markus.a.bergh
16-04-2009, 11:22 AM
Why do you need a dew controller?
I've read that dew straps don't work without a controller but that has not been my experience.
So why do you need one apart from being able to control / regulate the temperature , the drain on the battery and draining your wallet ?
I've been hooking up a 12" (dewnot) strap to a car battery and it works great. It if gets too hot I'll disconnect it, but it hasn't yet and the temperature sensors inside the OTA tell me that its working well and not overheating. In fact it's working so well that I might get another one for the eyepiece/focuser.
But I'm no expert. So if you're just observing and only want to avoid dew, then is it OK to live without a controller?
P.S. I know you can build a controller (pulse width modulator ) yourself - but I'm not interested if its not necessary and besides, they might be cheaper but the cost adds up if you add more straps and need more controllers.
I've read that dew straps don't work without a controller but that has not been my experience.
So why do you need one apart from being able to control / regulate the temperature , the drain on the battery and draining your wallet ?
I've been hooking up a 12" (dewnot) strap to a car battery and it works great. It if gets too hot I'll disconnect it, but it hasn't yet and the temperature sensors inside the OTA tell me that its working well and not overheating. In fact it's working so well that I might get another one for the eyepiece/focuser.
But I'm no expert. So if you're just observing and only want to avoid dew, then is it OK to live without a controller?
P.S. I know you can build a controller (pulse width modulator ) yourself - but I'm not interested if its not necessary and besides, they might be cheaper but the cost adds up if you add more straps and need more controllers.