just got a dehumidifier for the observatory

[h0ughy]

I bought a strange named brand dehumidifier from the good guys for $239. probably not the cheapest available but it was in stock and had a external drain connection. bought some 10mm clear tubing and connected it up and then shoved it out the base of the observatory. its been on for about an hour and already the water is flowing. LOL to offset this i then turned around and spent a small fortune(60 dollars) on 4 par30 LED lights for the outside lights on the house. instead of burning the 4 x 150watt its not 4x 7 watts. hears hoping the offset somehow works:D i did look at the delongie one but it didnt have the external drain option

[asimov]

Yeah I used to run one in my last place of residence & used to collect at least 6 litres every 24 hrs in high humidity here in QLD. Just make sure the obs/room is pretty well enclosed, the dehumidifier will work more efficiently.

[h0ughy]

did you have it running full tilt or about halfway?

[Logieberra]

Phil and I use a Delongi. He uses the external drain option via tube to outside, while I use the built in collection chamber. I will post a pic and model no. in case people assume the Delongi's are unsuitable for astro use.

[asimov]

Halfway.

[h0ughy]

they are ok but they wanted 299 for it, and there was no kit for the drain

[Logieberra]

Good luck with strange name brand :)

[h0ughy]

it also came with a 3 year replacement warranty as standard;)

[asimov]

Mine just had a drawer underneath that held 12 litres. Empty it once a day. Once it was full it switched itself off but kept it's fan running so no chance of overflowing. I've still got it but don't use it in my new place.

[Logieberra]

Can't beat that!

We went with a factory refurbed from DeLonghi. About $200 from memory. Big Mike was asking similar Q's re dehumidifiers - so I posted a few pics of the DeLonghi here: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=990285#post990285

[ChrisM]

I also went with a DeLonghi a few years ago, and apart from hosting a large ants' nest last year (see post #73 http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=36222 ) it's performed well. I haven't found a need to connect the external drain yet.

One possible trap for the unwary is that some models are not auto start, meaning that you could not use a timer at the wall socket to control the unit. If the control panel has conventional switches (rather than 'soft' electronic switches), it is more likely that it would be auto startable.

I have the latter version, but found that the microswitch that stops the unit when the water drawer is opened, could be used via a time switch to control the unit.

Another thing to bear in mind is that the dehumidifier does not work well below about 10 deg. C, so sometimes I need to preheat the air intake.

Chris

[h0ughy]

well i have been through two computers in the observatory that were don in by the moisture, so for the past few months i have been leaving them on which raises the air temp slightly

[Logieberra]

We solved the electronic power switch with a simple, 5min solder job. No damage to unit. Totally reversable. Very easy. Now, when the timer supplies power to unit, the unit turns on. Thanks to Phil for the fix.

Sorry about the ants. Crazy!

[ChrisM]

Thanks for the tip Logan. I might do that too one day if I decide to automate the dehumidifier. Humidity sensors are very cheap and it shouldn't be too hard to make a controller.

Cheers, Chris

[h0ughy]

here it is - and after a week or so locked up it is currently 57% inside and 90% outside i think this works a treat given the current relentless conditions

[marc4darkskies]

Yep, in weather like this they come into their own! 100% outside right now - in the 50s inside. Your equipment will thank you! :)

[strongmanmike]

Looking good Dave glad it seems to be working for you, I would get one too if I had mains connected...basic desiccant moisture absorbers used in the meantime.

Here in Canberra it is much colder than Newie so I would have to get one of the desiccant dehumidifiers as they work better at lower temps.

Mike

[h0ughy]

leaving the 2 PC's on and the dehumidifier - well today for example you can see the inside temp is 20 deg and the outside temp was 16/17C