Skywatcher 14" collapsible dob transport/storage

[casstony]

I'm mulling over purchase of the above scope and looking at whether it would be practical for me to own. The main attraction is the significantly lower price than even a used 14" SCT.

In it's collapsed state can the 14" dob be shifted on a 2 wheel trolley in the same way a 10/12" solid tube can?

I'd need to store it in an unlined shed, perhaps with one of those all weather covers on it - any problems there?

[Shark Bait]

I tried using a 2 wheel trolley with the 12" SW Dob and it did not work out that well. I ended up constructing a 25mm thick plywood rolling base with locking castors. One of the BAS members has a 14" SW Dob and he moves the scope around with a 4 wheel trolley. It is a two person lift to load and unload his scope. The views at the eyepiece are the reward for the effort.

I have not stored my scope in a shed so can't make any comments about how it would go.

Hope this helps.

[casstony]

Thanks for your comments Stu.

[DJ N]

Hi Tony,

When I had my 12 inch Skywatcher Collapsible dob, I found it quite easy to maneouvre on a stack trolley (Bunnings cheapy). I have attached a photo below....

From memory, the base was around 640mm diameter. I believe the base diameter of the 14 inch is around 780mm. I don't know how easy that would be to move around on a stack trolley. I think the method for the bigger variety would be on a 4 wheel base and pull-handle. Also, with the 14 inch base, I don't think you would be able to get through most doorways.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Daniel

[casstony]

Thanks Daniel. I have double doors on the shed so width isn't a problem.

If the tube and base were trolleyed seperately, how easy/difficult would it be to lift the tube onto the bearings - one person job?

[Shark Bait]

The BAS member with the 14" SW GoTo Dob can lift, position and fix the OTA to the base, so that part of the assembly is a one person exercise but he does ask for a lift with the base.

This is my solution for the 12" SW GoTo Dob's mobility issues: