Now I have to learn how to move it! I decided for (and have now) the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 PRO over the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack. I realized it would be bigger and heavier.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

I decided for (and have now) the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 PRO over the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack. I realized it would be bigger and heavier. But should I go further into the "black hole", I will have saved myself some future spending.

Now my question is: What is the smallest size Pelican case I need to purchase for the drive, controllers, cords, and weights and still provide proper protection? Also, since I am starting with photographic equipment instead of an actual telescope, should I just buy a 6" D - plate to mount it? And what are your finding about which features and nigh vision red LED lights to buy?

alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ

wdross wrote:

I decided for (and have now) the Sky-Watcher EQM-3... (show quote)

I would look at the size of the box it arrived in and buy a similar size Pelican case that would accept the foam insert the mount originally fit in. That way you don't have to customize the foam in the PC. You could leave the top foam for extra cushion. Just my 2 cents worth.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

alberio wrote:

I would look at the size of the box it arrived in and buy a similar size Pelican case that would accept the foam insert the mount originally fit in. That way you don't have to customize the foam in the PC. You could leave the top foam for extra cushion. Just my 2 cents worth.

Good idea. Any thoughts on night vision lights?

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

I agree with Alberio about the OEM packing.
You can also get near-Pelican cases from Harbor Freight Tools.
https://go.harborfreight.com/?s=Cases+for+equipment&Submit+search=

But once you have your gear cased and mobile, it will get easier. Make it easy to handle weight wise so you don't strain your back.

Something I did with my first mount was to simply use Duct Tape on the boxes corners, and flaps to make them hinge better.
Yeah, it's not as fancy as an after-market case. But it's practical.

bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada

SonnyE wrote:

I agree with Alberio about the OEM packing. br You... (show quote)

As for the case, I still use the original box for my Celestron AVX mount. Gorilla tape on the corners and bends is wonderful stuff!

bwa

bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada

wdross wrote:

I decided for (and have now) the Sky-Watcher EQM-3... (show quote)

I've never opted for a red LED flashlight. I use a regular flashlight and simply put my fingers over the front to control light intensity.

As for mounting a camera and lens or camera and small scope, I use a Vixen bar with a Benro 3D tripod head on both a Celestron AVX mount and SA 2i. The head is solid and gives fine adjust on three axes for easy framing.

Clear skies!

bwa

Nikon P1000 mounted on a Benro 3D head on a SA 2i

(Download)

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

SonnyE wrote:

I agree with Alberio about the OEM packing. br You... (show quote)

Didn't think about Harbor Freight. Good chance they will have exactly what I want or need. It could provide the protection I want without as much cost as a Pelican. Thanks.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

bwana wrote:

I've never opted for a red LED flashlight. I use a regular flashlight and simply put my fingers over the front to control light intensity.

As for mounting a camera and lens or camera and small scope, I use a Vixen bar with a Benro 3D tripod head on both a Celestron AVX mount and SA 2i. The head is solid and gives fine adjust on three axes for easy framing.

Clear skies!

bwa

I wasn't aware of Benro 3D tripod head. I will check into it. Thanks for the suggestion.

Ballard Loc: Grass Valley, California

wdross wrote:

I decided for (and have now) the Sky-Watcher EQM-3... (show quote)

You might consider multiple smaller cases depending on the sizes the equipment can easily be broken down onto.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

bwana wrote:

As for the case, I still use the original box for my Celestron AVX mount. Gorilla tape on the corners and bends is wonderful stuff!

bwa

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

wdross wrote:

Didn't think about Harbor Freight. Good chance they will have exactly what I want or need. It could provide the protection I want without as much cost as a Pelican. Thanks.