Will an EQ mount in checked baggage cause security problems ?

[skysurfer]

I have a Vixen Super Polaris mount (similar to an EQ-5) + DIY aluminum tripod since 1991 and almost all that time (latest Mar 2016) I took this with me in my checked baggage to several trips around the world. I never had problems. But sometimes I read stories about securities at airports who check the suitcases and find odd items which may raise questions, due to stricter checks because of terrorist threats. I assume an EQ mount + collapsed tripod in a large backpack with clothing might raise such questions.

I planned a New Zealand trip in Feb 2017 with Emirates Airlines, which includes a transfer in Dubai (I flew with them to South Africa 3 times without problems) and are there things which I have to take into account ? I consider putting a PDF of the user manual (which I still have) on my cellphone.

[SteveInNZ]

I've taken my Super Polaris to various places around the world and any case checks that I've had, turn out to be for other things. If they have any concerns, they'll swab it.
I'd be more concerned about the baggage handlers than the security aspect.

Steve.

[OzEclipse (Joe Cali)]

I have taken a home made EQ mount home made drive controller and power supply (jiffy boxes with jumble of wires, soldered boards with jump off circuits and switches to 15 eclipses, 4 here in Australia, the other 11 overseas. When disassembled and packed it looks pretty strange, not like any commercial product. No problems to date.

Joe

[bojan]

When returning from China in 2012, the counterweight shaft of my LXD75 (I purchased it in Beijing) attracted a lot of attention.. but being not hollow, they reluctantly gave up.
Interestingly, I had the counterweight (5kg) in my persona; luggage... And that was OK. Now that I am thinking about it, 5kg of steel could do a lot of damage in wrong hands...

[glend (Glen)]

Most EQs are pretty heavy. Not sure I would want people trying to stick them in their luggage on a flight. I can barely lift mine when it is broken down and in the transport case.

[SteveInNZ]

The Super Polaris is 4.5kg (plus counterweight) which is why it makes a good mount for travel.

Steve.

[JA]

Originally Posted by OzEclipse

I have taken a home made EQ mount home made drive controller and power supply (jiffy boxes with jumble of wires, soldered boards with jump off circuits and switches to 15 eclipses, 4 here in Australia, the other 11 overseas. When disassembled and packed it looks pretty strange, not like any commercial product. No problems to date.

Joe

Give it a minute

Best
JA

[glend (Glen)]

Originally Posted by OzEclipse

I have taken a home made EQ mount home made drive controller and power supply (jiffy boxes with jumble of wires, soldered boards with jump off circuits and switches to 15 eclipses, 4 here in Australia, the other 11 overseas. When disassembled and packed it looks pretty strange, not like any commercial product. No problems to date.

Joe

I am sure it has freaked out the guys on the xray nachines.

[skysurfer]

Originally Posted by bojan

Interestingly, I had the counterweight (5kg) in my persona; luggage... And that was OK. Now that I am thinking about it, 5kg of steel could do a lot of damage in wrong hands...

I never take my CW with me. It is a waste of baggage allowance. I replaced the CW bar by a lighter threaded M10 bar with an M16 adapter to screw in into the mount. On site I collect a few stones or bricks, put them in a simple disposable plastic shopping bag which I hang on the end of bar and put the scope is in balance.
The only disadvantage is that prime focus astrophotography is not possible on windy nights as the bag moves too much, but most nights are silent.

The complete extra checked baggage weight is 9kg (mount+tripod+eyepieces+AP stuff). Camera + lenses + ED110 OTA + binos are in carry-on.

[bojan]

Originally Posted by skysurfer

... On site I collect a few stones or bricks, put them in a simple disposable plastic shopping bag which I hang on the end of bar and put the scope is in balance.
The only disadvantage is that prime focus astrophotography is not possible on windy nights as the bag moves too much, but most nights are silent.

I did that once... because I forgot to take CW with me .
Of course, I spent most of my time hurrying, searching for suitable stones/bricks....
Now have my CW packed permanently in the carrying case, together with the rest of the mount