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snaggs
30-06-2009, 08:03 PM
Anybody know of a nice eye-piece case available in Australia?

Daniel.

Wavytone
30-06-2009, 08:52 PM
Depends how many/big your eyepieces are. I have two cases.

One is a cheap "vaultz" case from Officeworks, originally for storing CD's, but with some foam its perfect for a set of 1.25" eyepieces (my LV's). From memory these cases are 55mm deep and there are 2-3 sizes. The other I have is a case from Bintel, large enough for 5x 2" eyepieces, very reasonable price I thought, something around $50.

Wooden cases look great but won't stand the wear and tear. I have a gorgeous wooden box with a mirror finish, perfect for ep's and accessories, but it would be a shame to use it.

The other thought I've had concerns the innards - instead of boring old foam I have been toying with the idea of some laser-cut racks made from bamboo to fit into the cases, and with internal LED lighting, though haven't had them cut yet. Good job for some cloudy nights.

lacad01
01-07-2009, 11:11 AM
Check out Jaycar, they have a couple of padded aluminium cases which may be suitable depending on the number of EP's you have:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=HB6355&keywords=case&form=KEYWORD

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=HB6356&keywords=case&form=KEYWORD

erick
01-07-2009, 11:48 AM
I got a nice compact case from AOE. Eyepieces mount vertically - nine holes.

I cannot see it on their site - email them info@aoe.com.au

snaggs
01-07-2009, 12:20 PM
Thankyou, I will. I was looking for a permanent solution. Is these were available here, I'd buy one;

http://www.wood-wonders.com/Eyepiece.htm

erick
01-07-2009, 12:52 PM
Wow-whee! That's a sophisticated and elegant eyepiece case. Check the red lighting! Don't think I'd be wanting to dump that in the mud and wet grass!

What the heck - let's get the big one! http://www.wood-wonders.com/FieldCase.htm

lacad01
01-07-2009, 03:02 PM
Certainly takes it up a notch in the storage department :)

Wavytone
01-07-2009, 06:44 PM
Thought long and hard about exquisite wooden cases. I agree they're gorgeous for display, but there are two problems:

a) wooden boxes - even when varnished - shed fine dust especially if the metal parts of the eyepiece rub on wood. This is very common if they use a tray with drilled holes, for example, to carry the eyepieces.

Practical yes, but the dust is a disaster with high-power eyepieces. I learnt this the hard way 20 years ago.

b) impossible to throw in the car for a night out in the field; you'll hate yourself the day the box is scratched or dinged.

IMHO the "bolt" cases or a polyethylene case is the best, with caps on the lenses. Metal cases with foam are better than wood, but not as good as an all-plastic box without foam - the foam starts to shed dust as it ages (it disintegrates slowly).

GrahamL
01-07-2009, 07:33 PM
Pelican :)
http://www.pelican.com/

BerrieK
01-07-2009, 08:32 PM
Yes, its a Pelican for me too, with pick 'n' pluck foam insert. Pricy perhaps but for peace of mind hard to beat. Although I have not experienced disintegrating foam inserts as yet, I always store my eyepieces with the end caps on. The foam is great, can fit lots in safely with careful planning of where you pick 'n' pluck.

Kerrie

Wavytone
01-07-2009, 09:13 PM
Kerrie the foam deteriorates quite slowly, I'm thinking 5-10 years. The stuff in the case for my old Meade 100mm f/10 is quite crumbly now after 20 years. You'll also notice it seems to get a little stiffer than it was when new, a bit like stale white bread, when you notice that its time to replace.

The best material IMHO is probably a tough plastic or possibly felt.

BerrieK
01-07-2009, 10:25 PM
Thanks for that info, will keep it in mind and keep an eye on it. My foam is only about 18 months old; should have plenty of 'life' left in it with any luck.

Kerrie

JethroB76
02-07-2009, 12:33 PM
Pelican style without the price tag
http://www.kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=5101 2
Sometimes can be found re-branded at Bunnings for about $100, or at auto parts places for a bit more.

Jaycar also carry a version of these cases too
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=HB6384&keywords=case&form=KEYWORD

ausastronomer
02-07-2009, 07:00 PM
Hi Daniel/Kerrie

It's Pelican for me 3. Pricey but piece of mind in a superbly made high quality product. I didn't have a problem spending $300+ on a case to protect nearly $10k worth of eyepieces and accessories. They are waterproof, shockproof, snowproof, floodproof (as proved in New Orleans) and idiot proof.

One word of warning. As you can see from the photograph of my Pelican 1600 case attached, it is very large and has a lot of eyepieces and accesories in it. It is very heavy and I am getting very old. If I was doing this again I would unhesitatingly go Pelican again but I would split the load over 2 smaller cases. I don't see deteriorating foam as being an issue in any way. Foam and Plastics technology has improved a lot in the past 20 years and Meade aren't renowned for using premium quality components in all applications. ie. I think the Pelican foam will be a lot higher quality than the Meade foam.

Cheers,
John B

wavelandscott
02-07-2009, 10:58 PM
I started with the "metal briefcase" tool box first sourced at Bunnings with foam from the Foam Booth (location in Chatswood). It worked well and fit my budget.

