shipping a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope

Are there special precautions/considerations in shipping a reflecting
telescope? This is a 20+ year old Celestron C8, which came in a well-padded
trunk. Still, the way these UPS guys throw stuff around...

I've never had to ship one of these but I will probably have to soon. Any
advice from people experienced in this would be greatly appreciated.

-dg

One thing for certain - make sure the alt-az locks are left UNDONE and, just
to make sure, secure the locking tabs in the un-locked position with tape
or similar fail-safe.

Apparently, even if left un-locked, the tabs can work their way back into
the locked position with movement of the scope and then every slight
movement is transmitted with great force through your drive gears.

I know if a Meade scope arrives at the factory with the locks on, your
warranty is null and void.

Although I'm not positive, it seems to me the best position for travel is to
have the scope and arms laying flat, allowing for the OTA to move up and
down without bearing down on one arm, as it would be if the standard
carrying case is sitting upright. Maybe someone else can clarify this point.

Oh yes, also make sure your primary mirror is wound right back to its rear
stop and the mirror locking screw (if the Celestron has one) is firmly in
place.

All this comes from carting my Meade LX200 10" around for some years without
any apparent damage. I think most of it applies to the Celestron too.

Cheers

CJ
"dan glenn" wrote in message
m...
Are there special precautions/considerations in shipping a reflecting
telescope? This is a 20+ year old Celestron C8, which came in a
well-padded trunk. Still, the way these UPS guys throw stuff around...

I've never had to ship one of these but I will probably have to soon. Any
advice from people experienced in this would be greatly appreciated.

-dg