Telescope Covers

[Exfso]

I just purchased one of these from the USA after having seen one at the SV camp, they are excellent. I communicated with a guy by the name of Bob Pitney, and I have to admit the service was faultless. He even kept me up to date on where the cover was once shipped. Now that sort of service is rare these days. There are 2 types of cover, one just for basic short term use as far as UV goes and the other for long term storage. They are fully weather proof and beautifully made.
Because I have a side by side setup I had to get mine custom made, ie wider, and it only cost an extra $30.00 which I think was more than reasonable. Just for info I got the 365 series which is heavier duty.

Here is their website if interested.

http://www.telegizmos.com/

[gb_astro]

Thanks Peter.

What does he charge for shipping?

gb.

[Exfso]

Mine had to be custom made and it was 60cm wide compared to the norm for a 5" refractor and as such it was in quite a big box. My shipping was $70.00 which considering the size of the box it came in, I believe is quite good. I have paid $40.00 for something 1/20th of the size. I will get a photo and put it up so people can get an idea of what these look like in real life.

[gb_astro]

Ok, thanks again,

gb.

[Phoenix]

G'day Peter

I have a couple of these telegizmos' covers - purchased from Smart Astronomy's ebay online store. Good communication with the shop, well priced, etc.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/TELESCOPE-PRODUCTS-SMARTASTRONOMY__W0QQ_armrsZ1

[desler]

Got mine from Bob 6 or 7 weeks ago, like Peter. after seeing one at the SV camp.

An absolutely brilliant product! Not a hint of moisture on the scope or mount!



Darren

[Steffen]

If I were to leave a scope outside I'd consider a BBQ or garden chair cover from Bunnings. They're made from hardy tarp, come in various sizes and should do the trick. What do you reckon?

Cheers
Steffen.

[Exfso]

Steffen, I was using one of those and found that the scope still got very hot. At least with the Telegizmos cover, there is an insulation factor and they are constructed to last, as well as hold up under UV rays.

[astroron]

I found it strange that it did not offer anything in either covers for 16" dob scopes or heaters for 8"scopes SCT's, two of the most popular sizes of telescopes:shrug:

[Phoenix]

Hey Peter

Prior to purchasing a Telegizmos cover for my GM-8 and Megrez90, I used an emergency blanket bag as a temporary solution, which worked perfectly. This is the one I used:
http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Sleeping_Bags_&_Bedding/Accessories/60558/Emergency_Bag.html

They are often on special for $7-$8. You won't get a lot of use out of it before it tears (although mine has not done so yet), but they really keep the heat out (as emergency blankets should do). I recall taking my mount and scope to the Flinders Ranges last year and while in full sun the lower legs of the mount were very hot, but the upper legs under the blanket were cold! Nice little inexpensive back pocket solution that would fit easily over scopes up to 110mm (approx.)

Cheers

[Phoenix]

I should clarify that the emergency blanket is actually a bag - but you could use the blanket version:
http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Sleeping_Bags_&_Bedding/Accessories/60596/Emergency_Blanket_v2.html

But there is no substitute for a dedicated cover - the Telegizmos' are the go!

[ausastronomer]

I have one of these for both the 18" Obsession and the 14" SDM. They are excellent for protecting your scope once set up for a star party.

Something else to consider is the Astrosystems Transport case. This is an exceptional quality product and extremely heavy duty and well padded internally. It is excellent for protecting the scope while it is being transported but it is also excellent to keep dust and crud off and out of the scope while it is being stored in the garage.

About 1/2 way down this page, not cheap but exceptional quality.

http://www.astrosystems.biz/covers.htm

Cheers,
John B