I also have picked up small eyepiece cases from Bintel...while smaller, it also worked well.

I have since moved up to a Pelican case...the Pelican is much nicer than either of my previous solutions and if I had to do it again I would just go straight to the Pelican. Mine is bright yellow and is a fabulous bit of kit.

CoombellKid
04-07-2009, 08:30 AM
John,

Boy I do like the look of that. Who carries Pelican cases in Oz? I checked
the website Graham posted above but couldn't see an Austalian dealer.

Cheers,CS

jjjnettie
04-07-2009, 09:14 AM
Rob, I bought mine at a "Camera House". I'd suppose that all the franchise would carry Pelican cases.
Jaycar had small Pelican type cases going for just $30 a while ago. Just the right size to fit my Gstar, filters and 3 cctv lenses.

ausastronomer
04-07-2009, 09:21 AM
Hi Rob,

These are about the cheapest I have found. I have no idea what they are like.

http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/pelican-camera-cases-c-166.html

I purchased mine from these people and they were very fast with delivery.

http://www.carryitcases.com.au/

I am pretty sure they are the Australian Distributor for Pelican. They are still around 5 years after I bought the case which from my point of view is a comforting thing on any product with an unconditional lifetime warranty. However, having had the case for 5 years I doubt I will ever need the warranty. The case is bulletproof.

Cheers,
John B

CoombellKid
04-07-2009, 10:16 AM
Thanks, JJJ

Camera House cool!,Looks like they're about to get more of my money.

I hear ya John, I looked in my ep case this morning and did a rough
calc of $6.5k sitting in a $20 non airtight bunnings special. I think
it would be worth the investment.

Thanks for the info both of you.

Anyone know where you can get good quality 2" filter containers?
or know of something that could do the job?

Cheers,CS

ausastronomer
04-07-2009, 12:30 PM
Rob,

I bought some from Scopestuff in USA.

http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_fil1.htm

The 2" square ones are excellent and "almost" identical to the square ones you see in my eyepiece case, which are those supplied with both the 2" and 1.25" Astronomik filters.

Cheers,
John B

CoombellKid
04-07-2009, 12:48 PM
John,

I've been trying to find one the same depth as yours, but not as wide
or long. What would be the next side down from your with the same depth?

regards,CS

ausastronomer
04-07-2009, 01:06 PM
I don't think it exists.

If you go to a smaller case it will not be quite as deep and you "may" need to lay the taller eyepieces down. This takes up a slightly larger footprint in the case. I would be looking at a 1500 or 1550. The 1550 is deep enough to stand any eyepiece bar an ETHOS upright. With everything I have in the case it really is too heavy and I would split the load over 2 smaller cases.

http://www.carryitcases.com.au/category14_1.htm#20

Cheers,
John B

CoombellKid
04-07-2009, 03:39 PM
John,

Looking at the layout and drawing up a template, I think I might need
the 1600 or even the 1560. How mang layers did you leave in the
bottom? I would like to stand my ep's the way you have, as that is how
I have always invisioned, when thinking about building a case. My 31mm t5
being the tallest, yours isn't sitting on the hard bottom is it? I'll also be
storing my AN unit, Telrad, Cheshire ep, and a storage hole for my
1.25" adaptor when not in use, all in the same case. That adds a bit of
realestate.

Cheers,CS

ausastronomer
04-07-2009, 04:41 PM
Rob,

If you wish to stand the 31mm Nagler upright you will need one of the following cases at minimum. 1550, 1560 or 1600. There is only about 10mm of foam under the bottom of the eyepiece in my 1600.

If you wish to go with the Pelican 1600 case send me a PM because I would be happy to sell you mine which is in as new condition, so that I can downsize and lighten the load somewhat. Most of your eyepieces will fit in the holes I have already made in the case because we double up on a lot. If you wanted to start with new foam you can buy a new foam set for about $120.

Cheers,
John B

CoombellKid
04-07-2009, 04:51 PM
John,

PM sent, I'll will need to fit it with a new foam insert.

Cheers,CS

BerrieK
04-07-2009, 04:56 PM
Hehe, I snaffled my pelican case from my husband.

He had his Niconos underwater camera gear in it, and as we had moved way away from the coast I figured it wouldn't get too much regular use. SO the camera and associated goodies have been relocated, a nice new piece of foam was ordered (by me, from an online supplier), and my eyepieces and I move dinto the case. They are much happier in their home than in their previous lodgings.

Kerrie

gb_astro
04-07-2009, 06:17 PM
The one trap with Pelican type cases is that being airtight any moisture in the air on the night you last used it will remain in the case until opened again.
Solution: Air the case for a few hours next day and put some fresh silica gel in it if it will not be opened for some time.

gb.

CoombellKid
05-07-2009, 04:17 AM
Hi gb,

Thanks for the heads up mate, When I observe I usually do it out of my
car's boot, doesn't seemed to get to dewy in there. I'm guessing it will
probably be better if you leave the case closed in between ep change
overs.

I like the boot because at the end of the night, you closed it and your
half packed up.

Cheers,CS