You may remember my original inquiry to the list with respect to
locating shipping cases for my equipment. Several other requests
followed, so I thought I would pass along my experience for the
possible benefit of others.

<DISCLAIMER>
I am not in any way associated with these people in any capacity
other than an extremely satisfied customer.
</DISCLAIMER>

I've been working with Don Holcombe:

http://www.flash.net/~donholco/ScopeGuard.html

For a few weeks on getting some custom shipping cases for
my OTA, mount and tripod.

Executive summary: The cases are excellent, give him due consideration
if you're in the market for a travel case.

Details:
I originally wanted to get one case that would hold everything
needed for a night of 'scoping. (sans computer, batteries, etc.)
This amounted to OTA (Takahashi FS-102), mount (Orion/Vixen GP) with
tripod, finder scope, eyepieces and small accessories such as flashlight
and a chart or two. After much measuring, weighing and scratching of the
head it was determined that we couldn't get everything into one case and
stay under the airline mandated 70lb maximum weight.

Bummer, said me.

This was in danger of putting me over the other 'limit' of 2 checked bags
and a carry-on. Of course, with a little imagination that 'limit' can be,
er, overcome. :-) So we designed a large case that holds OTA, tripod
and counterweights. (all areas are divided with hard dividers wrapped in
foam, so no chance of my CW crashing into my OTA) This case weighs about
55 lbs fully loaded. A smaller case (cleverly designed around the
dimensions of the underseat space on an airliner :-) holds the mount,
finderscope and eyepieces. It comes in around 20 lbs or so. Now I can
check the big case with my suitcase and carry the small case onto the
airplane with me. If the flight is packed, I have the added benefit of
playing 'hero' by volunteering to gate-check the smaller case, therefore
relieving me of an extra parcel to carry until I reach my destination. ;->
I've got room in my regular carry-on to handle a flashlight and charts,
so no big deal there.

If anyone is looking for a shipping case, I *HIGHLY* recommend talking
to Don. He builds all the cases to order and sends pictures as the
construction progresses. Pricing is in line with everything else
I could find of similar construction and service is top-shelf.

--Kit


--
Kit Cosper cosper@...
VA Linux Systems www.valinux.com
Director, Community Projects 1-877-VA-LINUX