Who lifts their SkyWatcher DOB by the handles?

BrisGreg (Greg) · #1 07-02-2011, 10:03 AM

I find moving my newly acquired SkyWatcher 10" collapsible DOB 'round the backyard by the handles (including the Alt Tension Adjuster) very convenient but seems a lot of people say it's a no-no. There's nothing in the instructions that say you cant lift the entire base/OTA by the handles. Why have handles anyway? Who uses the handles(or has had mishaps with the handles)?

danielsun · #2 07-02-2011, 10:26 AM

Hi Greg and Welcome

I have two Saxon/ Skywatcher Dobs 8" and 10" and for the last 6 years have always lifted and carried them around by the handles. I don't think there is any issue there.

Cheers Daniel.

Screwdriverone (Chris) · #3 07-02-2011, 10:27 AM

Hi Greg....

Yes, the point of the "handle" is to be able to handle the scope.

I would doubt there would be any proper and safe way to lift these without the handles???

My 12" collapsible is moved around by me lifting with the tension adjust handles, or when I take the tube out, by holding the nudge handles built into the secondary cage (with the grub screws locked, of course). Never had any problem with this, and at 40Kg, there really is no other way to lift this beast when it is assembled...

I wouldn't worry, this is what they are designed for.

Cheers

Chris

BrisGreg (Greg) · #4 07-02-2011, 10:46 AM

Thanks Guys. Yeah there have been a few people (including posters on Cloudy Nights) that say you carry the base and the tube separately .Tried it and it's a drag disassembling and reassembling everything to move 10 feet! Apart from the fact I've got to leave the tube standing upright somewhere while I go and get the base. Is that an accident waiting to happen or what?

By the way - Love this forum. Been lurking for several months so I feel that I know all you guys

That's how I decided on the 10" dobbie. This has got to be the friendliest and most helpful forum I've ever seen (and I've seen on a few!!). So thanks for helping me get into Astronomy

Cheers
Greg

Screwdriverone (Chris) · #5 07-02-2011, 10:58 AM

No worries Greg,

Glad to help and good to have you on board so to speak...

Sounds like you have made an excellent choice with the 10" dob. Is it a collapsible one or solid tube? Any goto or tracking....

Do tell. (edit - D'oh!, its collapsible, I really should read posts fully)

Cheers

Chris

Louwai (Bryan) · #6 07-02-2011, 11:45 AM

I have the 12" colapsable with GO-TO. Too big, awkward & heavy to move when set up so I move the base & the tube individually.

I stand the tube on its end in the original packing. I kept the shaped packaging from the carton. Note that I only ever stand it on its end when on a solid flat floor (concrete or wood).

I carry the base with the handles (which on the 12", are exclusivly for lifting)
I lift / carry the tube by hooking my fingers into the over-hang of the mirror cell at the bottom & hold one of the extension bars at the top. (I don't fully collapse the tube. I usually leave it extended about 4". Enough to get my hand around the bar.

When carrying, I hold the tube vertical so that 90% of the weight is on my hand at the mirror cell. The other hand on the bar is mainly for ballance.
The only time that weight is on the extension bar is when I have to lay the tube horrizontal to get it into the back seat of the car.

I'm in the process of designing a larger astro-trailer. The one I have now will fit the 20" + the 8" SCT + the base of the 12", but the 12" tube has to go in the back seat.

I've saved the packaging of the 12" & I intend to make a cradle that is suspended from the roof of the trailer. This cradle will hinge down & contain the 12" packaging. Should be easy for me to lift the tube, lay it into the cradle & then fold it up & fasten it into travel position up against the trailer roof. (one day......so many plans & so little time......)

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #7 07-02-2011, 01:13 PM

I use a trolley to carry it around the home and back to storage, I separate them and assemble it when going out. I park my car close to the observing location to make it easy to get in and out but don't try to lift it by the handles.

BrisGreg (Greg) · #8 07-02-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mswhin63

I use a trolley to carry it around the home and back to storage, I separate them and assemble it when going out. I park my car close to the observing location to make it easy to get in and out but don't try to lift it by the handles.

I know a 12" is a much bigger beast but any particular reason you don't use the handles Malcolm?

mswhin63 (Malcolm) · #9 07-02-2011, 03:16 PM

Too awkward mostly, never tried a 10" but I could see possibly stress on the bearing container not the bearings could be an issue but I really think the design does allow for the carrying of the DOB by the handle.

DavidU (Dave) · #10 07-02-2011, 03:46 PM

No problems here lifting my 12" SW Dob and base.

BrisGreg (Greg) · #11 08-02-2011, 11:22 AM

Thanks Guys. Think I'll go with the handles. I certainly like my scope more if I do

desler · #12 08-02-2011, 11:55 AM

I found with a gso 12 inch dob, that when I fitted an Argo Navis, the flexure in the box could effect the model, so a couple of El=cheapo pressure clamps to keep the box nice and square, and then no problems using the handles.

Darren