| HOME | CASTERS | QUICK RELEASE TOE SAVERS | LEG PLUGS |
The obvious advantage of the ScopeRoller product is ease of use. Right now, you have to take your telescope tube off the mount, disconnect cables, carry all the parts outside, and then reassemble. At the end of the evening, when it is cold and dark, and you are cold and tired, you have to repeat the process. With ScopeRoller, you just roll your telescope outside--and at the end of the evening, you just roll your telescope back inside.
There are some limitations, however. ScopeRoller raises the height of your telescope by a few inches, and for some observers, that may be the difference between standing at your telescope, and needing a stepstool. Of course, moving a stepstool out is still a lot easier than disassembling your telescope every time you want to use it!
Raising the height of your telescope also means raising the center of gravity--so you need to be a bit more careful to make sure that you don't tip it over while moving it. Hold onto your telescope fairly low, and make sure that you don't get one wheel caught on a sidewalk divider or a rock. Of course, if you take everything apart and carry it outside, you might trip and drop your tube or mount also....
Anything on wheels is going to be a little less stable than having a tripod sitting on solid ground, okay? A few customers have reported that while fine for visual use, there is a bit too much vibration introduced by the casters for astrophotography. We haven't had any problem doing astrophotography, but then again, we aren't doing 30 minute exposures, either.
A few customers have also complained about excessive play in the caster lock causing them to lose alignment on the North Celestial Pole, because the inertia of the telescope and mount couples energy down into the tripod. We have since added a plastic washer into the caster assemblies that reduces the play from a few hundredths of an inch when locked, to a few thousandths of an inch. (Existing customers can obtain this as a field upgrade kit.)
Even with this plastic washer, two customers have discovered that our product has a bit too much play when locked to do astrophotography. How much is too much play? As we measure it, we're talking about at most a few hundredths of an inch of motion as a result of moving the telescope after locking the casters, or fiddling with filters. If your primary focus is astrophotography, ScopeRoller might not be the best choice. We haven't done a lot of long exposure astrophotography with our product. Exposures of a couple of minutes seem to work just fine. (One of those customers tried ScopeRoller because ScopeBuggy had the same problem. There might not be a zero motion caster out there.)
We now have a zero motion caster available!
One of my customers sent a picture of
of his scope mounted on ScopeRoller Deluxe casters--and some long exposure
astrophotos he took--more than two hours. You tell me: are these good enough?
At the current time, we have two competitors: JMI's Wheeley Bars, and ScopeBuggy. We haven't actually used either product, so what you see here is what we hear from our customers who have bought those products--and then bought ScopeRoller. Depending on your needs, you may want to buy the JMI product, or the ScopeBuggy product--or ScopeRoller! We want you to buy the right product for you, instead of buying ScopeRoller, and being disappointed because it doesn't satisfy your needs.
If you need to transport your scope across very rough ground, the ScopeBuggy or the JMI Wheeley Bars with the 10" wheels is probably a better choice than ScopeRoller. ScopeRoller is really better suited to smooth surfaces--although the Deluxe wheels will work okay on grass and relatively smooth dirt.
If you have several different telescope tripods of about the same size, the JMI or ScopeBuggy products may be a more cost effective solution, because you can use the JMI Wheeley Bars or ScopeBuggy for several different tripods. ScopeRoller is specific to a particular tripod. ScopeRoller is much less expensive than the JMI and ScopeBuggy products, so you might find that buying two ScopeRoller sets is no worse than buying one ScopeBuggy or JMI Wheeley Bar.
A number of customers have pointed out that the JMI and ScopeBuggy products, because they use a large frame to hold the wheels and the tripod, can sometimes block getting as close to the telescope as you would like--and if you aren't careful, it is possible to trip over that frame in the dark! ScopeRoller doesn't change the "footprint" of your telescope, and never prevents you from getting close to your telescope or mount.
The JMI Wheeley Bars have leveling screws, and this may be an advantage in certain circumstances.
The ScopeRoller solution weighs less than eight pounds (sometimes as little as four pounds), so you aren't paying a lot of money for shipping. Especially if you are outside of the United States, the shipping charge can be quite substantial.
Most ScopeRoller caster products are available in a Standard, Deluxe, and Zero Motion version. The Standard version uses 4" diameter wheels, and adds about 5" to the height of your mount. The foot-operated brake locks only the wheel. For visual use, this is generally sufficient. The wheels on the Standard model have a recommended weight capacity of 135 pounds each--in most cases, far in excess of the weight of your mount, tripod, and recommended load. They add less than two pounds to the tripod, and require no alterations.
