Nichrome wire

[bmitchell82]

Howdies all, im planning to make a Primary and secondary PWM dew heater system and instead of using resistors for uneven heating, i would like to go the nichrome wire method.

Is there a formula that i need to know when trying to regulate temps and how much temp the wire will produce or is it just a method of matching to the amount of amps the wire will draw?
Any help will be appriciated.!

[gbeal]

I went through this frugal stage early on, when I didn't want to plonk down for the genuine wrap arounds (I know you are talking a secondary heater here), but in the end simply asked to try a few lengths and thickness' of nichrome, and gave it the "touch test".
You will need to sheath it somehow, and I used heat-shrink for that.
Good luck.
As an aside for a secondary dew heater I can't think of anything better than the peter Read SDM (I think it was them, I can check if you want). They fit on the rear of the mirror itself, and will be all you need. Just not as cheap as the burn it down nichrome.
Gary

[DavidU]

http://www.wiretron.com/design.html

[AdrianF]

This is a good site about nicrome heaters
http://www.dewbuster.com/heaters/nichrome.html

Adrian

[ballaratdragons]

... and you'll need to build one of these: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=23662

:thumbsup:

[bmitchell82]

hehehe a friend of mine is a 3rd year mechatronics engineer and is undertaking the task using the ardunio mega board.

It will be utilizing temperature and humidity to automate and regulate temperature. Plus operate dual PC controlled focuser's that have temp feedback and every bell and whistle that i can think of. with room to move! :)

Thank you all for the sites that makes a difference to how i work with it! I will keep you updated as to what i am doing.