Answering everybody at once:

- yes, resistor networks are a good idea, I'm using some already for scientific gear. But due
itself is only a problem when going back indoors. The air is so dry outside that there is no
condensation (strangely there is a bit of reverse sublimation on some plastics)

- weight is not a huge issue. I already take several TONS of scientific equipment with me (I'll be
in charge of at least 6 different experiments). I can squeeze 15kg or so of telescope.

- power is no issue. I can run a wire from the station. I guess I may even be able to use it
through a roof (open) window, not sure about the building's vibrations though.

Meade announced a new inexpensive CCD imager (Meade DSI) with software for
$300.00. It's high speed USB2, that connected to a NexStar 5 would be a
nice combination.
Would that be the "$994.95 Nexstar 5i 5.0"/127mm Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (1250mm f/10.0)
with Motorized Altazimuth Mount, Nexstar Computerized Hand Controller, 25mm (50x) 1.25" Eyepiece,
Finderscope & Tripod " ? Can the hand controller be replaced by a PC cable control ?

Sorry to ask very basic newbie questions, but I'm currently very busy preparing the expedition and
if experienced astros can do my homework for me, I'll be glad: what accessories would go with that
for an interesting setup ? Sun/Moon filter (are there different kinds ?!?) What kind of eyepiece
(if any with the imager) ? Anything else besides an astronomy textbook ? I guess I'll have time to
read the basics once there !


Since IR astronomy is one of the big selling points of doing it in Antarctica (with the 'seeing'),
is there anything I could be doing there that's hard/impossible to do in the rest of the world ?

BTW, here are two series of comments about Dome C telescopes, past trials and future projects:
http://science.slashdot.org/article..../09/15/1953249
http://science.slashdot.org/article..../09/19/1811222


Does glass shrink in extreme cold? Would a lens shrink at the same
rate as the metal tube? Does glass become brittle the way plastic
does in extreme cold? How much plastic is going to be in your setup?
At what temp do any adhesives in your setup fail? At what temp can you
expect trouble from the lubricant? I can think of dozens of similar
questions to ask, that no one in North America normally has to
consider but that you do.

I have no idea on the quality on construction of those equipments. Maybe someone from Alaska can
give me more info... I'd go for something without too much glass to minimize risks. I must say
that I used my Nikons 35mm (F801s and F100) extensively at -50C without any trouble.

Thanks all
--
Guillaume Dargaud
http://www.gdargaud.net/
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." - Disraeli (1804-81),
British statesman.