Dew Prevention

[@МаркСахарногорнов]

Thanks for the information! Very useful!

[@RefreshingViews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nigelcrane6429]

Thanks for the information. I really like the use of luminous tape aswell. My wife came outside last night with a lovely mug of coffee and very nearly spilt it over the telescope so I’m getting a roll of luminous tape along with a roll of Velcro and matting.

[@RefreshingViews]

That is awesome, and well done for your wife bringing you a coffee. I am left to fend for myself outside!

[@craiglowery4427]

You take the best lunar images. Thanks for the dew tips and tricks. Thankfully in Colorado our dew issues are minor. I bought a dew shield from Far Point for my 14” and it was expensive

[@RefreshingViews]

Thank you for your kind words. Luckily I don't post the bad images where user error and/or poor seeing conspire against me. Enjoy those clear and dry skies in Colorado - very jealous.

[@Astro_Gardener]

Nice one Mark.

[@RefreshingViews]

Thanks Peter 👍 It looks like your frosty scope has been enjoying the recent run of clear skies!

[@kennethwilson8633]

Good tips

[@RefreshingViews]

Thank you Kenneth

[@skywatcherca]

With respect: Innovation is the key to engineering and technology (and scientific progress), then again, there is no point in reinventing the proverbial wheel. I've tried everything - and in the end, I broke down and purchased an electric dew heater, with a thermostat, and In Ontario Canada, it works reasonably well. Yes, Yes there are issues and a few problems, but more or less - it works. Actually, I have built a number of roll-off roof and dome observatories: Advantages and disadvantages to both: the dome does seem to reduce dewing issues. I guess that with most things in life, you work with what you can afford. Take care and clear skies.

[@johnparr5879]

Had to smile at the. Floppy dew shield *

[@RefreshingViews]

Well it worked on the small scope and finders! Maybe a few too many beers?

[@DirkDirk1983]

I have a dew strip and a dew cap. Sometimes I'm wondering if the heat coming of of the strip is messing with the air kept in the dew cap.

[@RefreshingViews]

The warmth from a dew heater is pretty trivial so I can’t imagine it’s ruining your views. That being said, dew on your optics will ruin the views even more! Have you tried the views both with and without the heater on?

[@Astronurd]

I didn't see you fitting the heater strap on the C11. Did you have to fit it under the insulation and back a bit to allow the dew shield to fit?

[@RefreshingViews]

That’s right.

[@Astronurd]

Thanks Mark 👍.

[@mrh9635]

Would dew heater rings negate the need for a dew shield? I need a solution for my c9.25 once I get my new corrector plate fitted. I have the Celestron lithium power tank but it's not clear if I can power anything else in conjunction with my AVX mount. A future analysis on power management would be appreciated.

[@RefreshingViews]

I would suggest both but that is my experience in a damp, cold maritime environment. The dew shield will passively reduce dew formation by limiting the radiative cooling and the dew heater ring will help keep the optics above the dew point. If you are in a drier environment than southern England you might get away with it. Why not try the dew shield and if you still have a problem upgrade to heaters?

[@mrh9635]

@@RefreshingViews Well I already use a dew shield (non heated) by 'astro essentials', but here in Norfolk I find, on average, it's only good for about 90 minutes observing. I thought about a cordless heat gun or hair dryer to blast it off but I'm worried it might heat up the secondary mirror too. I just hope the solution will suit my current power tank and mount sockets.

[@THEFORGOTTENGRACE]

or... go to Tenerife stargazing at Mount Teide, clear sky, hot weather.

[@RefreshingViews]

That would be perfect! It is so dry and clear there isn't it?

[@nikpan9744]

Is dew and frost bad for the telescope in the long term?

[@Astro_Gardener]

Not really as long as you dry the equipment off overnight. After I have finished my viewing sessions, the equipment can be covered by dew or frost, once home all equipment used is left in lounge to dry overnight before storing away in their boxes. I have had a Meade LX90 for best part of 10 years and the equipment looks pretty good after all this time.

[@nikpan9744]

@@Astro_Gardener alright, thank you!

[@RefreshingViews]

I would say that the kit is designed to be used in the cold and damp so, as long as you dry it out like Peter-Astro-Gardener describes, you should be ok.

[@astroindianx]

Are you from Antarctica?😅

[@RefreshingViews]

Feels like it today, brrr! Clear skies to you.