If you need to roll across gravel or grass, order the
Deluxe version, which uses 5" diameter wheels, and adds about 6" to the
height of your mount. The foot-operated brake locks both the wheel
and the caster. Even after vigorous shaking, the mount will
return to its orgiinal position. The Deluxe model casters have a
recommended weight capacity of 280 pounds each.
If you need a version with zero motion for the most demanding
astrophotography, order the ZeroMotion version, which uses 3" diameter wheels, and
adds about 4" to the height of your mount. The foot-operated brake locks both the wheel
and the caster. The caster assembly is a precision bearing made in Germany, and it is
rock solid when locked. They are adequate for hard smooth
surfaces, and will probably work adequately on gravel or other loose surfaces, but if you
aren't planning to do astrophotography, and you don't have a smooth surface, the Deluxe model
is a better choice. The Zero Motion model casters have a recommended weight capacity of 220
pounds each.
In order to make sure that the caster assemblies will fit Losmandy tripods
built over quite a range of years, I have to make sure that the fit isn't
too tight. For the ScopeRoller 8, the leg inserts are .98" to .99"
wide, so that they will fit into 1.00" tripod legs. This sounds pretty
loose, and you might be able to feel it when you wiggle the mount
vigorously. In actual use, it won't be a problem. Even at 300x
and above, everything is about as stable as if you put the tripod legs
directly on the ground. I have built a ScopeRoller 8 Deluxe using
leg inserts that failed my quality testing because they were only .96"
by .96"--and while they felt ugly, they worked fine.
Until recently, ScopeRollers that went inside the Losmandy round tripod
legs sometimes had tolerance problems that had to be fixed with silicone
sealant. We have recently changed the design so that there is now
a socket head screw on the bottom of the caster assembly. After installing
the caster assembly, you tighten the socket head screw and the caster assembly
locks down very tightly.
What tripod leg sizes do we build ScopeRollers to fit? Most G-11
tripod legs are 2.360" inside diameter. One customer measured his
G-11 tripod, and found that two of the legs were 2.362", and a third was
2.358". With the new design used for ScopeRollers for the round leg
Losmandys, tolerances aren't much of an issue--but we encourage you to borrow
a micrometer before you order. You may find that one or more of your
legs have been dropped or damaged--or are perhaps not exactly identical
to current Losmandy production. If so, contact us; we may be able
to find the right size leg inserts for your particular mount, or we might
turn a set for your particular mount.
We provide dimension details below. It isn't a bad idea to measure your legs
before you order. If you don't have a micrometer or calipers, you can buy them at
Lowe's or Home Depot. (Lowe's sells an inexpensive
one that measures to hundredths of an inch; Home Depot
sells a very nice Starrett caliper that measures to about the same accuracy.
Harbor Freight
sells a range of calipers from cheap analog to thousandths of an inch.
Little Machine Shop
sells a range of calipers as well. Once you have a precision measuring device, you
will wonder how you lived without it.
What about vibration in the casters? Remember that rigidity sometimes increases
vibration--having a little play between the caster assemblies and the inside
of the tripod legs doesn't necessarily create a problem. Some customers
have actually reported less vibration with the ScopeRoller 8 Deluxe
casters unlocked. If you need absolute rock solid rigidity for your
five hour exposures of Pluto, this may not be the best choice. In
general, I don't see that ScopeRoller adds any vibration to an existing
Losmandy mount.
Instruction sheets for every product are available online, listed under
each product.
No, we're not recycling returned merchandise. Before we ship a caster set, if we
have that model of tripod, we install them, and take them a spin to verify fit and
function. Scratches on the insert models are because we make these to be a pretty
close fit--and sometimes that means that there will be some scratches where the insert
squeezed into our tripod leg.
ScopeRoller MLX ZeroMotion
Tolerances
A couple of customers have emailed with concerns about the caster assemblies
feeling a little loose. When I ask them if they have actually used
them for observing, the answer is always, "Not yet." That's the last
I hear from them.
Vibration
Why Did My Caster Set Arrive With Scratches And Dirt on the Wheels?
