I searched through some older threads but thought I would make this one more specific, and updated, as the last one was several years old.
I would like to purchase two separate travel cases for the 1100 RA/DEC. Is anyone using Pelican cases, or similar, for transportation of their 1100? I would love to see some pictures if possible. Sturdy foam is necessary too. I think four cases will cover my needs with the third for CW shaft and weights and the fourth for the keypad, GTOCP4, and accessories but I would really like to see what others are using.

By the way, when I received my mount several weeks ago I had two days of clear skies. Despite that, I patiently waited and practiced set up and tear down. Then clouds moved in over the next several days so I got the CP4 connected to WiFi, tested connection via USB, connected with SkySafari, etc. Later I got APCC downloaded and set up on my Windows 10 VM on my Mac so that was working. Finally this past weekend I got outside and used RAPAS to polar align, then I checked it with SharpCap polar align as I still need to adjust the RAPAS. Fired up APCC, PHD2, and ran some calibration and I was ready. I got 90 minutes of data on M81 and M82 and tracking was beautiful. Everything worked great. Thanks to all at Astro-Physics, the mount is beautiful and working great. The weight of each piece is very manageable for me and set up and tear down is really quick. 
Todd

Hi Todd

Have you watched Tony's (a.k.a Harley Davidson) YouTube video showing the Ridgid toolboxes ? I copied the link below. I am using the same cases for my 1100, and I have lined mine with high density closed cell foam. I needed four cases to hold all of the 1100 components; the Dec axis with saddle plate attached sits in the wheeled case. The RA axis sits in the 22-inch box, and the counterweight shaft and counterweights sit in two of the narrow boxes. All will stack on top of the wheeled box. There is room in the Dec axis case for the GTOCP4, Keypad, and cables.

The Ridgid cases are pretty tough, but I would not recommend them for airline travel. If you are looking for cases suitable for airline travel you probably want to go with a Pelican case, or if they are still in business get some custom cases from Company 7. Their cases look really good but expensive.

You can find the 1.8 density closed cell polyethylene foam on Amazon or eBay. 

I hope this helps.

Mike

ASTRO PHYSICS 1100GTO mount - cases I use for transport - YouTube

Mike this is exactly what i was looking for, thank you. Did they not have a box where the DEC could fit sideways along with the mounting plate? I think I would prefer that but may not be an option with Rigid.?
Todd

Hi Todd

I agree that it would be better if the Dec axis could be stored sideways. There are other brands of these heavy duty toolboxes. I think Milwaukee has a similar set, but I am not sure what the dimensions are.

The footprint of the Dec axis with the DOVELM162 attached is 12" X 16" X 8-1/2". Allowing for at least 1inch of padding all around it looks like a Pelican 1607 case (inside dimensions 21.1" X 15.8" X 11.6") would accommodate the Dec axis plus saddle in a sideways orientation. Pelican sells their cases with a no foam option. You would probably want to use the high density polyethylene foam and cut it yourself.

There was another discussion about storage cases on the forum not long ago, and Roland commented that you need to make sure that the gearbox housings are not subjected to any stress when the mount is being stored.

Mike

Has anyone used soft sided buckets such as:https://www.kleintoolscanvas.com/shop/canvas-buckets-pouches/wide-opening-straight-wall-bucket. as a small, light weight house-to-car-to-setup. 3M and others make similar bolt buckets. Obviously not for shipping but it seems they should work for a separated 1100. Perhaps should add some closed cell foam in the bottom and a rolled kydex sheet to keep the bag open. I might give it a try when I get the mount, scheduled for Auguest. .

John.

My entire mount sans counter weights is within the bottom 2 sections of this Rigid case system.  Bottom sections holds RA, DEC and CW shaft.

THanks Mike. What do you estimate the total weight of that to be? I bet its more than I want to deal with so I would personally rather have two separate cases.
If I transport it to the backyard this would work. But if I travel to our farm in a remote location where its darker then I think I want two cases due to lifting it in and out of the vehicle.

Does anyone think the pick/pluck foam you get with a Pelican or other case would be enough to cradle the RA and DEC? Any other negatives to that stuff? tiny pieces breaking off, etc.?

The original post called for two boxes but since there are one box solutions I’ll leave this rather cost effective solution here.
(The downside of this solution is it is a somewhat heavy “lift”.)

This is from Lowe’s. I think it was like $20.
I estimate the weight to be about 40-45lbs.
I also have a G11 tripod adapter attached to the bottom so that adds to the weight.

I move this from the garage to to car using a furniture dolly (platform with four casters).

This fits in a Model 3 w/ losmandy HD tripod and 12” SCT (and room to spare).
Since I usually (always?) setup near the car moving it at the site is not necessary. I do have to take it out of the car to lift the mount.

Yeah it's heavy at 77lbs.  Putting the counter weight shaft in the other box lowers the weight to 64lbs...still heavy but manageable.

Todd,

I travel every time I image, and I'm using two cases from Condition 1 to transport my 1100GTO.  They have the pick/pluck foam and are working well so far.  I get everything minus the counterweights in the two cases, the CW's go in a tool tote from Home Depot.  With the counterweight shaft included the Dec axis case is slightly heavier (48 lbs) than the RA (45 lbs) even thought the case is smaller, but both are manageable.  I've seen folks put the entire 1100 into a single Pelican style case, but at 80+ lbs that was too much for me.

Do you mind sharing the case model on those two? I looked up a couple cases on the Condition1 website but the depth seemed close for the RA.
Thanks again
Todd

Sure thing:
The RA axis and CP4 are in the 25” XL #024 : https://condition1.com/products/25in-storage-trunk-ip67

 

The Dec axis, counterweight shaft and RAPAS are in the 25” XL #289 : https://condition1.com/products/dji-phantom-drone-hard-case

While they make good cases, Condition 1's website excels at making what you are looking for hard to find.

Scott