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#1
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A thread on Camping & neat tricks
I was doing my searching before asking what scope might be worth hauling over hill and dale (overnight bedding down, on foot) vs car capming where you load up the house and inflate on site. I came across the following thread; Packable Scope Advice Requested http://groups.google.com/group/sci.a...e068 7e70b265 and was reading about the height/weight of a tripod being a determining factor. Now, all that said I was thinking; would it make sense to use a lightweight tripod but attach underneath a bucket on a string, filled with water or earth/rocks to make it more stable? If this is the 1st time anyone has heard of such a thing (unlikely) call it a 'Berk's Bucket' but if not then let me in on the good and bad points, esp vs something like sandbagging each leg. tia, TBerk |
#2
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A thread on Camping & neat tricks
TBerk,
I think a bucket might be a bit cumbersome for any overland treking. Why not experiment with a heavy bag and some nylon cord to fix it to the tripod. I use a bank deposit bag (with drawstrings) and a few old batteries to fine tune the balance of my 10 sometimes. It works pretty well and saves me from having to lug and tug the counterweight. Ben |
#3
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A thread on Camping & neat tricks
"TBerk" writes:
[snipped] Now, all that said I was thinking; would it make sense to use a lightweight tripod but attach underneath a bucket on a string, filled with water or earth/rocks to make it more stable? If this is the 1st time anyone has heard of such a thing (unlikely) call it a 'Berk's Bucket' but if not then let me in on the good and bad points, esp vs something like sandbagging each leg. Hanging a weight under a scope tripod to increase stability is a well-known trick. You might search the web for a collapsible canvas bucket, which would be easy to pack and carry. If you're the make-it-yourself type, look for a book called _The_Arts_Of_The_Sailor_, by Hervey Garrett Smith. Smith gives instructions for making a canvas bucket with a wooden bottom and ring in the top, (so the sides won't collapse inward when you put a lot of weight in the bottom). I don't know how old the book is, but I encountered it about 30 years ago, and I'm sure it was not new then. -- Chris Jewell PO Box 1396 Gualala CA USA 95445-1396 |
#4
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A thread on Camping & neat tricks
Thx Ben n' Chris. I thought it wouldn't be anything new but threw it against the wall anyway. I wonder what other things people use to help 'scope while on the trail? TBerk |
#5
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A thread on Camping & neat tricks
I wonder what other things people use to help 'scope while on the trail? You could try http://astronomy.concreteairship.com/scope/fix-it.htm Al |
#6
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A thread on Camping & neat tricks
"TBerk" wrote in message oups.com... I wonder what other things people use to help 'scope while on the trail? Two things......Just take along a length or nylon parachute cord and attach it to your tripod then hang a largish rock from it. You could also take along a bungee cord of the correct length and attach it to the tripod and hold it down with a tent stake driven in at an angle. Be sure the ground is solid enough to use this method though.......you don't want anything coming loose unexpectedly! Bill |
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