Flying with gear, any issues with TSA?

I took an iOptron Skytracker Pro with me in carryon baggage for the 2017 eclipse. Complete with counterweight and bar. I was asked to open my bag so they could see what it was. Surprisingly, the TSA security guard knew what the counterweight was for and I had no issues both ways! Similarly, I have taken my Fornax Lightrack II and wedge with me in carryon with no issues.

I flew last month from Buffalo, NY to Tucson, AZ with a tracker mount and the WO latitude base, as well as a scope, camera, lenses and accessories and had no problems or even any questions.
Mike

I'm an electrical engineer for a large equipment manufacturer.  I often travel with tons of electronics, some very unconventional, and I've never had a problem.  What I have found is if I put it in checked luggage, then it will get a "random" search and inspection.  This usually isn't a problem, unless you are concerned with them repacking your luggage in a caring, secure manner.  I once opened my duffel bag to find the glass jar Yankee Candle that I had packed securely was sitting on top of my luggage and had shattered all over my clothes.  This resulted in me picking glass out of my skin and feet from all the pieces that fell onto the floor and got lost in the carpet despite all the cleaning I did.

Due to the fact that checking luggage leaves it up to an anonymous person somewhere, I tend to shove all the electronics into my carry on bag if I have anything fragile to prevent an unfortunate discovery upon reaching my destination.  I send my carry on through the security checkpoint scanner, and about half the time I have to take it out and explain what it is.  I don't like to be in a rush, so I usually get to the airport an hour or more before boarding time (except at little tiny airports that I can get through in 5 minutes).  So when they ask me what is in my carry on I calmly and politely explain what each item is and what I do for a living since I am not rushing to get to my flight, and I've never had a problem except coming back into the United States from a foreign country where they want to take the swab to my equipment.

That said, for my mobile astrophotography setup I have a Pelican case for my camera, SkyGuider Pro, and all accessories that is small enough to be carry on luggage.  Having everything packed together neatly and not in a big heap like when I am traveling to the field for work helps as they can see each item instead of a bunch of things stacked on top of each other that the scanner can't penetrate.  As much as I dislike the TSA, it's a fairly thankless job most of the time, and the employees are just people.  I always offer a smile, hello, and chat while going through the checkpoints, and I think that more than anything helps.

What about batteries? I will be flying with a Celestron PowerTank Lithium LT. I think I do need to keep that in my carry-on, but I'm hoping that won't be a problem.