I'm gonna need a truck to haul all of this

[Tim99]

I've been thinking about my setup when I get out there to try some DSO Photography.  Just wondering .... You must have to take a little table or something to put your stuff on to get set up.  I've got some nice boxes to organize my equipment.  One for the camera and adaptors.  One for finder scopes, eyepieces, diagonal etc.  Another for the CGEM controller and cables.  Now I have the laptop to setup.

So, tell me how you do your setup procedure.  What do you use for a table for the computer?  Any pictures to share? 

[ChrisLX200]

I suggest you try it from home firrst, no matter how bad the skies might be at least you will get to know what stuff you need to have with you for a session at a dark site. Nothing worse that setting up after a long drive only to find you forgot that essential lead or adapter you can't do without. BTDT.

ChrisH

[Tinker1947]

I would do as ChrisH says, set-up and put all the leads and bits and pieces in a box so it straight in the back of the car nothing missing, use the same box at home just make sure what comes out goes back after its used...

[Pompey Monkey]

I would do as ChrisH says, set-up and put all the leads and bits and pieces in a box so it straight in the back of the car nothing missing, use the same box at home just make sure what comes out goes back after its used...

This is exactly what I've been doing without even realising it

[Scorpius]

Definitely try to consolidate everything into a few organized containers. I have a couple large, tool-box type on rollers with closable lids & was able to adapt the foam packaging the mount & scope were shipped in to make inserts for the cases. The lift-out trays work well for cables, adapters & other small items. Nothing worse than driving to a remote site only to realize you've left the counterweight, power supply, or USB cables in a cardboard box under your desk back at home! It's really easy to overlook something when things aren't stored together in one spot and usually, it's the smaller items that are hardest to keep up with...

Two of these hold my 8" SCT & AVX along with all the cables, adapters, EP's, Batinhov masks, dew heater strips and more: http://www.lowes.com/pd_336429-1156-9124SR___?productId=3355634&pl=1&Ntt=tool+boxes#img

But still had to get one of these for my ES 80 mm frac when that was purchased: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-28-in-Water-Seal-Tool-Box-DWST28001/203051428

And this nylon duffelbag holds the tripod (just barely), suppression pads, a multi-outlet power strip, & a few other small items that won't fit anywhere else.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Protege-32-Expandable-Rolling-Duffel-Bag-Black/11069689

The one that usually gets overlooked by me is the counterweight which isn't stored in any of the above since it's so heavy but hopefully this won't be an issue once my ROR obsy is finally completed... 

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/247778-windy-knoll-observatory-my-build-thread/

[tomato]

+1 to all of the above. Definitely worth settling up at home as if you are at the remote site, there is always something you take for granted at home.

Also very sound advice to invest in some good travel cases for your kit. I thought I could transport an expensive and heavy mount in a plastic case costing less than a tenner and it came to grief in the back of the car. I was extremely fortunate that no damage was done but I learnt a valuable lesson.

With regard to the table, I have a cheap folding item about the size of a card table. It's too small really once it has a laptop, eye-pieces, diagonal and camera on it, none of which you want to have fall off it in the dark.

[Astrosurf]

I've used what's cheapest. I have a bag I got from Wilko to store my cameras, guider and cables etc. I use on old (and I must say, rather trendy!) rucksack of my daughter's for the usual stuff like handset, cigarette lighter cables etc. I have a couple of flight cases for my frac and EPs etc. Then I have an old laptop case for bits and bobs. It works out well. I have an old shopping trolley which I probably will use for carting stuff to sites where I can't park nearby. I keep my eye out all the time for other useful containers.

The main thing for me is my check list. It's essential! Write all your stuff down and add to it as and when. Don't skimp and think you've remembered stuff. If you're anything like me, you won't have!

Alexxx