Storage

[Beardy30]

Am I ok keeping the OTA and mount set up or should I take it all down and store away when not in use ? 

[happy-kat]

What is the mount and OTA you are talking about?

Is storage inside or outside?

[Beardy30]

Nexstar 8se

[happy-kat]

The mount and OTA are not particularly light weight, perhaps it is more can it be carried all in one piece safely for you physically, nothing appears to stop observing more quickly then a hurt back.

When not in use if left setup how will you protect the kit as it is not weather proof?

[Beardy30]

I’ll be keep it in door ..just want know if I should dismantle after each session that’s all 

[johninderby]

I found it easy to carry outside as it’s only about 11kg complete. If carrying it down stairs would take it apart but not oherwise. 

Edited April 19, 2020 by johninderby

[Beardy30]

Just want to make sure that the mount can take the weight and the gears/motars won’t get damaged 

[johninderby]

Yes no problem carrying it complete out the door. If transporting it in a car then yes take it apart.

[Beardy30]

I’m thinking more between session of use at home if the weather is bad , I’m I ok to keep it all set up permanently at home ? 

[johninderby]

Neer known anyone to have any problems with leaving it fully assembled at home. 

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/540482-can-i-store-my-nexstar-8se-with-the-ota-mounted-on-the-arm/

Edited April 19, 2020 by johninderby

[Beardy30]

Brilliant cheers 

[Cosmic Geoff]

I keep my C8 SE fully assembled indoors and carry it outside for use.  I would suggest not disassembling the OTA from the mount unless you have an extra grab handle fitted on the OTA, otherwise there is a risk of dropping the OTA (bulky, no handgrips).  On the other hand you do have to take the mount/OTA assembly off the tripod to accurately level the tripod, placing the bubble level on the machined top plate of the tripod.  (If you are using Starsense, it does not seem necessary to accurately level the tripod so long as you place it on a level surface - another + for Starsense.)

There is absolutely no reason why keeping the outfit fully assembled should be a problem.

[Beardy30]

Thanks