Current pad licensees always have first “dibs” on their use. It is generally understood that we are going to abide by customs widely employed at other amateur observing sites. This means the following: On any night, including star parties, the pad will remain vacant and available for occupancy by the licensee until sunset. If the licensee is arriving late (after sunset), he or she should contact GMARS at 760-364-1952 and let someone know so the pad remains reserved for the licensee’s use. If the licensee hasn’t called, and it is after sunset, or if the licensee has notified GMARS that he/she WILL NOT be coming that evening, then any club member can use the pad for that evening only. A licensee can also directly authorize a fellow member, or a guest, to use his or her pad. If the licensee arrives the next day, before sunset, any temporary user must vacate the pad. If you choose to set up on an unused pad, realize also that a pad licensee may also show up early the next morning. Two more “etiquette” issues need to be mentioned: The electrical outlets on the power posts are understood to be there to benefit the pad licensees. Any “borrowing” of an outlet must occur with the agreement of the pad licensees — to just plug in without asking is not good manners. Also, we ask that any extension cords be routed with care so they do not become tripping hazards in the dark. The RAS has recently installed "public” power posts on the observing field. These are available for any member or guest to use for telescopes and/or computers. The parking spaces adjacent to the pads are for the use of the pad licensees only. Please respect the right of a pad licensee to be able to back up to his or her pad and unload their equipment.
Generally speaking, the RAS prefers to operate with the fewest number
of “rules” as possible. We hope the guides to conduct outlined
here seem less like rules than just good manners, and that everybody
abides by them in a positive spirit. |
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