11 replies to this topic

[kim.davis]

Hi, I am planning to install a ZWO EAF to my refractor AT90EDX. My concern is that the connection part looks weak structally, might break or cause focuser bending when transporting it. I wonder how you carry on or store your EAF installed refractor securely.

Edited by kim.davis, 19 May 2025 - 06:13 PM.

[Jim Waters]

Are you using the supplied ZWO/EAF mounting bracket?  I keep my SVX90T in a storage box I got at Home Depot and foam I got from Joanne's; RIP Joanne's.  I cut out the foam for the EAF.  

 

Old picture with a SW Esprit 100ED Triplet and Pegasus Astro focuser.  The power block is covering the focuser.

https://flic.kr/p/2oj3EGJ

 

 

Home Depot Storage Box

https://www.homedepo...19CHE/332586507

[MCX2]

I own the AT90CFT with a ZWO EAF installed and the scope still fits in the padded Astro-Tech soft case it shipped with.  You just have to flip the scope upside down when stored, and take out a small piece of the pre-perforated foam.  I would think the AT90EDX would be almost identical.  

[DeanS]

I remove mine, and bring drawtube in all the way.  Better safe than sorry.

 

When I set back up I move the focuser to the setting it was before and attach EAF.  

[Jim Waters]

You remove the EAF?

[edwyun]

I store the EAF installed with cut foam in the travel case.  For rigidity, I use standoffs and two screws on the EAF...

 

 

 

Edited by edwyun, 19 May 2025 - 10:58 PM.

[Jim Waters]

I store the EAF installed with cut foam in the travel case.  For rigidity, I use standoffs and two screws on the EAF...

 

 

 

Nice setup.

[Celerondon]

Hi Kim,

 

When I installed the EAF on my WO RedCat 71 WIFD, it became immediately clear that the original WO soft case would no longer accommodate the telescope. This discovery was disappointing at first. After some research, I found a storage and travel solution that is rugged and still compliant with airline carry-on size restrictions.

 

The WO RedCat 71 WIFD is a snug fit in this Condition 1 case. Now I have a portable case that meets the standard dimensions for airline cabin baggage. The pluck foam made the initial configuration simple. However, I did need to remove the refractor’s handle in order to make it fit.

 

During a recent flight, the case drew attention at the TSA checkpoint. One of the agents held up our line for several minutes while he examined the telescope’s X-ray image from different angles. From where I stood at the end of the belt, I could see the screen—this airport’s layout allowed a full view of the X-ray display. The image of the RedCat looked incredible in 3D. At first I thought I was in for extra screening, but then I realized the guy was just enjoying the view. I joked with him about how cool it looked. He let me go after a moment or two, though I did wish I had snapped a picture of that screen.

 

Next time, I will place my iPhone in a bin that is ahead of the telescope case. That way, I will be ready—if I decide to risk trying to get a photo of that screen.  

 

Don

 

 

 

[kim.davis]

Thank you all for your valuable inputs. And sorry for the late response.

My concern is if the connection is structally weak or not when i carry it with EAF for travel. I think the most vulnerable part in the focuser is the shaft, possibly bending.

[Yomamma]

I've got an Optec on my Esprit 100 and it sticks out only a few cm longer than the stock focuser so I just cut out some extra foam from the Esprit's carry case and it fits and is secure.

[PIEJr]

When I was packing my telescope around, I would roll it up in a Harbor Freight moving blanket and throw some duct tape around it to hold the blanket.

Then I would carefully pack it in the RV or back seat of my truck to haul it around.

 

In my opinion, the more you disassemble things, the more you introduce the possibility for damage and inaccuracies when you reassemble it.

So I found simply removing the telescope as a unit from my mount made setting it up a lot easier.

Then, handle with care.

 

Now, I realize the stars there, look the same as the stars here.

So I stopped running around chasing skunks and coyotes.

 

Now I live and do my AP from the backyard, and walled off the skunks and coyotes around me.

 

Our new neighbors and their obnoxious yard lights. (Notice the dark house. But the yard lights left on.

Really considerate. 

 

My solution was to add the wall topper on the side wall. Now they can stare at my 8 foot wall.

And I enjoy the dark.

 

 

[kim.davis]

I've got an Optec on my Esprit 100 and it sticks out only a few cm longer than the stock focuser so I just cut out some extra foam from the Esprit's carry case and it fits and is secure.

Looks like Optes EAF is pretty compact, much smaller than ZWO EAF. But it's $$.