Currently Supported Tripods
ScopeRollerTM SVP
for the Orion SkyView Pro tripod. (It may fit some other Orion tripods as well--check with us
before ordering.)ScopeRollerTM CGE1100 for the
Celestron CGE 1100 tripod.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
| U.S.: $61.23, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. | Canada: US$74.00, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$87.70, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
| U.S.: $76.53, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$89.10, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$103.15, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRoller 8 Deluxe set is $80 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $91.98, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$104.91, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$118.60, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $107.43, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$120.36, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland:Canada: US$134.05, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRoller 8 ZeroMotion set is $105 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $117.73, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$130.66, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$144.35, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $133.18, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$146.11, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland:Canada: US$159.80, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $133.18, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$146.11, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland:Canada: US$159.80, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM 11 Deluxe is $150 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $164.08, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$177.01, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$190.70, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
The ScopeRollerTM 11 ZeroMotion is $175 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $189.83, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$202.76, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$216.45, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $133.18, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$146.11, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$159.80, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM 700 Deluxe is $150 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $164.08, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$177.01, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$190.70, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM 700 ZeroMotion is $175 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $189.83, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$202.76, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$216.45, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $236.18, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$249.11, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$262.80, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Contact
casters@claytoncramer.com
to order. Retailers, please contact us for wholesale pricing.
Instruction sheet: PDF.
ScopeRollerTM HGMT ZeroMotion
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $261.93, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$274.86, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$288.55, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Contact
casters@claytoncramer.com
to order. Retailers, please contact us for wholesale pricing.
Instruction sheet: PDF.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $236.18, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$249.11, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$262.80, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
ScopeRollerTMHGM200 ZeroMotionHow to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $261.93, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$274.86, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$288.55, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
Celestron 93493 Tripod Leg & Foot
ScopeRollerTM 93493
These are available in Standard, Deluxe, and ZeroMotion versions. The Standard version adds 5" to the height of your mount; the Deluxe version adds 7" to the height of your mount; the ZeroMotion adds 5" to the height of your mount. The ScopeRollerTM 93493 Standard costs $120 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $133.18, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$146.11, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$159.80, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM 93493 Deluxe costs $150 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $164.08, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$177.01, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$190.70, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM 93493 ZeroMotion costs $175 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $189.83, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$202.76, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$216.45, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
Celestron 93497 Tripod Leg & Foot
ScopeRollerTM 93497
These are available in Standard, Deluxe, and ZeroMotion versions. The Standard version adds 5" to the height of your mount; the Deluxe version adds 7" to the height of your mount; the ZeroMotion adds 5" to the height of your mount. The ScopeRollerTM 93497 Standard costs $120 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $133.18, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$146.11, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$159.80, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM 93497 Deluxe costs $150 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $164.08, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$177.01, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$190.70, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM 93497 ZeroMotion costs $175 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $189.83, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$202.76, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$216.45, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
ScopeRollerTM NSSHD
These are available in Standard, Deluxe, and ZeroMotion versions. The Standard version adds 5" to the height of your mount; the Deluxe version adds 7" to the height of your mount; the ZeroMotion adds 5" to the height of your mount. The ScopeRollerTM NS Standard costs $120 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $133.18, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$146.11, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$159.80, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM NS Deluxe costs $150 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $164.08, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$177.01, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$190.70, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM NS ZeroMotion costs $175 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $189.83, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$202.76, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$216.45, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
ScopeRollerTM NSSHD
These are available in Deluxe, and ZeroMotion versions. The Deluxe version adds 7" to the height of your mount; the ZeroMotion adds 5" to the height of your mount.
The NSSHD Deluxe costs $210 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $225.88, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$238.81, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$252.50, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The NSSHD ZeroMotion costs $235 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $251.63, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$264.56, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$278.25, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The Celestron Adjustable Heavy-Duty Tripod
These pictures show what the bottom of the legs look like:
I think this tripod may be out of production, but it is Celestron model number 93494. The tripod legs are hollow, and vary from 1.304" to 1.312" inside diameter. Because of the variation in diameter, it is a good thing that there is a 5/32" inch hole near the end of each leg. If you order this ScopeRoller product, you may find that drilling a hole into the ScopeRoller's leg insert through the hole in the tripod leg, then putting a screw into the hole to hold everything in position is a good idea.
ScopeRollerTM CHDADJ Deluxe With 4" Wheels
And installed:
This particular set I made with 4" wheels at the customer's request.
Ordinarly, the deluxe set comes with 5" wheels.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $133.18, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charge applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$146.11, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$159.80, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
Instruction sheet: PDF.
The ScopeRollerTM CHDADJ Deluxe is $150 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $164.08, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada: US$177.01, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | Great Britain & Northern Ireland: US$190.70, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. | |
The ScopeRollerTM CHDADJ ZeroMotion is $175 plus shipping.
How to order by check, money order, or credit card.
To order using PayPal, click on the appropriate button below:
|
U.S.: $189.83, which includes Priority Mail shipping and PayPal surcharge. Idaho addresses will be charged applicable sales tax. |
Canada |
