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Subject: Re: [M]: Lifting of LX200 attached to tripod.
From: JohnLX200@aol.com
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Sun Feb 15 00:48:03 1998

In a message dated 98-02-14 21:44:19 EST, you write:

<< I would never do that.... lift the scope and tripod by the handles on the
forks. It places more stress on the RA bearing than was intended, and
might either damage the bearing or bend the casting so that the level in
the base is no longer accurate.

But then as I think of it, a scope in polar mode with accessories on it has
probably a similar tangential load on the RA bearing.......

I wouldn't do it anyway!


Paul Goelz >>

CHICKEN!! When you consider the weight of the LX200 electronics box,
the tripod weight on top of that isn't so bad. There's no shock loading
involved in picking it up. Any shock loading putting it down is the same or
less than putting the scope onto a tripod already set up. (Probably less due
to the legs not being rigidly positioned.) So I don't worry about my bearings
... unless you have a marine-battery tray or something attached to it, in
which case the risk of hernia would preclude lifting it anyway!

I very rarely carry an LX200 without the tripod attached.
Just don't pick it up by delicate parts like the dec motor or eyepiece ;-)

Sometimes I use the handles, sometimes the bottom of the forks.
I loosen the locks and hold it close to me to save my back some strain.
I've done this with both the 7" and 10", and it's much easier than taking
the scope off the tripod each time just to go inside or outside.
Unfortunately, I have to take it off the tripod when I take it for a ride in
my car.

The trick is to do this with the legs folded so it's easier to carry. Easier
because it's higher up, and also obviously much easier to carry through
doorways, because it fits! To prepare to do this, get rid of the C-ring on
the big bolt holding the scope to the tripod. Run two nuts down the bolt
partway toward the spreader. Gently screw the bolt into the telescope, back
it out a little, then run the top nut up to the bottom of the tripod, followed
by the lower nut. Jam the 2 nuts together using 2 wrenches. Instead of
putting the spreader arms on the tripod legs, put them between the legs.
Voila' you can fold or spread the tripod legs anytime.

If you REALLY want to use the spreaders during a session, which is unnecessary
IMHO for visual use, get it all set up first. Then if you're in alt-az mode
and reasonably balanced, just unscrew it as needed to move the spreader arms
onto the legs and then screw it in again. Make sure your scope doesn't fall
off the tripod while unscrewed! If you have a wedge or large, unbalanced
accessories, you may need to go through gyrations similar to getting it onto
the tripod and bolted.

John Hopper
JohnLX200@aol.com