Advise on carrying a CPC11 on an airplane

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oxygn
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Advise on carrying a CPC11 on an airplane

Post by oxygn »

Hi all,

I;m currently in the states and I would like to purchase a telescope here and bring it back.

Is it possible to bring an 11" CPC home in an aircraft? I figured that most prob wouldnt be able to bring on board. Is it safe to check it in? or is it better to just ship it back? Anyone tried bringing a huge scope back before?

WHat would be the cheapest form of shipment? I don't mind waiting a month or more for it.

Thanks in advance.
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Sam Lee
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Post by Sam Lee »

11" CPC is NOT airline portable !!
It is advisable not to check them in too. You may be paying a lot for the additional baggage weight and the airport rough handling for check-in baggages.

Getting it shipped back is your best option.

Sam
We are the Borg, Resistance is Futile!
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Tachyon
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Post by Tachyon »

Ship it.

You would not be able to carry an 11" CPC on board, and it is too heavy to lug around in the airport (assuming it is still in the packaging box). Note also that it may come in at least 2 boxes (one for the tube and the other for the tripod), and it may be classified as 'oversized' baggage.

With shipping you can also have it insured for peace of mind.
[80% Steve, 20% Alfred] ------- Probability of Clear Skies = (Age of newest equipment in days) / [(Number of observers) * (Total Aperture of all telescopes present in mm)]
oxygn
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Post by oxygn »

What are the shipping options available? Any recommendations? thanks again
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rlow
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Post by rlow »

A few issues to consider:

1. C11 CPC is quite heavy and bulky. The 12.5kg ota cannot be easily removed from the mount, so you may need 2 strong guys to safely carry the bulky OTA+mount up to the tripod head. Are you setting it up permanently in your balcony or bringing it downstairs?

2. You need to pack carefully to provide proper protection for the corrector plate, and not just rely and the standard double-cardboardbox provided. If you can, mark out the position of the corrector plate, then remove and pack the corrector plate separately. No use bringing a broken corrector plate to Singapore.

3. You should check and test the whole system there in USA before packing it to ensure everything is working perfectly. In any case, because you buy it in USA, servicing the warranty will be somewhat a hassle as you probably need to ship item back & forth.
rlow
oxygn
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Post by oxygn »

Thanks Richard for your input. Will note those points. Does anyone have a shipping company to recommend for ocean frieght or shipping, thats reasonably priced.

thanks again.
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VinSnr
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Re: Advise on carrying a CPC11 on an airplane

Post by VinSnr »

oxygn wrote:Hi all,

I;m currently in the states and I would like to purchase a telescope here and bring it back.

Is it possible to bring an 11" CPC home in an aircraft? I figured that most prob wouldnt be able to bring on board. Is it safe to check it in? or is it better to just ship it back? Anyone tried bringing a huge scope back before?

WHat would be the cheapest form of shipment? I don't mind waiting a month or more for it.

Thanks in advance.
Dude, have you seen how big this telescope is? You put both packaged boxes together and they are as big as a coffin (perhaps bigger).

I don't even think they allow you to bring onto a commercial plane.

Get it ship via Fedex, UPS, etc.
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Fuzzy
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Post by Fuzzy »

Yes use a major carrier like FedEx, UPS or TNT.

And be sure to insure your package for the full value, and be aware that you will likely incur the 7% GST charges upon its arrival.
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Tachyon
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Post by Tachyon »

Do note that shipping charges have increased recently in USA. Anyway, if you really want the cheapest try USPS (US Postal Service). Not sure if they will take this size, give them a call.
[80% Steve, 20% Alfred] ------- Probability of Clear Skies = (Age of newest equipment in days) / [(Number of observers) * (Total Aperture of all telescopes present in mm)]
oxygn
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Post by oxygn »

ok thanks again everyone. Do the major carriers like Fedex, dhl, UPS have the option to ship it by sea so that its much cheaper?anyone knows this?
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