FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Novice Question

[Bob Christ <bchrist@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'll share my thinking Stan.  When transporting my 9.25" I position the 
mirror all the way to the back of the scope - to the end of its focus 
travel in that direction - and transport the scope with the eyepiece end 
facing straight down.   This places the least amount of stress on the 
heaviest part (the mirror) and its mounting mechanism.

Given the conditions you've related, I'd really be hesitant to lay the 
scope on its side and subject it to lateral stresses.  I place my scope 
on the auto's seat on top of a couple of towels to help absorb shock and 
place the seat belt around it.  I also secure the upper portion of the 
scope to the seat by tying it to the head rest.  This has worked well 
and I haven't experienced collimation issues.  Your "mileage may vary" 
regarding collimation - I drive a sedan with a softer suspension.  I 
suspect collimation will be in order for you when you reach your 
destination.

Bob Christ

Stan Gorodenski wrote:
> I have a LXD75 10". The other telescope I have had for over 30 years was 
> at one time was portable and is the only experience I have with 
> transporting a telescope. However, it was made by a machinist friend, 
> and knowing how it was made never caused me any concern with the mirrors 
> (a Dall-Kirkham) going out of collimation during transport on dirt roads 
> laying on its side.
>
> I know nothing about the commercially made telescopes and how well they 
> hold collimation with rough handling. Thursday I plan on driving 300 
> miles with it, 10 miles on a dirt road, about 1/4 of which is rough and 
> in many spots wash boardy. I will be transporting it in my van, but it 
> has stiff suspension. Can anyone tell me how concerned I should be about 
> the telescope being on its side during transport? I can stand it up in 
> the van, but it would be more trouble to tie up so it wouldn't fall 
> over. I know I can recollimate it once I get there, but I would like to 
> avoid it if possible since it would just be another thing I have to do.
> Stan
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