Telescope Reviews: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation

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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts

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Jeff-g
member

Reged: 03/23/07

Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation
#3002666 - 03/24/09 06:02 PM

Im looking for ideas on storing / transporting the CG-5 GT mount and tripod.. Anu suggestions...

The JMI Mobile case looks nice but its $179!

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rmollise
Postmaster

Reged: 07/06/07

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Jeff-g]
#3002682 - 03/24/09 06:11 PM

Quote:

Im looking for ideas on storing / transporting the CG-5 GT mount and tripod.. Anu suggestions...

The JMI Mobile case looks nice but its $179!

I went down to the cotton-pickin' Walmart and bought a Rubbermaid type container deep enough to hold both the mount head and my C8 OTA. C8 goes in first on some foam I bought in the Wally-World craft department. Two more pieces of foam go on top of the C8, and the CG5 head rides on top of that. Not fancy, but it has allowed me to safely transport the C8/CG5 rig for several years...and it cost...oh...'bout 10 - 15 bucks total.

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waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: rmollise]
#3002697 - 03/24/09 06:17 PM

Blankets... and they come in handy late at night too.

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mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3002753 - 03/24/09 07:02 PM

I'll second Uncle Rod's container suggestion for cost effective storage. They come in so many sizes at the big box home stores (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) that you can really get creative. If you still have the original shipping foam consider looking for a container that closely matches the foam's dimensions (but notice that most containers also slop inwards at the bottom). Otherwise get some bulk foam and with a sharp knife and some glue create your own custom fitted transport containers.

The other trick I've heard about is a smaller style hard shell golf club bag for the tripod. They can be quite inexpensive and often come with wheels and handles for easy transport. As Gary said blankets also work very well as packing material. I use a moving blanket to wrap my tripod when its packed ... it then becomes the under scope pad when I setup.

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Jeff-g
member

Reged: 03/23/07

Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: mclewis1]
#3002774 - 03/24/09 07:16 PM

Any thoughts as to the tripod its much bigger and beefier then my SLT tripod…

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letimotif
No Complaints

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Actually, right here.

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Jeff-g]
#3002974 - 03/24/09 09:11 PM

I had an extra large Doskocil case left over from another project. It fit the mount w/weights and tripod spreader, cushioned really well with the cut out foam.

The tripod I just wrapped with a towel.

I suppose if I hadn't had the Dosckocil already I prob'ly woulda done the Wally World Waltz. But I have to say that that case gives me a real sense of security when I'm taking it on trips.

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Jeff in Austin
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 02/26/07

Loc: TEXAS

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: letimotif]
#3003029 - 03/24/09 09:35 PM

I went to my local Academy Sporting Goods Store and picked up a 24 can soft side cooler. Lots of pockets on the side for the HC, spreader, cords, cw bar, etc. The tripod is just blanket and bungee. The cw's are (ahem) going in a small storm case. (

Priorities) Hey, I need something strong with a handle to carry the cw in one hand.

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Al Canarelli
Post Laureate

Reged: 12/06/07

Loc: Central New Jersey

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Jeff in Austin]
#3003148 - 03/24/09 10:35 PM Attachment (54 downloads)

I regularly check out a job lot outlet for things like cases. On one of my visits I found a case that was perfect for my Celestron Advanced GT. I bought 3 of them, one for each of two friends and one for my CG5 GT. Here it is...

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Jeff-g
member

Reged: 03/23/07

Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Al Canarelli]
#3003274 - 03/24/09 11:39 PM

Al, what is the inside dimensions on that guy?

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Fred1
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/19/07

Loc: Somewhere in the Orion Spur

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Jeff-g]
#3003332 - 03/25/09 12:21 AM

What's a "job lot outlet" and where do I find one?

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Luigi
Postmaster

Reged: 07/03/07

Loc: MA

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Fred1]
#3003737 - 03/25/09 08:25 AM

Here's an excellent case for $25. I have one and it's perfect for the CG5.

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Al Canarelli
Post Laureate

Reged: 12/06/07

Loc: Central New Jersey

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Luigi]
#3004026 - 03/25/09 12:13 PM

Here's an excellent case for $25. I have one and it's perfect for the CG5.
============================================================
This is the same case which I show Pictured and open above. This case is perfect for the CG5 but they have been sold out for many weeks.

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1965healey
The Snarkster

Reged: 06/23/07

Loc: San Antonio, TX

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Al Canarelli]
#3007188 - 03/27/09 04:12 AM

Quote:

Here's an excellent case for $25. I have one and it's perfect for the CG5.
============================================================
This is the same case which I show Pictured and open above. This case is perfect for the CG5 but they have been sold out for many weeks.

I bought 4 of them when they were in stock; one holds my CG5-GT mount. I use one to hold all my imaging gear; it's large enough to hold my Canon 40D body, 2 Meade DSI's, a Meade LPI, a Celestron NexImage, a couple of webcams, my filters, cords, a couple of focal reducers and all the odd bits for imaging. I'm working on a set-up that will turn on some red LED's when you open the case(s). I may make one into an EP/filter/Bino-viewer/diagonal case. The last one may turn into a laptop/netbook case with all the cords, GP-USB etc to control the mount. They're great cases, I may get a few more if they get them in stock again. My brother has a couple as well; he uses one as a pistol/ammo case for when he goes to work or to the range, the other one holds his tactical gear, vest etc. They're the perfect size for all kinds of gear.

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JadeSmith
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 07/15/08

Loc: SE Michigan

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: 1965healey]
#3020400 - 04/02/09 04:50 PM

for the tripod I ~highly~ recommend this bag
I use it all the time to transport my CG5 tripod. I bought a 2nd one for my EzTouch too.... well made bag, cheap price. bag

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Luigi
Postmaster

Reged: 07/03/07

Loc: MA

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: JadeSmith]
#3021623 - 04/03/09 09:48 AM

I just ordered two of those bags. Free shipping.

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Jeff-g
member

Reged: 03/23/07

Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Luigi]
#3022784 - 04/03/09 08:58 PM

Jade Smith do you have a photo of the Tripod inside the bag?

Thanks

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JadeSmith
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 07/15/08

Loc: SE Michigan

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: Jeff-g]
#3022972 - 04/03/09 10:46 PM

I'll post a few pics tomorrow....

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JadeSmith
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 07/15/08

Loc: SE Michigan

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: JadeSmith]
#3023574 - 04/04/09 10:35 AM Attachment (36 downloads)

Here they are... The EzTouch fits no problem as-is. The CG5 needs to be separated obviously. The bag only fits the tripod, although there is room for the counterweight, counterweight bar, and EP tray. I made a pine box/case for the head assembly using the original shipping foam for the insides for a perfect fit.

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JadeSmith
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 07/15/08

Loc: SE Michigan

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: JadeSmith]
#3023577 - 04/04/09 10:36 AM Attachment (26 downloads)

...and the EzTouch

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JadeSmith
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 07/15/08

Loc: SE Michigan

Re: CG-5 GT Mount Storage and Transportation new

[Re: JadeSmith]
#3023582 - 04/04/09 10:40 AM

The both zip up easily without having to force anything, and they the bags include a shoulder strap too, so carrying them around is nice and easy. I really like the length, because I keep my CG5 legs extended about 6 inches for easier leveling, and the tripod fits in the bag without having to retract the legs all the way. I don't see a reason the spend $70 or $80 for a similar bag from Orion, although I'm sure they're nice too...

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