Humidity

[ianB]

Hi,
I have a Celestron 6SE and I live in a unit without air con on the Sunshine Coast in QLD,
the humidity gets very high at times, today for example reaching nearly 80%.

When not in use how should the above scope be stored to best protect it from humidity?

Should a thin plastic drop sheet be placed over it? and should the OTA be removed or left in place on the tripod assembly?

Finally should the OTA be left vertical or horizontal to the ground?

If you live in a high humidity area I would appreciate your comments re the above and how best to store the telescope.

N.B
I did read somewhere that if left vertical this could cause grease/oil to drip and do damage, is that corredt?

Thanks,

ian

[PhilTas]

G'day Ian,

I've lived in Darwin for the last 14 years and suffer this problem every wet season. There's a few ways to deal with humidity.
You can get mains powered dehumidifiers, but you will have to deal with disposing of the water they collect.
I use a big plastic rectangular storage bin with clip-on lid, and a temp/hygrometer , both from Bunnings.
If needed, you can run some sealing strip around the lip of the bin, or the lid, for better sealing.
I also obtained some bags of silica gel (small beads, blue when dry, pink when they have absorbed moisture). Have a look on eBay.
I use about 20 bags.
When they turn pink, I put them in the oven for a couple of hours on a very low heat. They will turn blue again once all the moisture is gone.
If you get the bins with the clear lid, and put the hygrometer on top of your gear, you can read the temp and humidity through the plastic lid.
I keep my photographic gear in one of these, and only have to dry the silica gel about once a month, more often if you are continually accessing the contents.

Hope this helps

Phil

[ianB]

Thanks for the tip Phil,

I got a large pouch of silica the other day from Bunnings. ( May need more )
Also I have ordered a Desiccant cap.

I'll see how things go and if need be may have to go one step further as you outlined.



Thanks,

Ian