JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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As some of you know, I've been fretting over shipping my lx200 from the west coast to here in Ontario. I thought I'd got myself to the point where I'd have to crate it very well and take my chances since not even my home insurance was willing to cover it in transit. However, as I contacted ups and asked for an updated shipping rate, they informed me I could get 100% loss & damage coverage if they could pack it. As you might guess, I'm interested.
Now here's the catch...."It is 100% coverage, no questions asked once there has been proof of damage, say from a photo. You would also have to prove the actual value of the equipment if it is used. Original invoice with a scale for depreciation (reaonable scale)." I believe I can get the original invoice (purchased in 2003), but what would be a 'reasonable' scale for depreciation? Any ideas? Thanks! 
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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Joad
Wordsmith
Reged: 03/22/05
Posts: 11919
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Calling Uncle Rod . . .
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Spoonsize
Vendor/Clothing
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 2184
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While you are hunting down the value of the scope...how about placing an ad to RENT an original shipping container for the length of time it would take to ship it. IF I had one I'd be more than happy to oblige.
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Steve Durham
www.margesmonograms.com
(Marge made me do it)
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southmike
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/22/04
Posts: 2820
Loc: Fayetteville, NC
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no oem boxes?
electrical tape the cover plate on..it wont leave much residue. and take the finder off.
buble wrap..at least an 2~3" then a decent tight box .
now find a box about 3" larger then that. pour 3" of peanuts in the bottom , add the box fil around it.
repeat again. that gives you triple layers of card board
4~6 inches of peanuts and another 2" of bubble wrap.
you can hit that with a baseball bat probably.
note do not use peanuts on the first layer, the item can wiggle and settle .. bubble wrap keeps it floating.
the box is too big to settle. so peanuts ok for that.
appliance stores, sports stores and medical supply shops are great sources for large boxes, or cardboard that can be cutdown to make a box.
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group scope pic
my refractors
LX200 10"-St120
LX200 8" f6.3-Orion 80ed
LX200 8" f10-Orion 90 Mak setup pic
Meade 102ED LXD650
Sky Watcher 100 ED Triplet prototype
Nexstar 5
etx125
etx70's
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NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 12070
Loc: Rockford Illinois
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A 10" LX200 GPS... I've seen them sell for $2600-$2900. (Sold new for $3234.00. At least thats what I paid...) But thats the "SMT" model. For your
s. I'd probably think about $300(ish) less... And up until only a few months ago, when they started the whole new "R" and now "ACF" optics, the LX200 GPS was still the CURRENT model... Which means that depreciation is NOT as much as some would believe. It's not like a car.
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Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
 Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
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JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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Quote:
While you are hunting down the value of the scope...how about placing an ad to RENT an original shipping container for the length of time it would take to ship it. IF I had one I'd be more than happy to oblige.
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Steve Durham
If you mean the original molded styrofoam & the Meade imprinted cardboard wrapper...I have it. While I suspect it will be enough to protect it (inside a double-walled cardboard box), its the insurance I'm more worried about. If they lose it, if they run over it, if they drive a forklift into it...here's $3 per $100 value. I manage a big box store, a lot of unintentioned things happen.  Appreciate the offer though 
*By the way SouthMike, GREAT packing ideas! I'll keep those for when I eventually sell my classic scope* 
Quote:
A 10" LX200 GPS... I've seen them sell for $2600-$2900. (Sold new for $3234.00. At least thats what I paid...) But thats the "SMT" model. For your
s. I'd probably think about $300(ish) less... And up until only a few months ago, when they started the whole new "R" and now "ACF" optics, the LX200 GPS was still the CURRENT model... Which means that depreciation is NOT as much as some would believe. It's not like a car.
Thats interesting, I've seen them selling on astro buy&sell up here for along those prices...but I thought the 'SMT' model was standard, what's different about it? 
I'll have to try and translate this into a depreciation scale...
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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Bob Griffiths
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 4187
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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Hey Jeff.... not like a regular car for sure ! ...
However I insure several collector cars that the insurance company (American Collectors) actually increase my coverage 1-2% every 3 months to reflect the appreciation of the darn things during the year & adjust the premium the following year. It is actually very cheap BUT they have a ton of restrictions on how the car is stored and driven.....
