FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Sentinel Zip

[George Barber <gbarber@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes, thanks Andrew!  The 12" classic is specified to weigh in at 75 pounds.
There is NO way I am going to try to lift a $2500, 75-pound delicate
scientific instrument by myself.  I usually get a neighbor to help me move
it from its home in my observatory.  Once I get to a star party, I get a
helpful friend to mount the scope onto the tripod.  This is all without any
kind of wedge.

Speaking of the tripod, it is a monster as well.  I found an article on the
internet on how to chop it down to size.  That worked well, and what I have
now is a tripod that is lower to the ground, providing greater stability,
and allowing me to sit in comfort and look into the eyepiece.  I can always
raise it if I need to via the adjustable legs.

Someday, I may design a portable "crane" to help with moving and setup of
the scope.  If I do, I'll make the information public.

George


                                                                           
             Andrew Cooper                                                 
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                                       [AZ-Observing] Re: Sentinel Zip     
             11/30/2005 05:27                                              
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Have helped in the setup of the 12" LX200, TAAA'er George Barber has
one, it is really a two person job to get it onto the tripod.  One
strong person could manage, but I wouldn't be comfortable doing it.  The
11" Nexstar I use is a one person job, even my wife can get it onto the
tripod.

I hope to be there, arriving an hour or so before sunset Saturday, again
weather permitting, a last look at the visible satellite imagery before
commiting.

Andrew

Andrew Cooper
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.siowl.com



Janis Schoenfeld wrote:

> <>Hello....We're brand new to SAC and, skies permitting, we will be at
> the
> Sentinel location on Saturday afternoon and into Saturday night. In
> checking weather.com just now, partly cloudy is the prediction for the
> 85337 zip, so we will probably squint skyward about 1 p.m. Sat. and make
> the decision then.
>
> I would also appreciate knowing if anyone is planning on going out there
> this weekend. Allthough we have a Meade LX200 Classic (SC 12") mounted
> on a field tripod, we have never packed the thing up for a trip to a
> remote location. This would be our first star party and we are looking
> forward to meeting with those of you who regularly do this and would
> like to pick your collective brains on what you have found useful as to
> the best contraption configuration to get a telescope of this size into
> the "mobile mode."
>
> Best,
> Janis & Leon Schoenfeld
>
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