Storage and Use
The scope was designed to be rolled into and out of my garage fully assembled, thanks to the two bolts that can be threaded from the mirror box to the rocker box to prevent the top-heavy mirror box from bouncing loose.
The "bare minimum" observing setup--red LED headlight, collimation tools and a couple of eyepieces-- can be left on the tray and transported along with the scope, leaving only the external Marine battery and observing chair for a second trip back to the garage. (I'm likely to rethink this arrangement the first time a Nagler bounces off the tray in transport. :-0 )
I can wheel the scope out, quickly check collimation, and be observing in three minutes. I've gotten adept at what I call 'snap shot' observing-- 10-15 minute sessions I can fit in before heading to work. A great way to track Mars on weekday mornings!
Speaking of transport, I use the rugged Astrosystems cage cover and their nifty truss tube cover when I take the scope on the road. The Astrosystems secondary mirror cover, which I lined with a satin-like material, is my preferred covering for that mirror between observing sessions.
When I take the scope on the road, I wheel it into the back of my minivan. I use standard wooden ramps, enhanced with guard rails to preclude my inadvertently steering the scope off in the middle of the night.
The scope can be covered with the high grade Astrosystems waterproof/UV ray resistant cover if set up for multiple days in the field. However, for at home storage in the garage, I find a large sheet of clear plastic to be easier to get on and off quickly.
Moving the scope
One of the bolts that can be used to lock the mirror box to the rocker to enable safe moving of the assembled scope. (Note the plastic washer used to prevent marring Natasha's finish.)
Ramps for safely loading and unloading Natasha from van. Note the high side rails!
Astrosystems cover in place