My Telescope Got Caught In the RAIN

[@4TheRecord]

Couldn't imagine leaving expensive equipment like that outside 2 hours away from me.

[@jimbrowder2100]

Been there too. Glad there wasn't too much damage.

[@johnsmith-rd9rr]

Dont scare me Jim

[@jimbrowder2100]

George - one additional thought - I keep my scopes outside 24/7 as well. I use a secondary cover in addition to my Telegizmos cover. I use a vinyl mattress cover (which is inexpensive and easily replaceable) either under or over the Telegizmos cover. If you want to extend the life of the Telegizmos cover, the mattress cover can be used on the outside. If you prefer to keep the Telegizmos cover on the outside for temperature control, that works as well - I do both from time to time. No guarantee that it would have helped in the situation you encountered, but I think it helps to protect my scope and it's not a bad idea to have a backup. Always enjoy your posts - thanks for doing them.

[@ttp_007]

I'm sorry that happened to you. I freak out thinking that could happen to my gear. I live in the area that forecast service tries to do their best , but unfortunately the weather here can change in matters of minutes. I'm not sure if this input is valid, but I have WIFI water sensors from Govee on my scope that is very sensitive and it will send me a notification to my phone anytime as soon as a few drops of water hits it. Besides it has its own alarm speaker built-in that is very loud I can hear from inside of my house. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@AstroCreation]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! The water sensor is actually a good idea 👍

[@AllenJeter20]

I live in a very very windy location many times we have gusts 60MPH plus sometimes even 120MPH hurricane force winds. Keeping a cover on anything here is very challenging. I have found woodworking spring clamps the like 3 or 4 inch steel ones work very well for keeping covers on. Have not had one come off yet. You can get them at harbor freight for very cheap. if you were to use one on each leg of the tripod fairly low I don't think that would ever happen again.

[@AstroCreation]

Thank you for this advice! Seems like a solid option 👍

[@mikehardy8247]

Yes I'd like to see the cart details. Do you leane the rigs on the carts while imaging? Steve Morris' Rasa triplets got rained on.

[@AstroCreation]

Yes, I keep them on carts all the time. No issues with stability or guiding.

[@HelberPontes]

What flat panel are you using?

[@AstroCreation]

WandererAstro Flat Panel v3 They also released a 4th version with included dew heater (from dew on the panel itself).

[@HelberPontes]

@@AstroCreation it looks great. I have the Alnitak flip/flat for several years. It took a while to see any good competition to it.

[@TheHoward187]

I left my sprinklers on one time by accident. To say the next morning I was pretty busy would be an understatement.

[@AstroCreation]

Was everything ok with your gear?

[@Zealor365]

Place the wet items in a 35 degree oven for 1-2 hours. Convection oven is best for drying out items.

[@AstroCreation]

Thanks for the advice!

[@supermario8416]

Sorry to hear that. I hope your Svbony 122 mm triplet still works perfectly.

[@newzerozeroone]

They sell grommet kits. With telescope stands you built just add some hooks and the grommets and you're good to go.

[@AstroCreation]

Thank you for that advice! I was thinking about hooking the cover somehow. Grommet kits seems like a good option!

[@Astroduck44]

My camera broke from rain before, had to wait a week for it to start working again

[@commandosolo_193]

this is what scares me the most. even if i had an observator I would still be hesitant.

[@deltacx1059]

Storing your equipment inside is a start, they even sell very wmall portable sheds if you cant fit the equipment anywhere else.

[@AstroCreation]

I’ve been thinking about building a shed based observatory for some time. There are many good options people shared about on KZbin 👍

[@yobb89]

i use multiple tarp layers, and more then one bungie cord

[@AstroCreation]

I might add more cords or just add grommets to the cover. Telegizmos 365 is pretty awesome (when it covers equipment) 👍

[@chrisruthford4492]

Just put electronics in a bag with rice. It will remove the moisture.

[@TheAceofFate]

Conformal coat everything first