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Re: ATM Binocular Chairs

> From: "Castle, Robert LCDR" <RCastle@comdt.uscg.mil>

> I am interested in hearing from anyone who is or has designed,
> developed, thought about a reclining chair-like mount for large format
> binoculars (20X80 etc.). I have personally spoken to Randall Wehler,
> Lloyd Adam, Glenn Harnishfeger, and Randal McClelland about their
> projects. I also have a design/prototype approx 60% complete but I
> always welcome a fresh viewpoint and ideas. Please respond if you would
> like to talk about this topic.

I didn't make a binocular chair per se, but I did make a large alt-az 
tripod for 25x100 binocs (copped the design from Berry's book - 
the design for the long refractor tripod!) with legs long enough 
that:

1.  For observing objects on/near the horizon I bring the legs close 
together and I stand while observing - that seems comfortable for me.

2.  For observing objects at higher elevations I widen the tripod 
legs (held from opening farther with light duty chain) a good bit, 
the binocs are now much lower, and I can put a chair and myself 
below the binocs.  (The cradle that carries the binocs extends them 
about 10 inches or so away from the tripod.  My legs extend under 
the area of the tripod legs but I made it with enough room for me 
and I'm 6'4".)  It's pretty comfortable that way too, but I need a 
better head rest for extended sessions - and observing near the 
zenith is kinda uncomfortable.  (It does look silly but I only do 
this in darkness!  ;-)

This is not a perfect design, but I didn't have to incorporate a 
chair in the design, it was simple to build just the tripod, and any 
old chair will do, including a folding, cloth chair for added 
portability.  (Yeah, like a six foot tripod is portable!  But then 
I've been known to hike up mountains with seven foot skis on my 
shoulder and then ski down!)

Hope this helps.

Tom Krajci

PS.  Go Air Force!

Capt Tom Krajci
B-52 Intelligence Officer
"In God we trust, all others we monitor!"
http://spur.barksdale.af.mil