Bob and all,

Steve Mandel and I used cases from Tenba to transport a complete AP 900 mount and pedistal assembly. They make a great PAD case that holds a 42" high pedistal, footing, legs and tension bars, plus room for extras. Heavy duty zippers, and velcro fasteners, it is octagonal in shape and can be opened at both ends. In fact it can be opened completely into a flat configuration. It is cordura over hard plastic. Tenba also makes PC monitor cases that are ideal for holding the fully assembled 900 head. Hard plastic, foam filled shell covered by cordura. Worked perfect! We just wrapped the head in bubble pack. These cases are all light weight. We've used these on two trips to Australia and all equipment came through perfectly. The cordura covering hardly shows a skuff.

I purchased a second PAD bag that holds my 6" f/7 case tightly. It provided nice outer protection. The OTA came thorugh without the need for collimation.

I've used Pelican cases to transport G11 mounts as well. Very nice, but heavy.

Cheers,


John Gleason
www.celestialimage.com




------Original Message------
From: Bob Luffel <bluffel@...>
To: ap-gto@...
Sent: July 6, 2000 4:27:53 PM GMT
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] Cases


Dave,

Were your cases ATA? (airline travel approved)

I had some Anvil cases made for a mount (GM200) that were ATA rated, and they
weigh close to 20lbs each! (not good for a mount with pieces that are
in the 40+lb range already). Perhaps the extra ATA rating required much
heavier components (and wall thicknesses) than your cases, but the overall
appearance looks very similar. Adding to the hassle of moving the mount
pieces around is the fact that the cases add a lot of bulk.

What I have always wanted to have made for a mount case looks more like
the Tenba case for the Traveler. A fitted fabric padded case (with a hard
plywood floor stiffener) with heavy sewn on handles. I generally just need
some way to easily carry a mount and protect it from the fairly gentle rubs
and bumps it will get from trips in my car or truck.

Has anyone tried to make or have made a case like this? (when I get my 1200GTO
I intend to pursue this).


Bob Luffel

Derek,

Good job finding that website for NRG. I had no idea it even=20
existed. On that site you can get an idea of the case construction.=20=20
As to weight, the cases they made for me are actually pretty light!=20=20
Don't know the exact weight but it is minimal. The secret I believe=20
is the thin, high density plywood they use for a structural base. Of=20
course you never see the plywood because of the vinyl on the exterior=20
and felt or foam on the interior. BTW, I forgot to mention that all=20
of the mating joints (eg: lid to box) have a fine aluminum moulding=20
that engages precisely when the case is closed, making for a great,=20
dust-tight seal. At star parties, besides a lot of interested=20
parties wanting to inspect the 1200 mount, I also get a lot of guys=20
wanting to know where I got the neat cases.=20

Dave Jurasevich

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