8 replies to this topic

[Crypsis]

Hi, I am super new. My first ever equipment started showing up. They are all in cardboard boxes and I need to get them into something more permanent.

I bought a monoprice case for my HEQ5 mount. It just barely fits but the next size up would be very expensive and bigger/bulkier than I need. Would it be ok to store this mount in this configuration, the way shown in the picture?

The top and bottom have minimal clearance so very little foam if any at all would be present at some points. It would only be subjected to this vertical pressure when carrying the case by the handle. 99% of the time it would be laying flat and a non-issue. It seems sturdy but I don't  know much about mounts to know if these areas are tough enough to withstand some weight on these areas during short carrying periods as shown in the pics.

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[carolinaskies]

It looks like you have some depth to the box.

Consider tilting the lower assembly at an angle which should give you some clearance.  You could either make where that lower assembly was higher toward the top, or conversely where the RA/DEC assembly is higher.  You want to have at least 1.5-2" of high density foam protecting the mount from moving around on every side.  Put a 2" block in the bottom and 1-1.5" along the sides.  Then using 1-2" sheets cut about 1/3 the width build up a shelf to achieve the angle. Then put corner tower blocks of foam either side of the lower assembly to keep it from moving. You should then be able to make a foam top block that will fit over the mount and only compress a little while allowing you to lock the clasps of the box.   

[Crypsis]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do have some vertical space. I have all the padding out just for illustration purposes. I might be able to elevate the upper part away from the edge. Your are right. I would have to use high density foam that came with the mount. It is so heavy, it would just compress the foam that comes with the case.

[Rasfahan]

It‘s important to not lock the clutches during transport. Torque on them can destroy part of the assembly.

[Crypsis]

Wow, ty. I wondered why it came that way. I locked them myself wondering why it wasn't always like that, as it was easier to handle. I will unlock them now.

[Rasfahan]

An alternative is to get a bag that fits the styrofoam of the original packaging. In Europe, Geoptik makes bags that are designed for the purpose. They're quite resilient and not too expensive, considering they're astro equipment. Their website is a bit of a Italian-english mixtures but there's plenty of web shops offering their products.

[Crypsis]

Arrggh, I wish I had know about those bags before I cut up the styrofoam, lol. That would be a great solution.

[doole]

I have a fitted HEQ5 Pro case that SkyWatcher sold me. Should have been included , IMO. Even my Takahashi came in a cardboard box. IMO manufacturers that don't sell products complete with fitted cases aren't finishing the darn job. -chris

[RTLR 12]

This is how I pack my mounts. 
 

Stan

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