Neville Cole wrote: >The hardest thing is that damn tripod. It's big, heavy, and awkward. > Since I do not have an LX200 12" and one of these tripods, I do not know just how big, heavy, and awkward it is compared to what I am used to. When my telescope was portable, this is the tripod I used: http://users.commspeed.net/stanlep/telescopepage2.html It only weighs about 40 lbs. It is bulky to transport when folded up, but it is extremely rigid and strong. I think I could use it to lift motors out of cars - try doing that with a Meade tripod (maybe you can also). Something like the tripod I used to use probably could have the top modified to take the Meade LX200 12". This is something that someone mechanically inclined and able to use a gas welder could make up. Stan -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.