Mounts like this are rarely taken off the base. The base is also called the tripod hub. Observing tarps are iffy, some do and some don't. I don't. The biggest thing with a tarp is the trip hazard around the edges where the ground will inevitably hold it up a little. If you snag a foot on the edge, you will likely be heading for your scope is bad fashion. A sudden trip with inevitable fall causes brain shut down and jerk reaction - Hands out and anything upright is fair game. That includes a bear hug if you hit full frontal. Use a small ground cover under the mount for assembly if you are concerned and you don't tarp.
Place the mount upright and splay the legs out if you have room. Then pick the mount straight up to desired height and let the legs naturally come up under it. I find this a little easier than sideways assembly.
Floppy controls are the last thing I put on. They are the most inconvenient thing to work around during assembly. Don't back the set screws all the way out to put them on, leave some safety margin. Slide them on till they tap the screw, then back the screw out a hair till the floppy slides on - followed by tightening all in one move. The flat on the stub will be in a convenient position because that is where you will put it when you take them off. YES, it is important to not loose those screws since they are likely an out of production Japan thread pitch (M4X0.75) that is hard to replace. Taps and dies are still readily available. Safety is your call, do what leaves you comfy.
The floppy set screws are often nickel plated brass. They are soft and can easily mushroom. It is common to find these locked into the floppy because the tip threads have been slightly squashed. They will have a natural 'stop' that just lets the floppy slide on and off. Don't over tighten.
Turn the mount saddle sideways so it will hold the OTA easier during assembly. Slide your hands together under the OTA and they will naturally come to the balance point you want in the center of the cradle.
Edited by apfever, 16 February 2025 - 09:21 AM.