Quote:
Originally Posted by Wavytone
Two alternative I considered some decades ago:
1. buy a minibus or slightly larger (the kind used to ferry families to airports):
- rip out the rear seats and install scope in the rear, rough estimates suggested quite a large SCT or cassegrain was possible up to C14 or even a Meade 16, if you had your own mechanical workshop to do the mods.
- modify the roof to open as a "moon roof", ie a sunroof rather longer and wider than usual.
- pier supporting the mount had to include an electric hoist to raise and lower it by about 50 cm. These are just a big worm drive inside a column. Raised to put the scope up above roof height for observing, down for transport with the lid shut.
- Scope would probably be altaz mounted as this was a visual only setup.
2. Buy a camper van - the old type with the popup roof.
Gut the interior apart from the front seats.
Remodel roof so that it becomes a roll-off roof, with secure clamps holding it in place while in transit.
- scope pier includes adjustable electric hoist as above.
In each you'll have to learn to sit still - don't rock the boat !
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Hi WT,
I was thinking along similar lines, but on a smaller scale- perhaps an SUV converted with a large rear pop out moonroof, located over and the size of the rear cargo compartment. A typical sunroof is too small.
Or taking things even more simply, just outfit the rear seat of a 4 seater convertible. That way there would be no need for a lift for the mount, as you could simply install the top of your mount as close to the underside of the roof as possible and then add scope when in position, OR install it with scope attached, at the expense of less scope height.
AND .... keep really still, get out of the vehicle and/or employ devices to negate the car's suspension.
Best
JA