Dew Heaters

[Skyhawk]

I'm about to purchase a Dew Not 8" heater strip for my Newtonian. Quick question, am I able to connect it straight to a 12VDC supply and let it run like that or do I have to have some sort of controller?
If so, what is the purpose of the controller?
Appreciate any feedback, thanks!

[Starblazer99]

Controller is used for temperature control you use it with a separate thermostat at the due strap and set it at A few degrease above ambient witch is all that is needed some controllers have a cycle rate as well to save on power use .

[Skyhawk]

Ahhh, makes sense. Thanks.
Anybody know if there is a DIY one that we can build ourselves on this forum?

[erick]

Only some controllers use a feedback temperature sensor. Most are used to simply control the "power" supplied to the heater strap. In a great variety of atmospheric conditions, I have never found I needed to use heaters on 100% (effectively straight 12V, I guess). Perhaps 75% is the most I would use? I'd strongly recommend a controller is used - keeps the heating level to what is required and reduces consumption from your battery (if you are on batteries). A cheap controller can be made up from speed controller circuits costing maybe $20 - plus a box, knob, sockets wire....

[erick]

If you like soldering, look at the Jaycar kit KC-5225 or a kit from Oatley Electronics - K252 - DC MOTOR SPEED / HOT WIRE CONTROLLER KIT AUD18. I've succesfully used both of these.

There will be ready made kits that you will be able to buy, I'm sure.

This thread gives some information:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=8514

Search "dew heater controller" for many more threads.

[Skyhawk]

Do you know of any plans online. Have Googled a few but not sure which one is best and what will do what I need it to.

[Geoff45]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-285-0-0-1-0.html
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-292-0-0-1-0.html

[Skyhawk]

Awesome... Thanks
You guys rock! :)