Shipping a Radar-Advice?

"Frank Ch. Eigler" wrote in message
...

"Al G" writes:

A friend has recently updated his C210's avionics with a largely
Garmin panel. Among the things removed was a King RDS81 weather
radar. [...] have to figure out how to get it there from Oregon, as
safely as possible. [...] The R/T is probably 12" x 12", and weighs
about 15 lbs.[...]

The thought makes me squirm. What some here may not realize is how
fragile the radar antenna can be. There is a sticker on mine (old
King RDR160) that warns against even *touching* the movable parts. I
would not risk plain old packing peanuts or bubble wrap, if the box
being held sideways or upside down causes a load upon these parts.

http://web.elastic.org/~fche/gallery..._4423.jpg.html

- FChE

If that is really the case, which is quite possible, then the OP would be
faced with the prospect of engineering a real shipping crate within a
crate--or of renting one. If renting, the radar manufacturer might be a
source. Alternatively, the may have shipping instructions available.

It has now been about 20 years since I have handled this type of equipement,
although I have shipped a few computers since; but, to the best of my
recollection, the flat panel (slotted waveguide) antennas were much less
fragile than the parabolic antennas. However, with either type, the most
correct method of packing is to mount the intenna to the inside of one wall
of a rigid crate. The crate can then be placed inside a larger bax and
cushioned with bubble wrap, popcorn, etc. While the cushioning material
should not be overly compressed, it sould not be loose either--especially if
you use something like popcorn--or the inner box may be resting on the botom
by the time you bring it to the counter!

My experiences were always good with FedEx, Airborne, and RedBall. I am
sorry that no other such names come readily to mind.

Peter