Redcat 71 WIFD portability

I  setup and tear down each session as well.

The OTA itself is not too heavy and it is relatively compact.
As long as you detach it from the mount, I don't think you'll have any issues moving it around, even with the imaging train still attached.
Just don't try moving tripod/mount/Redcat all at once.
Also try to be careful when laying it on a table or some other support, hard hits are likely to introduce tilt.

Hope this helps, let me know if you need other details.

Claudio Parisi:
I  setup and tear down each session as well.

The OTA itself is not too heavy and it is relatively compact.
As long as you detach it from the mount, I don't think you'll have any issues moving it around, even with the imaging train still attached.
Just don't try moving tripod/mount/Redcat all at once.
Also try to be careful when laying it on a table or some other support, hard hits are likely to introduce tilt.

Hope this helps, let me know if you need other details.

Robert Ray:
I agree with the previous poster - I wouldn't try moving the Redcat and mount together but it is definitely not too heavy by itself.  It is a fantastic scope and I got it specifically as a portable grab n go scope.     

Robert

Thanks for your responses. It’s good to know the scope is portable. Also noted the advice on moving it separately to the mount.

Mine is not being used portable but I would definitely say that portability is not an issue at all. The total weight with a ZWO 2600 and filter wheel/OAG and Losmandy plate is about 15 pounds and would be a bit less with the Vixen plate.

Nice little scope - not exactly high res but decent quality and easy to use.

Thanks for the comments. I’ve decided to order the Redcat 71. I use an AM5 mount. Is it best to add some riser blocks between the dovetail and tube rings to ensure the focuser knob is clear of the mount saddle or is it better to just rotate the OTA in the tube rings so the focuser knobs are on top?

Also I use an ASIAIR+. I see from pictures the Redcat 71 has 2 screws on the OTA which look like a mount point for a finder shoe. Has anyone mounted an ASIAIR to the scope using a finder shoe?

I have a guide scope which I should be able to mount on the Redcat handle bar saddle.

If anyone has a picture of their Redcat 71 rig that would good to look at and pick up some additional tips.

Here is a picture of my setup.  I have the Redcat 71 WIFD, ASIAIR Plus 256, ASI2600MC-Pro, WO 50mm guide scope, ZWO EAF, and ASI290MM mini guide camera.  The total weight of the scope and accessories is 14.5 lbs.  I have not seen the need for the riser blocks yet - the focuser knobs are in front of the saddle.  The second photo shows how I attached the ASIAIR Plus on top with the WO 50mm guide scope.  f you get the TC40 (which is very light and great for handling), be sure to get a 15-20 lb weight to put in the hammock that comes with the tripod.  This will may the tripod and mount very stable and secure.  I would also get the pier extension (PE200) - it will increase the height and help avoid collisions with the tripod legs.

Robert Ray:
Here is a picture of my setup.  I have the Redcat 71 WIFD, ASIAIR Plus 256, ASI2600MC-Pro, WO 50mm guide scope, ZWO EAF, and ASI290MM mini guide camera.  The total weight of the scope and accessories is 14.5 lbs.  I have not seen the need for the riser blocks yet - the focuser knobs are in front of the saddle.  The second photo shows how I attached the ASIAIR Plus on top with the WO 50mm guide scope.  f you get the TC40 (which is very light and great for handling), be sure to get a 15-20 lb weight to put in the hammock that comes with the tripod.  This will may the tripod and mount very stable and secure.  I would also get the pier extension (PE200) - it will increase the height and help avoid collisions with the tripod legs.

Thanks for showing your setup and the advice on the pier extension. I’ll soon be getting a new filter wheel and I can see the potential for collision with my tripod so I will get the extension.

I think it's all relative   

The RC71 & AM3 are a walk in the park compared to setting up my old CGEM925HD, lol  
I routinely carry the entire setup out.  (typically just from the garage to the yard)  without any issue.  I just make sure to support both the scope and the base while doing it.