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Post by howie1 on Jul 25, 2016 2:13:27 GMT
www.darkframeoptics.com/product/bodai-global-cloverthree-redWhile the above is great idea, I've always liked the iOptron battery counterweight. Don't need to carry counterweights and a 12V battery ... just carry the counterweight which is itself the battery. Someone there in iOptron thunk hard and was clever to come up with that one! But for travel rigs like the StarAdventurer the batteries weigh next to nothing, and you can't take batteries when travelling in aircraft anyway, you have to buy cheap AA's at the destination. But ... the heaviest component which you have to carry with the SA is the counterweight, so I might just fashion up a DIY version of the bodai idea to lighten my travel rig even more. I'm thinking screw top aluminium jars from Ikea with the lids firmly bolted to an aluminium frame clamped to the counterweight bar like the bodai. You'd unscrew the 'jars' and fill with sand or dirt when you get to the destination and screw them onto the frame/lid bit and hey presto ... you have a counterweight!
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Post by Dragon Man on Jul 25, 2016 2:30:56 GMT
Howie, an old trick that seems to have been forgottom with time is similar to your idea. Instead of sand or dirt you simply fill plastic bottles or containers with water as counterweights. They can be filled with water almost anywhere. Much heavier and you can drink it after you pack up. If you are worried about the water sloshing around inside the container causing movement of the scope, simply push in some kitchen sponges. Job fixed
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Post by Rick in NWArk on Jul 25, 2016 15:47:27 GMT
I haven't heard about that trick, Ken, brilliant!!
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robrj
Member
Posts: 248
home town/country: Escondido, CA
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Post by robrj on Jul 25, 2016 18:03:46 GMT
In the US, only Li-ion or lithium metal batteries are restricted. Even those, you can take in a carry-on bag aboard an aircraft. You just can't leave them in check-on bags or any bag that's checked at the gate.
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