Wheelbarrow Handles for Orion XX14G

[skullmurphy]

In a post a few years back on another forum a poster happened to mention for the task of easily and safely moving the whole fully assembled XX14G telescope, the use of a wheelbarrow handle design with 2 front wheels with pneumatic tyres, using clamps made from Aluminium Captive Connectors as used with truss poles to support the removable handles and wheels.

A new accessory the Orion Wheel Kit for SkyQuest XX16g GoTo Dobsonian Telescope has appeared on the Orion website specifically for the bigger XX16G obviously.

Anyway I contacted Orion via online live chat to see if this kit would fit the dimensions of the XX14G and was told that it was only for the XX16G as it was made already with the fittings preinstalled that were ready to fit the Captive Connectors. When pressed he stated that maybe I could modify the mount to accommodate it on the XX14G...

When looking at the placement of the fittings on the XX16G kit from Orion and the design maybe it may put undue strain on your back by lifting from the ground level.

Could anyone who has already designed their own wheelbarrow system advise how their designs have worked out over time and how many Captive Connectors they used or whatever means of attachment they used and wheels.

Thanks skull

[glend (Glen)]

I made mine out of fitting obtained from Bunnings. I used insert nuts that screw into holes (from the opposite side to where the handle will rest). The bolts are simply the gold wide head furniture (m6) bolts that go with them. Any large Bunnings had these fittings in the furniture/cabinet fitting section.

I used Meranti timber and shaped handholds on one end of each, and attached a wheel to the other end. Each handle is held on the sides of the base by two of these bolt fittings described above.

If you have a copy of the book "The Dobsonian Telescope" by David Kriege, it gives you alot on ideas on making these.

My handles allow easy movement of my fully assembled 16" strut GSO dob around my yard, in and out of the shed, and is good for loading in my vehicle, but I have to add that it is sitting on a custom base (marine ply) and I don't know how the insert nuts would go in the normal pressed chip board sides of production scopes. Some of the ideas in the Dob book would work on chip board bases.

Good luck. Don't forget you will need ramps if your going to push it into a vehicle.

[skullmurphy]

Thanks Glen

Would you please put some photos as photos speak louder than words

Thanks mate

PS still no first light due to constant rain.......

[zenith (Tim)]

Hey Scott,
I reused a pram and some 20mm MDF for my 12" dob. The MDF has 3 holes in it to accommodate the feet of the original dob base, and a central hole for the main bolt to sit in. The MDF is bolted to the pram frame work (bolts are counter sunk). The scope base just lifts on and off and sits their under its own 30kgs weight. So far no need to attach it more securely, I just hold the scope with one hand and the trolly handle with the other when I move it (without rushing). The handle is removable so you don't kick it in the night (and was part of the original pram frame work anyway). I left the brake mechanism on the wheels, but I don't even need to engage it. I was considering cutting off the 2 extra legs (at the opposite end of the trolly to the wheels), but so far they don't cause instability on uneven ground (sometimes it is an issue on uneven concrete where path sections join, but you just move the scope a few centimeters and it is fine). It works well on grass, gravel and concrete.
You will require a hack-saw, an angle grinder and some beer for this project. Maybe a jig-saw, and a hole saw for the base. An understanding wife and some more beer.
Cheers Tim.

[skullmurphy]

Thanks Tim,

The unfortunate thing is that the weight of this 14" unit and the height of the eyepiece once its elevated by any platform would be an issue as it is ideally eye level when aimed at zenith when flat on ground

You have given me some ideas though for sure

Weight, optical tube: 29.1kgs.

Weight, mount / tripod: 43kgs.

Weight, fully assembled: 72kgs.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...1&d=1402577155

Thanks skull

[noeyedeer (Matt)]

hey Scott,
this thread may be of assistance. someone in there has made wheel barrow handles for his 16"

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=120747

matt

[sn1987a (Barry)]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/astronewb2011/6621723983/





and https://www.google.com.au/search?q=d...w=1152&bih=610

[sn1987a (Barry)]

Attach some wheel barrow tyres to the front, many ways and combos to do this then use collared eyebolts and aluminium tube for the handles. Put the scope where you want it then slip off the handles. Ready to go.

[PeterWar (Pere)]

Hello all,
I've thought about reanimating this threat as the OP had the same challenge I'm facing. I just bought a XX14g (I'm excited!), 90% of my observation time will be done by moving the scope just 20 feet away through a corridor door. I don't want to use any platform as the 67" eyepiece height of the scope at zenith is just right for me so I thought about the wheel barrow solution as well.

Could you please share how the current MOD have endured use? Also, some of the links listed to buy the materials to build the mod are not working anymore; could you please tell me where to buy them?

[kenwishaw (Ken)]

Hi all
Faced with the same problem with my xx14g which will be on permanent loan to a local school and happens to have the best observing site in the area. Unfortunately it will be 150 metres from storage to middle of their sports oval! has anyone used the commercial transport trolleys and can they comment. I think my poor back excludes the wheelbarrow option.

[CognitiveBias (Nathan)]

It may too light-duty for dobs heavier than mine (~40kg) but just another idea: I'd looked into mobility options for my 12" dob and ended up building a two wheeled 'trolley' style contraption (inspired by a build posted on CN) with all parts bought from bunnings except the wheels, which i'd picked up second hand from a bicycle shop. A few bolts hold the square aluminium tubing solid to the dob mount. With the mount sitting on the ground the wheels are suspended an inch or so which is great when you're on flat ground - don't need to take them off at all while using the scope but they do sometimes drag a little while slewing on the grass when i'm on the lawn - a couple of R-clips allow the wheels to slide off.
A luggage strap and some foam padding keeps the tube held snug to the mount while i wheel it around. A couple of handles at the top of the tube make it easier for me to maintain a good grip while i tilt the whole thing back until its balancing on its wheels and push it around, up steps etc
I've been using it a couple of times a week for the last 8 months and have found it to work great!
Nathan