I'm looking to buy a carry case for my Meade LX-90 and was wondering which one and where I could get it. I've seen the JMI case. Any others I should consider?
For the cost of the JMI case you can buy some top notch EP's (or other gear you may need), that's exactly what I did. I went to Bintel and got some great advice, as always, and spent my cash on things I will use more frequently, a 9 and a 16mm Nagler. Of course it depends on your situation as far as travel goes. My LX90 travels in a large trolley type duffel bag. I just make sure when I pack it that the base sits bottom down just in case I use the trolley. Wrap it in bubble wrap before it goes in the bag and I'm away, duffel bag in one hand with the accessories, tripod in the other and camera gear in my backpack. Of course if you are flying anywhere or bush bashing I wouldn't recommend this as the way to go and definitely think about the JMI case, it looks bullet proof.
If you have your original packaging it might pay to go to a luggage shop and see if they have something that will fit the original packaging in and you have a custom made solution.
Good luck with it and if you do source a case please let us know what you decide, somewhere down the track I think I will go hard case as it is a small price to pay compared to getting somewhere and having your pride and joy destroyed.
I take your point but unfortunately where I live (within spitting distance of the Sydney CBD), means I have to drive to dark sky locations. For me spending a few hundred to protect something I've spent thousands on seems like a small investment.
Ask Bintel if they stock the Meade Carry Case for the LX 90.
Not sure if it's still available.
I bought one for my LX200 12", you use the foam lining that came with the scope and place this in the soft case, works a treat.
I use a black plastic case from Bunnings, I seem to remember it cost around $20, got some foam and cut some inserts with an electric carving knife, perfect size and cheap.
Is that the one that has 4 yellow latches on the lid to remove the lid? And handles that sort of hang out over the side edges? I thought the handles may not be able to hold the weight of it.
If you go that route, Clark Rubber likely has some scrap chunks of foam that may suit your needs. I know my local one has a decent selection of offcuts.
Fahim, yes it has 4 latches, I've enclosed a photo. The handles at the end are 2 piece, one part on the lower case and the other on the lid, together they form a very sturdy carrying handle. The LX90 8inch is a good fit, larger LX's would not fit. I got my foam from a local supplier, it was just furniture foam and carved it with an electric knife. The box was tested on the trip from Tas to Astrofest and had other gear stacked on top with no deformation. FWFW the photo contains another Bunnings gem, the DIY ED80 case (the red one), around $30 as well. If you cut your foam the right way there's enough room to pack the extras, i.e. finderscope, handbox, plugpack. I can post some images of the packed LX if required.
Without wanting to hijack Lineout's post I personally would love to see pics of the LX90 packed. I had a look at the Pelican 1650 yesterday and while it looks like a potential for me I like the price of the Bunnings version.
Fahim, yes it has 4 latches, I've enclosed a photo. The handles at the end are 2 piece, one part on the lower case and the other on the lid, together they form a very sturdy carrying handle. The LX90 8inch is a good fit, larger LX's would not fit. I got my foam from a local supplier, it was just furniture foam and carved it with an electric knife. The box was tested on the trip from Tas to Astrofest and had other gear stacked on top with no deformation. FWFW the photo contains another Bunnings gem, the DIY ED80 case (the red one), around $30 as well. If you cut your foam the right way there's enough room to pack the extras, i.e. finderscope, handbox, plugpack. I can post some images of the packed LX if required.
acropolite, I cannot see any thumbnails, could be my firewall? & would love to see some pics as I will be looking for a case as well. I was also thinking of going to Bunnings & fitt out a tool box/case.
Phil, so many times I have seen that box on thought should i, will it fit, is it sturdy enough. Thanks for answering all those uncertainness. Would love to see some pictures of the inside to see how it all fits. The same goes for the red box.
Ok guys I have a confession to make , my LX no longer fits, the case shrunk when I washed it....
Only kidding, I recently fitted a Feathertouch 10:1 focusser, which is slightly longer (around 20mm) than the original so I will now have to modify the case slightly (cut a small piece out of the indented end). I didn't realise as I hadn't packed it away since the mod. You'll just have to take my word that it fitted beautifully before the feathertouch was fitted. FWIW I've shown the fit of the bunnings case for the ED80 as well. he first image is the ED80 in the box, the second the box and lower foam, the third is the LX sitting in the box, with the standard focusser clearance is not an issue and the OTA centres nicely in the case with around 20mm clearance each side. The fourth is the additional foam to hold the OTO in place, note also the pllacement of the finderscope. There is plenty of room around the OTA to put other stuff should you so desire. I'll be modding the case at the weekend to accomodate the extra length of the Feathertouch focusser, I'll post the results when finished. The box is very sturdy once clipped shut.
Last edited by acropolite; 05-10-2007 at 07:08 PM.
Phil - thanks for posting the images, really good looking setup you have there and the 10:1 focusser looks like an investment for the future.
I have also been doing a bit more snooping around after breaking one of the finder scope's thumb screws on Saturday night while going out for a bit of viewing at Bargo, and thanking the man responsible for the cloud that it wasn't the focusser or something more serious. I am contemplating a soft carry case from www.casesandcovers.com. Does anyone have any comments (good or bad) about these?
the 10:1 focusser looks like an investment for the future
The 10:1 focusser is superb. That soft case would be good for a short trip, but then so is sitting the OTA on the back seat of the car. When I went to Astrofest I had a ton of gear, all piled around and on top of the Bunnings case, you simply couldn't do that with a soft case.
Well I took the plunge on the weekend and bought the JMI case for my 8" LX90. After some minor alterations (cutting out a tiny bit of foam to take in the Meade focusser) the scope fits snuggly in the case and I can finally get rid of the box it came in.
Just a few notes:
- This case is built. It's heavy and construction is top notch.
- Four clips (2 front, one on each side) make sure it is secure.
- I can use it if I upgrade to an LX200 8". All I need to do is remove some pre-cut foam.
- I've already taken it in the field and the difference in ease of transport between it and the original box is huge.
I know it may cost a bit but I think it's not much if it helps protect my investment of several thousands.
It was much nicer than the JMI case I have for my LX200.
, my LX no longer fits, the case shrunk when I washed it.... 
