Quote:
Originally Posted by Astro_Bot
I'm probably about to buy a crayford focuser for my "new" SCT. That'll make the overall length about 8cm more than without and, if I leave it on, it becomes very much harder to find a cheap plastic container that can be outfitted with equally cheap foam to safely transport the OTA, such are the dimensions of the tube. (I've spent a few hours measuring nearly every large plastic container in town - none will fit the OTA with focuser attached and still fit in my car).
So, if I do attach/remove the focuser each evening, what trouble am I going to run into?
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Hi Astro Bot, I faced the same problem when I added a JMI NGT focuser to my 8" SCT. I love this focuser, however, I couldn't really keep removing it, as to position it properly, it had three tiny set screws. They later solved this problem with the Event Horizon focuser, which is rotatable. However, as Morton points out, taking it on and off may damage the threads over time, particularly if they become cross threaded.
In the end, I couldn't find a "cheap" solution to this problem either, particularly since I wanted to ensure the proper protection for my equipment. After much thought I sought an alternative solution. I realised that I would never probably sell my equipment, so I had a proper road case made. These cases also use High Density foam which is much more durable and more protective than the soft foams.
Although this isn't really a "cheap" solution, it certainly was the best solution in terms of protecting my "valuable" equipment. The dimensions where such that it would fit in the boot of my car (Commodore). I also use a fold up trolley to move it around.
I looked around until I found the cheapest manufacturer. It cost $650 which was "relatively cheap", when considering the value of the equipment it protects and what other manufacturers were charging. It was made in such a way that I could also store tube counterweights, without them moving within the case.
Sometimes trying to find a cheap solution isn't always to the best, at least, that is what I have found over many years of experience. When I had this case made, I couldn't really afford it either, but I am now certainly happy that I went to the extra expense.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MortonH
For me the biggest issue would just be the hassle of doing it every time. I hate refractor cases that hold the ota but the diagonal has to be removed for transport, and diagonals just need to be slipped in, not screwed. I'm always trying to minimise the setup/teardown time, but maybe that's just my laziness.
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Hi Morton, I had the same problem, so I also had a case made that would fit the diagonal. It cost $350 with all the machined inserts. Next year I will have to get another one made to take my new FLT110.
Cheers Peter