BUT ... with a scope...I would imagine one could collect the selling or at least the asking price of used ones for sale on the various sites that have classified sections like CN .and print out the ads etc.....
Bob G.
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CPC1100
Nexstar 8i + GPS & Rays Brackets
Denk S1 power switch
Orion 100 mm Refractor
Meade LXD 55 ...AR-5 127 mm Refractor
Exploradome Observatory S.I.E. (Smiling Irish Eyes)
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
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Bill W.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 1437
Loc: Western PA, USA
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I shipped my LX200 several times through UPS in it's original box with the original foam and have never had a problem. I insured mine for what it would cost to replace the scope. If UPS would have questioned the amount I would have told them it was a highly modified LX200. I drive for UPS too... 
-Bill
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Orion Atlas EQ-G (EQMOD), SBIG ST-2000XM & AO7
Stellarvue SV66ED
Skunk Hollow Observatory
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southmike
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/22/04
Posts: 2820
Loc: Fayetteville, NC
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all about replacement value....
or you could always "find" a receipt with the proper value.
or take out a policy just for the scope, as you would with a wedding ring etc...
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group scope pic
my refractors
LX200 10"-St120
LX200 8" f6.3-Orion 80ed
LX200 8" f10-Orion 90 Mak setup pic
Meade 102ED LXD650
Sky Watcher 100 ED Triplet prototype
Nexstar 5
etx125
etx70's
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JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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Quote:
I shipped my LX200 several times through UPS in it's original box with the original foam and have never had a problem. I insured mine for what it would cost to replace the scope. If UPS would have questioned the amount I would have told them it was a highly modified LX200. I drive for UPS too...
-Bill
Interesting, a UPS employee... Stating a higher (modified) price, wouldn't you need invoices to back it up for an insurance claim
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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Quote:
...or take out a policy just for the scope, as you would with a wedding ring etc...
Tried that, house insurance doesn't want the responsibility til its here. Even Lloyds wouldn't touch it - thot they insured anything for a price. 
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 12070
Loc: Rockford Illinois
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I'd still look into the "Replacement" value... My main point was that until only recently, that scope was the "Current" model. Mo matter how old yours was, it was the same as the "new" ones. Now, the new ones are different, and thats how insurance would see it.
Oh, and the SMT stands for "Smart MounT". I don't think the early GPS units had that, but the newer ones do.
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Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
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Bill W.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 1437
Loc: Western PA, USA
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I always insured my LX200 for what it was worth to replace it. It would have got ugly had UPS ever damaged the scope and denied to pay the full amount. I'd pull out a Sky & Telescope and show them what it would cost to replace the scope especially if it was damaged beyond repair. There's no way people have reciepts for everything they ship that's valuable. Ebay might also be a good source for valuing a used LX200 if you really want to know what it's market value is. That's just my take... I didn't look at is over inflating the insurance... I looked at it as... if they broke it they'd buy me another one.
-Bill
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Orion Atlas EQ-G (EQMOD), SBIG ST-2000XM & AO7
Stellarvue SV66ED
Skunk Hollow Observatory
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NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 12070
Loc: Rockford Illinois
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Quote:
I didn't look at is over inflating the insurance... I looked at it as... if they broke it they'd buy me another one.
Good point...
Here's another thought, although you might not like it...
I once had to ship something fragile and asked about insurance for it... UPS told me they do NOT insure "Glass". So a telescope may give you problems...
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Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
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Bill W.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 1437
Loc: Western PA, USA
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Quote:
I once had to ship something fragile and asked about insurance for it... UPS told me they do NOT insure "Glass". So a telescope may give you problems...
I've never heard that before and I've been working there 23 years. My only thought is they meant just a piece of glass. But, glass on a telescope would be fine. That's just my opinion. Every time I've ever shipped my LX200 the box has come back in good shape. Meade made those boxes well.
-Bill
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Orion Atlas EQ-G (EQMOD), SBIG ST-2000XM & AO7
Stellarvue SV66ED
Skunk Hollow Observatory
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blatterjr
sage
Reged: 08/13/07
Posts: 263
Loc: Saint Petersburg Florida
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They do insure telescopes. I have had to collect before on a total loss. There was no issues... it was an 8" LX200. There was no proof needed for the value of the item. They paid replacement. This was 5-years ago.
