C8 Storage Question

[Andy38416]

Afternoon,

today I have received my brand new Nexstar 8SE and what an impressive bit of kit it is, much better in every way then my Nexstar SLT.

though I have a question of storage, though this isn’t specific to the 8SE version at all. Can you just leave it permanently set up? I.e OTA on mount arm and on tripod?

i used to keep my SLT like this but thought with the bigger / heavier tube, should I at least keep the OTA off the mount? Also if you can store it on the mount arm, should I point it down and lower it into the mount so it rests on top? Lightly obviously.

just wondering what others do with their tubes? I read on celestron they recommend storing vertically to prevent undue stress on mirrors etc

https://www.celestron.com/blogs/knowledgebase/how-do-i-properly-store-my-telescope

[Cosmic Geoff]

I keep my C8 SE indoors, fully assembled, with the tube horizontal. I suspect others do the same.   As a mechanical engineer I don't buy the 'stress on mirrors' theory.  No idea what the previous owners did, but it does not seem to have affected anything.

I suggest you don't detach the OTA from the mount. Since there is no grab handle on the SE version of the OTA, removing the OTA is a potentially dangerous activity (for the OTA and your wallet, not you). 

With the CPC800 (C8 variant) the OTA is placed corrector plate down for transport and storage. At least that's how mine came, in its original box and packing.

[Andy38416]

Hi Geoff,

thanks once again for your feedback. I must admit I was scared sh**less about trying to attach the OTA to the mount for the first time this afternoon, so much so I left the protective wrap around the tube initially, only to realise I couldn’t get it off once attached, so had to unscrew it and repeat the process all over again. I wouldn’t want to be doing that too many times, especially in the cold / dark and on my solid patio.

i just want to really look after it, but sounds like I am worrying about celestron’s mirror / motor comments too much.