Waterproof cover, what do you use?

[04Stefan07]

Just to throw some ideas around.

I use a Heavy Duty tarp from Bunnings which is good however a bit fiddly to get it on the scope.

What do you use?

[Rick Parrott]

Hi Stefan!
Is this when you are using it for dew? Or storage?
On our 12" Dob, we use one of these plastic covers for stackable chairs to keep dust/moisture off when stored in garage. A big old sleeping bag goes over this which provides great padding

[Merlin66]

+1 for the patio chair cover - My HEQ5 has been stored outside for the past seven years under one of these.
Works well.

[Allan_L]

I use an Aldi BBQ cover.
I like to keep the DOB in horizontal position (while camping overnight) to protect the mirror from gravity (so to speak).
The BBQ cover is waterproof, and has a soft inner lining.
And the price was right.

[killswitch]

I also use an Aldi BBQ cover but shaped for patio chairs (Same materials).

It kept my scope and mount dry during the storm at Astrofest.

[04Stefan07]

Should have been more specific, sorry.

When the setup is out in the field and just to protect it from sunlight, dust and rain!

[Atmos]

When you start covering things with a BBQ cover, does the trapped heat become an issue to the mount and scope?

[04Stefan07]

It's hard to find a grey, waterproof cover. Would be best that it isn't black if it's sunny during the day.

[troypiggo]

Telegizmos 365 scope cover. White, waterproof, robust.

[04Stefan07]

Anything that can be purchased locally (e.g. Bunnings, Masters, etc) for a decent price?

http://www.bunnings.com.au/polytuf-6-stack-aluminium-classic-chair-cover_p3180278

Found that but it's only water resistant.

[RobF]

Hi Stefan

I'd highly recommend link below - large waterproof scooter cover. Think I got the idea from a post on Cloudy Nights. Outer surface is like a durable vinyl (almost an artificial leather), seams are all double-stitched. Inside has a nice soft lining. Some elastic around the bottom edge for bit more strength. Seems very waterproof - used to use an inner lining just in case, but don't both now - even in extended downpours inside has remained nice and dry and the lining seems to stop too much dew/moisture on mount after all-nighters in winter.

I put the "handlebar" part over the top of the scope, and the skirt then comes nicely down over counterweights, well past mount, and down over part of pier or tripod. Secure with couple of occy straps. Had expected it would be very cheap and disintegrate after a dozen uses, but think it will be going strong for long time. I rarely leave my gear out more than 3-4 nights at a time however.

Bought one instead of a Telegizmo and best $40 I've invested in astro for quite a while. Must get another actually :question:


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AquaGuard-Heavy-Duty-Waterproof-Scooter-Cover-Large-/390506176261?hash=item5aebfb5f05&_uhb=1

[04Stefan07]

Ah! This is what I am looking for.

I was searching for BBQ and furniture covers, didn't think of this!

Measurements look good except for the length, because of how long it is doesn't it fit on awkwardly?

[Atmos]

Sounds awesome, now to see if I can train my dog not to eat it...

[04Stefan07]

:lol:

[RobF]

With my FSQ106, cameras/OAG, electronics box on EQ6 it doesn't feel excessive. You want it to come down well on all sides so the bottom occy strap keeps all wind/moisture out.

I think you'd get an 8" or even 10" Newt in there ok, but have only ever used it on the refractor and HEQ5 or EQ6 to date....


I won't look as sexy as a telegizmo, but heck I'd rather spend the money on astro toys. You end up with some floppy "ears" either side of the scope where the wider handlebars part is but can always pin that down with an extra strap if you're a slave to looks :)

[04Stefan07]

No worries.

I got an 8" SCT with a possible guidescope on an HEQ5 Pro so that might be alright.

[RobF]

I bought large, but they come in 3 sizes if you look down the bottom of the ebay entry.

(RobF enterprises has no interests in Scooter Guys Pty Ltd :P)

[04Stefan07]

Haha.

Looks good, just concerned with the length.

Have been looking all night and this is the best one I have seen.

Looking for:
- Grey or any other colour (not black)
- Waterproof
- Not overpriced!

[RobF]

Dimensions are all down the bottom of the ebay entry too. Last thing you want is too short. 1.5m long along the top seems pretty good for most scopes allowing for lumps and bumps, guidescopes etc. Advert makes it look bit bigger than it is if you think of the dimensions - its not a motorbike cover...

[04Stefan07]

I suppose you can fold it on the sides and I have a few of them straps I can put around it.

I am surprised it's hard to find telescope specific covers here :shrug:

[AG Hybrid]

+1 for a bbq cover. I got mine at bunnings. Fits over my collapsed Dob with room to spare to keep my large eyepiece rack permanently attach. Its thick and well built. At star parties it brushes rain off like it's nothing. At home all the dust from my dirty garage I ax held at bay.

[04Stefan07]

This looks good!

https://www.masters.com.au/product/900016450/smash-4-burner-hooded-bbq-protector

[doppler]

I use an outdoor furniture cushion storage bag. It's like an oversized gym bag. The one I have is big enough to go over my 10" newt (with 4" guide scope on top) and eq mount. With a zipper on each end to pull it tight. There are smaller versions available as well. I would take a pic but the rain seems to have set in for a few days.

[Buzcut]

Hello
I use one of these, cheap and simple........did I say cheap!

http://www.amazon.com/BlueMart-Silver-Black-waterproof-bicycle/dp/B00GQRXFF8/ref=sr_1_13?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1457457039&sr=1-13&keywords=Bicycle+cover

[dalemadison]

I use a weber kettle cover for my 10' collapsible Dob. Just run a bungee cord around it to keep it in place

[04Stefan07]

Ended up purchasing the scooter cover that was supplied on here with a direct link to eBay.

It arrived the other day and looks pretty good. Comes in it's own carry bag which I like. :)