Cloth shroud around truss?

[bloodhound31]

Would a black cloth shroud stretched around an open truss RC impede the performance of the telescope in any way?

I'm even wondering if it would improve contrast?

[ZeroID]

Anything that reduces possible light intrusion is a good idea. You might find a cloth shroud might get a bit wet and heavy with dew though. Try nylon or plastic or ... ? My first scope just had a black plastic rubbish bag and a few bulldog clips.
Be aware it may make the scope more susceptible to wind as well.

[Greenswale]

I used black outdoor carpet!

It is fluffy on one side, stippled on the other and stiff. With the fluffy side facing out, the carpet can be rolled around the outside of the trusses, and can be secured with strips of hooked Velcro. (Velcro adheres directly to the fluffy stuff) The inside surface seems to soak up light, and the stippled surface stops any reflection.

Being stiff, there is no sag to obstruct the light path, and you can extend the shroud past the top of the scope to provide a dew shroud to reduce secondary fogging. Cut outs can be made to accommodate focusers, finders etc.

I have used the shroud in very dewy conditions and found it excellent, with no moisture penetration to the inside. it is necessary to dry it after use, however.

[AG Hybrid]

EVA75 from Clark Rubber is great option. Flat black, light,very flexible, dew resistant(water proof) - makes a great light shroud/dew shield. I use it for my UTA and light/dew shields for my finders and refractors.

Relatively good value too. Comes in a decent sized roll.

Goes great with Velcro.

[glenc]

The material they use to make tents is another possibility.

[alistairsam]

Thanks, I might try this out. Couldn't find EVA75 on the web site though.
how thick is this and is this rubber?

Cheers
Alistair

[AG Hybrid]

I noticed its not on the website either. But, its always there in rolls when I walk into the store. Its about 3-4mm thick. Its a thin rubber. I think they call it aerated rubber? Google EVA 75 rubber ans see what you come up with.

[Steffen]

At Clark Rubber ask for Neoprene. They have it in various thicknesses, it's pretty much the same. Anything will do as long as it is black and closed-cell foam (so it won't soak up water).

Cheers
Steffen.

[bloodhound31]

Thanks everyone! Some great ideas here. I think I'll go with the EVA option.

Cheers and blessings!

Baz.

[Paul Haese]

What's your thinking here Barry? Are you thinking of using the RC12 as a visual scope? Or is this for imaging?

[bloodhound31]

Imaging.

[Paul Haese]

Ok, well I don't have one and you have seen my images I assume. No need for a shroud. Although a shroud might help with reducing dew formation on the secondary.

[bloodhound31]

Thanks.

[Logieberra]

Nice RC shrouds:

http://www.astrozap.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=78

[AG Hybrid]

Wow wow wow wait a second. Did you see that 20 inch GSO light shroud.

There's a 20 inch GSO RC? :eyepop: Oh snap. That going to cause some pain for the establishment.

[Paul Haese]

Don't get excited. It might be a year yet before anything would be released. The 16" has only just been released. A 20" would be interesting though. ;)

[AG Hybrid]

Oh I'm not a sociopath... I mean Astrophotographer. So, I won't be anticipating these RC's. That being said I will be waiting in anticipation of the pictures you will take with the one your getting. ;)

[Paul Haese]

:rofl::rofl: Yep might happen; then again maybe not. :)

[bloodhound31]

Polyethylene from ACT Foam and Rubber. Stops light, greatly reduces dust on the primary mirror. Mission accomplished.