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Robert
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Meade 12-LX200-ACF
BINO: Nikon AEX 10x50 6.5°
DSLR: Nikon D70+CCPro2
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Saint Petersburg Florida
27°47'22.92"N , 82°43'09.48"W
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Bill W.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 1437
Loc: Western PA, USA
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Quote:
They do insure telescopes. I have had to collect before on a total loss. There was no issues... it was an 8" LX200. There was no proof needed for the value of the item. They paid replacement. This was 5-years ago.
That's good to hear that you had no problems with getting paid. Sorry to hear about the scope. The times I've done claims for UPS I basically looked at one thing. Was it packed well enough? If it was I approved the claim. If someone cares enough about what they're shipping they'll take the time to pack it well. I would always suggest using Meade's boxes with their foam (very important)... or use a JMI case with foam cut for the scope. If the box is damaged and was obviously abused and packed right you're chances are very good that you'll get paid with many questions. If it would get damage keep all of the original packing. The reason being is UPS looks at how much packing was in the box to determine if the item was properly packaged. I did see a post a couple of years ago where a guy was complaining that UPS destroyed his LX200. He shipped it in a Meade box but instead of using the original foam he used peanuts!!! The peanuts settled and basically were crushed by the weight of the scope. Then the scope just basically bounced around inside the box... UPS denied that claim. I'd recommend against using peanuts of any sort. I personally would only ship something the size of a LX200 with the scope surrounded by foam cut specifically for that scope.
-Bill
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Orion Atlas EQ-G (EQMOD), SBIG ST-2000XM & AO7
Stellarvue SV66ED
Skunk Hollow Observatory
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fastrudy
super member
Reged: 04/09/06
Posts: 164
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Have you considered FedEx freight? I think they insure it.
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southmike
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/22/04
Posts: 2820
Loc: Fayetteville, NC
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well I am getting ready to ship my lx200 10"..
best price seems fedex so far...so we will see.
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group scope pic
my refractors
LX200 10"-St120
LX200 8" f6.3-Orion 80ed
LX200 8" f10-Orion 90 Mak setup pic
Meade 102ED LXD650
Sky Watcher 100 ED Triplet prototype
Nexstar 5
etx125
etx70's
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JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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Quote:
Quote:
They do insure telescopes. I have had to collect before on a total loss. There was no issues... it was an 8" LX200. There was no proof needed for the value of the item. They paid replacement. This was 5-years ago.
That's good to hear that you had no problems with getting paid. Sorry to hear about the scope. The times I've done claims for UPS I basically looked at one thing. Was it packed well enough? If it was I approved the claim. If someone cares enough about what they're shipping they'll take the time to pack it well. I would always suggest using Meade's boxes with their foam (very important)... or use a JMI case with foam cut for the scope. If the box is damaged and was obviously abused and packed right you're chances are very good that you'll get paid with many questions. If it would get damage keep all of the original packing. The reason being is UPS looks at how much packing was in the box to determine if the item was properly packaged. I did see a post a couple of years ago where a guy was complaining that UPS destroyed his LX200. He shipped it in a Meade box but instead of using the original foam he used peanuts!!! The peanuts settled and basically were crushed by the weight of the scope. Then the scope just basically bounced around inside the box... UPS denied that claim. I'd recommend against using peanuts of any sort. I personally would only ship something the size of a LX200 with the scope surrounded by foam cut specifically for that scope.
-Bill
First, I'll like to say all you guys(&girls?) are great! Excellent information & ideas!
Secondly, in reference to this post, I want to ship 3 items by UPS. The scope/mount, the oem foam/wrapper for the scope, and the tripod. To insure them they want to package them - I'm hoping they leave the scope in the oem packaging and package that...but will they? I'm sure, after I securely lock down any loose pieces they will pack & ship the tripod fine. I'm taking the eps, the binovues, and other loose stuff with me.
By the way, is it easier for ups to deliver it to a business or a residence? Thanks!!!
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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Quote:
Have you considered FedEx freight? I think they insure it.
