Hi there,
I’d be interested to know if owners of the Redcat 71 WIFD would consider it to be relatively portable. I’m very interested in the scope. I setup and tear down each session and carry my imaging gear up/downstairs so I’m looking for a reasonably portable scope. I know the question is a bit subjective, but I’m interested in anyone’s view on this.
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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.
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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
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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.
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I bought a case large enough to hold my RedCat71 with ASIAir+, and ASI 2600MC Duo. Plucked foam out to hold the hole setup. Easy to pack away and easy to grab and mount to AM5.
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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.
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For me, before i shipped it to StarFront, i was using it in my yard on an AM3 mount. It was light enough that i didnt even disassemble it every night i just carried the entire rig in and out of the house (about 25 yards). Just walked very very carefully  |
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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.
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 Yes I use the riser blocks from William Optics that color match the scope. Here’s a picture of my Rig. Redcat 71 WIFD ZWO AM5N William Optics 32mm Uniguide Guide Scope (with ZWO Helical Focuser attached) ZWO TC40 Tripod ZWO PE200 Pier Extension ZWO ASI2600MM Pro (Imaging Camera) ZWO ASI220MM (Guide Camera) ZWO EAF ZWO 5x2 EFW ZWO ASIair Plus (Gen 2) Dew Control brand Dew Straps - Custom size straps, custom cord size and DC connections to work with ASIair
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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.   |
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Vinny Vent:
Yes I use the riser blocks from William Optics that color match the scope. Here’s a picture of my Rig.
Redcat 71 WIFD
ZWO AM5N
William Optics 32mm Uniguide Guide Scope (with ZWO Helical Focuser attached)
ZWO TC40 Tripod
ZWO PE200 Pier Extension
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro (Imaging Camera)
ZWO ASI220MM (Guide Camera)
ZWO EAF
ZWO 5x2 EFW
ZWO ASIair Plus (Gen 2)
Dew Control brand Dew Straps - Custom size straps, custom cord size and DC connections to work with ASIair Thanks very much for the picture. It’s really helpful to see your rig. I didn’t know WO did riser blocks for their scopes. I’ll definitely be ordering those to go with the scope. I use Dew Control straps too. They’re great with the custom cable length and connectors.
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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.
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I have the WO gran turismo gt71, which is similar. I move the entire rig to the back yard regularly, just leaning it on my shoulder. Total weight is about 20lbs. I agree carrying the scope by itself is a good idea if the terrain is unfamiliar or in the case of stairs.
it’s been a pleasure at club meetings. I lay the entire thing in my car trunk, on a padded bed (one side has no fragile protrusions). The scope sinks in enough to support the entire optical train. Upon arrival, it is simply lifted out and plopped down. Ready to calibrate and shoot. Not quite as convenient as a SeeStar, but it makes a much more sophisticated image!
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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.  |
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I have to carry my entire setup downstairs every time and it's no problem at all. ZWO AM5N, RedCat 71 and the imaging train is not that heavy. It's a great and very portable setup. If you plan on traveling a lot, I would consider the RedCat 51 and the ZWO AM3 though.
Clear skies.
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Vinny Vent:
Yes I use the riser blocks from William Optics that color match the scope. Here’s a picture of my Rig.
Redcat 71 WIFD
ZWO AM5N
William Optics 32mm Uniguide Guide Scope (with ZWO Helical Focuser attached)
ZWO TC40 Tripod
ZWO PE200 Pier Extension
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro (Imaging Camera)
ZWO ASI220MM (Guide Camera)
ZWO EAF
ZWO 5x2 EFW
ZWO ASIair Plus (Gen 2)
Dew Control brand Dew Straps - Custom size straps, custom cord size and DC connections to work with ASIair How is your Asiair attached in that pic I can't figure it out, I've got the exact same setup just wondering where to put my asiair. Thanks
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