12 replies to this topic

[Ybkim1]

I have wanted a pier for some time. My Ioptron Literoc tripod works great, but I’ve had a recurring nightmare that one night it will topple over in a stiff wind. My largest OTA is a Celestron 9.25 inch Edge HD, which is bulky and can act like a sail. For a while I considered building a DIY pier in my backyard. I even had the exact location planned out. Problem is, I cannot access all targets of interest from that one location due to tall trees to the south, and so a fixed pier would not work.Enter the Mini 500 Pier TRUK, from Astro TUFF TRUK.

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[ATT]

What a fabulous review, thank you so much Mr Kim for this in-depth article.

It has been our dream here at ATT to finally go international, and working with you to get this first TRUK out was our pleasure, so thank you.

We are so glad that the TRUK ticks all the boxes for your requirements, and the beauty of hand built gear really does help accommodate

any needs to make this hobby as easy as possible to set up and pack up to get out there will little effort to just concentrate on the hobby.

You have made a good point regarding the visual aspect of the Mini Pier as when I designed it, it was predominantly only for getting

through a standard door of around 30" which in turn kind of only made it preferable for AP users as the C/G had to come right down for

safe manoeuvrability, so a trade-off had to be made. Our standard Tripod and 800 pier models have much more room to accommodate

standing spaces for visual users, but some customers have indeed still found a way to have some visual use with the Mini pier with the aid

of a chair but this does depend on many factors like what OTA is in use etc, BUT.... where there is a will there is a way so with like all our

range of TRUK's if "you" the user has an idea, we can always come up with a solution.

Thanks to this first sale internationally we have already built up a large number of global customers to which we are very grateful indeed.

Every TRUK we make is always a personal venture, with many emails or phone calls between ideas to make sure our customers get the

perfect solution for their needs.

Regarding shipping costs, unfortunately all our TRUK's are very heavy from 36kg up to 70kg + so this does hit hard for postage and is

unfortunately out of our hands, so apologies. The only positive of this weight vs cost is the TRUK's do also act as a land anchor, so really

do help with stability not only for when it's planted on its levelling feet but also for manoeuvring as this helps keep the C/G as low as possible.

Thank you again Young, may your TRUK give you endless nights with easy usage.

Clear skies,

Lee and Matt.

Edited by ATT, 01 June 2024 - 06:46 AM.

[JSTAR0057]

Wow!. Great review and this thing looks great. I can see myself with a nice weather proofed shed, and I can roll this out onto a small concrete patio.

[SDR]

Enjoyed your review of the cart. I built a dual cart for Alaska winters. Have an enclosed trailer that is set up with remote computers and winch to store and travel with the cart. I use my motorhome to tow and spend days off the grid in remote areas.

I think I spent less then 1500 in parts to build the cart.

Shane

 

[hsestesphoto]

 

Enjoyed your review of the cart. I built a dual cart for Alaska winters. Have an enclosed trailer that is set up with remote computers and winch to store and travel with the cart. I use my motorhome to tow and spend days off the grid in remote areas.

I think I spent less then 1500 in parts to build the cart.

Shane

 

 

Whoa, any more details on this cart!!

[hsestesphoto]

Nice Review of the Pier Truk... I need this for my backyard setup.

[Supernova74]

I’m sure these Astro trucks serve a purpose and is a definite plus in carrying a heavier! payload from A to B also helps individuals who have a disadvantage health disability and so on.For me personally tho i don’t think I would like to own one for visual observing anyway as there are more obstacles getting in the way with all the frame work etc.its just as bad when you have to avoid those tripod legs also various cables aswell so for my requirements which is only my personal opinion anyway i truly feel this would be an issue for a visual observer! For imaging aspect side of things in the hobby not so much as once setup the telescope and mount do the rest and does not require constant assistance by the individual for the truk to get in the way.

 

I often thought to myself a better alternative would be to have a truk that has either an electronic raising platform or something perhaps that’s pneumatic.So then this would allow you to simply slide the payload off somehow then remove the truk completely out of the way altogether then you are free to move around freely more without any obstacles getting in the way.

Edited by Supernova74, 10 June 2024 - 09:35 AM.

[ATT]

For me personally tho i don’t think I would like to own one for visual observing anyway as there are more obstacles getting in the way with all the frame work etc

Thanks for the input Supernova, and you are 100% right, these trolley systems aren't for everyone, as you make a good point.

The issue is for many, do i have the motivation and strength to carry out 3 lumps of gear to observe with and then after sometimes a long

night, bring it all back in ? There has to be a trade-off and a trolley will always fit that situation for a lot of people.

Ultimately, our TRUK's only really stick out in 3 places past the tripod legs which you are already aware of, we make the TRUK's as visible

as possible with the aid of luminescent maker discs all over the areas that may cause a trip hazard as well as spreader discs that glow to also

help with frame location and awareness.

With the head facing north, there is also a surprisingly large area either side of the main frame for visual viewing on the tripod and Pier models.

Personally for me when i designed and started making them it was all about getting back out there and enjoying the hobby with as little effort as

possible as well as getting set up and packed up in super quick time, so if i have to be slightly more mindful that there are 3 small areas to walk

around plus the fact that all my gear is on the TRUK as well, then its a win win for me

I like your idea of the removable trolley idea though, the question is cost of fabricating such a trolley system to then have to still ovoid the tripod

legs anyhow, so i think that would be a very small market to cater for, but still, its an interesting idea and one i will ponder over at the drawing table.

Clear skies,

Lee.

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[iseegeorgesstar]

Thanks for sharing. Seemed like this may be too hazardous for visual use, still nice innovation. 

[ATT]

Thanks for sharing. Seemed like this may be too hazardous for visual use, still nice innovation. 

Thanks for the post and great comment, the Mini 500 Pier TRUK is for AP only really as it's designed for a low centre of gravity to get through a 30" door or gate.

ATT has larger TRUK's to benefit visual needs, but with all trolley systems, self awareness around the unit is key.

Clear skies George

[NJBob]

Some really impressive rigs!  For my 8" dob (which is more bulky than heavy), I bought a garden cart on which I placed the dob.  Makes it much easier to roll out from basement storage (which is ground level) and move around the property.  It has the added benefit of raising the dob a few inches above the ground making observing positions more comfortable. You have to be mindful of the handles position, however!

[Bonnen]

The Mini 500 Pier TRUK by Astro TUFF TRUK is an outstanding addition to any astrophotographer's gear! However, if your cart could come equipped with a lithium battery, it would be even better. The lithium battery options might provide some inspiration.

[ATT]

The Mini 500 Pier TRUK by Astro TUFF TRUK is an outstanding addition to any astrophotographer's gear! However, if your cart could come equipped with a lithium battery, it would be even better. The lithium battery options might provide some inspiration.

Thanks for the kind and positive feedback Bonnen, its greatly appreciated.

We shall certainly have a look at your battery options too, thanks for the link,

Lee & Matt.