Another idea was trying a different table. I thought of our foldable TV tray table that measures 14.5 x 19 and has no gap hazards. BTW, Google images search shows good results for "acrylic cookbook stands" and "foldable TV trays". BTW, a quick, low-effort, low-cost solution to preventing monitor support fall-through, using a square piece of cardboard the same size as the square table would help.
Music Stand as Monitor Support? Nah!
An idea for stable displaying of the monitor briefly arose—using a music stand. It has variable height and tilt adjustments and horizontal lip. Downsides, however, are heaviness from metal weight and feet that take up space during transport. Furthermore, securing a monitor to avoid tipping or toppling it is concerning.
Musing Monitor Support Using No-slat TV Tray Table and Cookbook Stand
The next day, I thought about taking pix showing my cookbook stand and TV tray table. I took a set of pix—one of the stand (with open book) atop the table, one with additional items, and several showing different-angle views.
It occurred to me that I had the makings of a blog topic that included some idea exchanges about items not specific to astronomy. Also, I got to thinking of how to organize and create a helpful slide-show video.
Besides Monitor Musings
Some additional items in the video are are a yardstick and a set of trekking poles. The yardstick provides dimensional references. The
sticks were mentioned during the imaging session. FWIW, a dark site can
be challenging for those unfamiliar with the terrain. Even more
challenging is navigating after the sun goes down. Better to have sticks
and not need them than need them and not have them.
Update: Additional Info After Video's Upload on Feb 28 2025
After publishing the blog article and uploading the movie, our friend sent an image of his table and portable gaming monitor with the monitor's support leg. His fix for possible leg fall-through was a bottle cap.
A bottle cap does the job for the leg and the display is too thick to slide through. The [table's] gap actually cradles the bottom of the display! ... I added a couple of bits of foam insulation to the bottle cap to keep the leg centered in it.
The video's thumbmail shows the initial suggestion, the friend's pic, and additional ideas. The newer items include bungee cords for better securing a monitor for display and avoiding pit falls.
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