Not available in the wee little town I'm shipping from, good option though. Thanks
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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southmike
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/22/04
Posts: 2820
Loc: Fayetteville, NC
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I just upsed my scope..
we shall see.
ota box weighed in a wooping 105 lb's
it is sitting in oem grey foam..hard case, oem cardboard box. then I cut down a frig cardboard box.. short of falling off a truck it should be ok..
tripod and accessories went into a triple box with some padding..
my wallet barked at me and ran out the door when i got the bill though...160 bucks.
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group scope pic
my refractors
LX200 10"-St120
LX200 8" f6.3-Orion 80ed
LX200 8" f10-Orion 90 Mak setup pic
Meade 102ED LXD650
Sky Watcher 100 ED Triplet prototype
Nexstar 5
etx125
etx70's
|
JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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Quote:
I just upsed my scope..
we shall see.
ota box weighed in a wooping 105 lb's
it is sitting in oem grey foam..hard case, oem cardboard box. then I cut down a frig cardboard box.. short of falling off a truck it should be ok..
tripod and accessories went into a triple box with some padding..
my wallet barked at me and ran out the door when i got the bill though...160 bucks.
Was that 105lbs actual weight, or dimensional weight. Its hard to imagine the former...the scope & mount are (supposed to) weigh 62lbs, the styrofoam + outside box weigh 43lbs  Ouch.
Oem grey foam? I thought (correct me if I'm wrong) the oem foam was white.
$160's not bad, but what distance are you shipping it? By air or by ground? They gave me a ball park figure of $135 by ground in 5 days. Personally I don't care about the cost so much as I do the packing, handling & insurance. My other option from that wee little town was a moving company & they wouldn't pick up less than 500lbs...and charge me a minimum of $800! 
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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Quote:
I shipped my LX200 several times through UPS in it's original box with the original foam and have never had a problem. I insured mine for what it would cost to replace the scope. If UPS would have questioned the amount I would have told them it was a highly modified LX200. I drive for UPS too...
-Bill
Mr.UPS, sir, any idea what they charge to pack an item? Thanks!
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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Bill W.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 1437
Loc: Western PA, USA
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Quote:
Mr.UPS, sir, any idea what they charge to pack an item? Thanks!
UPS will not package an item... at least at the building I work out of and it's a midsized building. Maybe the do it in a bigger town... not here. I think the UPS Store or something like Mailboxes, etc. will box something up for you. I hope you have the scope's original packing. The original foam for my scope was a dark gray. As far as business vs. residential... one isn't any easier than the other. But, you will get a cheaper rate by having it delivered to a business.
-Bill
--------------------
Orion Atlas EQ-G (EQMOD), SBIG ST-2000XM & AO7
Stellarvue SV66ED
Skunk Hollow Observatory
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JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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Quote:
The original foam for my scope was a dark gray.
-Bill
That sounds like high-density foam, not styrofoam. I'll have to check with my brother about the oem packaging.
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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Joseph Gillman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/06/05
Posts: 2342
Loc: Boothwyn, PA
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They used to have this good quality dark grey foam like what you can still find in a pelican case. Then they switched (along with Celestron) to this filler stuff they spray into a plastic bag. The first time you open the box, the little styro threads and bits and pieces get everywhere
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Meade RCX400 30cm --
People dont like when I stick up for Meade but they're just jealous of my RCX
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Bill W.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 1437
Loc: Western PA, USA
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My LX200 was a Classic. So, that would explain why I had gray foam. It's amazing what companies will do to save a few cents...
-Bill
--------------------
Orion Atlas EQ-G (EQMOD), SBIG ST-2000XM & AO7
Stellarvue SV66ED
Skunk Hollow Observatory
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JanS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/24/05
Posts: 566
Loc: K/W
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Quote:
They used to have this good quality dark grey foam like what you can still find in a pelican case. Then they switched (along with Celestron) to this filler stuff they spray into a plastic bag. The first time you open the box, the little styro threads and bits and pieces get everywhere
I'm told I have grey foam too. No receipt tho, will have to get the vendor to send me a copy.
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GOTO #106 75mm f17
Meade 10" LX200GPS EMC w/UHTC
TeleVue BinoVue
(2) 24mm Panoptics
A whack of Meade Super Plossls
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Skywatchr
Carpal Tunnel
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