Dobsonian car transport

[Spacebrain]

Hi

I have a 12" GSO solid tube, wondering if any other people who transport their dobs in cars remove the cell?

Thinking it might be too much for me to shimmy the tube along the back seat with it installed.

Is this a bad idea? Any other tips?

[Allan]

I have one of these.

http://www.telescope.com/Accessories/Cases-Telescope-Covers/60x19x19-Orion-Padded-Telescope-Case/c/3/sc/43/p/15187.uts?ensembleId=5

It makes it very easy to transport the 12" while protecting it. I couldn't be bothered taking the mirror cell out each time, plus that would expose the mirror to greater potential for damage.

[glend]

I used to have a 12" Dob, now a 16", and can advise that removing the cell would be a bad idea imho. Your mirror is held in by mirror clip so it's not going to launch itself out of the cell. I still transport my 10" Imaging Newt across the back load area secured with tie down straps. I do think they should be restrained in some way for safety (yours). As far as management of getting the 12" solid tube in and out, the front end is fairly light itself, the real weight being at the back. I made a set up carry straps that I positioned near the centre of gravity and this allowed me to lift the tube into the vehicle and provided the leverage to move it. If it's lying on a blanket of something like that its pretty easy to slide it across once the heavy end is inside. Just remember to secure it. However, as we get older managing a larger scope becomes more of an issue and you might need to consider you vehicle suitability, move to a take apart scope design (like my 16"), or even downsize.

[Spacebrain]

Thanks for the ideas.

I will ditch the cell removal idea, agreed it would be a risk and will probably end up loosing the cell screws on site.

I like the bag idea but its a bit $$$

Maybe I can get a cheap sleeping bag and make some handles offcenter...

[Suzy]

I have a 10" dob and this works for me: I lay a doona on the seat and then I lay the tube on it, wrap the doona around the tube and then secure it with the seat belts. :)

[SkyWatch]

I remember going to an astronomy camp many years ago, and one of our colleagues rocked up with his 10" dob in a sleeping bag on the roof-rack of his old Volvo. Apparently he never had any problems doing this- but I think I would opt for the back seat if possible! ;)

All the best,

Dean

[Allan_L]

I bought an Aldi Ski Board Bag once, not sure if it would work for a 12" DOB, but I remember the missus fitted into it easily.