Howdy all -
So I made the classic "new guy" mistake - first telescope is a large one, a Skywatcher 12" Dob.
Looking for options to make moving it in and out of the den, and to/from the car easier.
So far, if I keep everything assembled, it seems like this reasonably priced option from Grizzly -http://www.grizzly.com/products/Round-Drum-Dolly/H0761 - should do the trick. It will fit comfortably around the 26" circular base, without affecting rotation, so I can leave it on the wheels when going to my deck.
It should be arriving today (along with still more rain in my neck of the woods - got a few hours in with the Supermoon but that was pretty much all that was available, meteorologically speaking, since it got here last week, which I understand is par for the course with new purchases). I'll post pics after getting the scope in there, and will also see if I can replace the hard rubber wheels with locking, pneumatic tires to assist in transport over mud, thresholds/curbs, etc.
Anyway, the base (new Grizzly caddy notwithstanding) has a handle on it, so it can be carried like a suitcase. A heavy one, yes, but one-handed nevertheless.
The scope is a different story - I have an Astrozap dew/light shield on it, and it's a bit of a pain to take it on and off, so it isn't feasible to leave the scope open and grab the truss rod.
Has anyone found a way to carry the scope like a suitcase, perhaps via straps or something? A better way to pic up the scope than via bear hug? Or is carrying it like a big barrel the only way to move the scope around independent of the base?
Note - not a fan of wheelbarrow handles - this would be the option of last resort.
Would really appreciate some suggestions.
Thanks -
So I made the classic "new guy" mistake - first telescope is a large one, a Skywatcher 12" Dob.
Looking for options to make moving it in and out of the den, and to/from the car easier.
So far, if I keep everything assembled, it seems like this reasonably priced option from Grizzly -http://www.grizzly.com/products/Round-Drum-Dolly/H0761 - should do the trick. It will fit comfortably around the 26" circular base, without affecting rotation, so I can leave it on the wheels when going to my deck.
It should be arriving today (along with still more rain in my neck of the woods - got a few hours in with the Supermoon but that was pretty much all that was available, meteorologically speaking, since it got here last week, which I understand is par for the course with new purchases). I'll post pics after getting the scope in there, and will also see if I can replace the hard rubber wheels with locking, pneumatic tires to assist in transport over mud, thresholds/curbs, etc.
Anyway, the base (new Grizzly caddy notwithstanding) has a handle on it, so it can be carried like a suitcase. A heavy one, yes, but one-handed nevertheless.
The scope is a different story - I have an Astrozap dew/light shield on it, and it's a bit of a pain to take it on and off, so it isn't feasible to leave the scope open and grab the truss rod.
Has anyone found a way to carry the scope like a suitcase, perhaps via straps or something? A better way to pic up the scope than via bear hug? Or is carrying it like a big barrel the only way to move the scope around independent of the base?
Note - not a fan of wheelbarrow handles - this would be the option of last resort.
Would really appreciate some suggestions.
Thanks -
Attached Image:
Dan Ogden
12" Skywatcher Dob f/l 1500mm, f/4.92
ES 82: 30mm, 18mm
ES 100: 14mm, 5.5mm
ES 2x Focal Extender
OCD
