GSO RC8 - Travel case?

[Andy01]

Hi folks, what is everyone using to transport these bad boys nowadays?
I have a CF version, with a Moonlite focusser.

It's a bit bulky and awkward to transport - would appreciate suggestions for an appropriate carry case/bag from users. :)

Cheers

Andy

[Marke]

I have a couple of these and its great come in a few sizes including for refractors
https://optcorp.com/products/pacific-design-8-sct-padded-carry-case
Measure your full length including focuser I'd opt for the next size up probably I have the 11

[barx1963]

I bought one of these https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p8647_TS-Optics-padded-Transport-Bag-for-8--and-9-25--SC--RC-telescopes.html
It is a little to large for my 8" Edge, need some extra padding such towells to hold it snug, but I figure anytime I am going to transport it will need towells there anyway!!

Malcolm

[GrahamL]

I have my mewlon 180 in a pelican case i got from bunnings It might take a slightly larger scope , they dont always have the case in stock I've noticed it was $149. looks like its a little more now

https://www.bunnings.com.au/our-range/tools/hand-tools/storage/cargo-boxes

[Wavytone]

Whatever you choose it needs to breathe - sealing your OTA in an airtight coffin is a surefire way to grow fungus on your optics.

I had a canvas bag made for the Santel (OTA diameter 260 x 800 long with focuser). Not unreasonable.

But i found something better by accident - we had a mountainBuggy stroller and the padded airline travel bag for this. It turns out this will accommodate an OTA upto a C11. Basically: lay it out flat, place OTA on that, the sides wrap around held with Velcro, then fold the ends over (more Velcro) and do up the outer straps. These bags cost $100 and are padded with a very tough outer surface, and loops for carry straps. The Velcro straps are enough to support at car.

Stroller has gone now and the bag repurposed :)

Canvas bag is now surplus, if interested.

[Andy01]

Thanks for all the good advice and tips here folks! :)
I like the idea of a padded soft case and I'll check out those hard cases at Bunnings for travel as well.
Cheers All :thumbsup:

[Slawomir]

I like to keep about 0.5kg of desiccant with the telescope in its almost airtight home-made coffin (case) that I recharge whenever it is needed. Helps to keep the optics and camera dry (I keep the camera permanently attached to the telescope) and humidity is rather high in North/Central coastal QLD.

[Stonius]

I do that too. It's also pretty easy to make a dessicant plug if you have any of those old film cannisters lying about and a drill. :-)

[SkyWatch]

Hi Andy,

These are very well made, and a lot cheaper than some! https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/162211859887?ul_noapp=true
a whole bunch of different diameters available...

Dean