WANTED - Dew Heaters - Ctrlr not required

[Louwai]

Hi all,
I'm in need of the heaters listed below.
1 x 8" dia (8" found. No longer required)
1 x 4" dia)
2 x 3" dia
1 x 2" dia

I'd be interested in 2nd hand brand names, or if someone has the capability of making some then I'd be happy to pay for that also.

Cheers, Bryan

[Louwai]

I'm still looking for the 3 smaller sizes.:)

[Louwai]

Still looking for the 2", 3" & 4".

[rodroger]

Hi,
I have been building my own Dew Heaters at the moment, also have constructred the control unit. The Heaters themselves are realy easy to build if thay are based on a resistor design or resistance wire. I am using 1 watt resistors as Dick smith have only 1/4 watt otherwise. Check out the projects on this site under Dew heater, fully explained and very very cheap, the resisters are only 18c each. I found you do not have to be exact with the spacing of the resistors.
I found the best method is to wrap a piece of wire around the area you want the heater, this will give you the diameter. Equaly space the resistors as best as possible by sight, make sure you add a few more mill to the wire lenght take in the account of the resistors width . The can use the resistors own leads to attach the next resistor, and can twist them together first before soldering, this way if you are out a bit you can fix it before soldering. All you have to do then is put two leads on each end and give it a blanket, enclose it in fabric by sewing. Add a couple of velcro tabs and there you go. It took me less than 30 minutes to complete one dew heater.
I am still at the testing stage at the moment but I am modifying mine from the original by tweaking the control unit to allow me to have full sepersate control of each individual heaters output.
I'd make you a couple up for cost but not sure on your Dew heater controler specs and what it can handle, and how it handles the wattage supply.
My designs work off a regulated 12V supply and can handle up to 20 amp.

[Louwai]

Thanks for the info & the offer.
The reason why I haven't made my own is that I moved from Bris to Melb this year & only just last week bought my own house. All of my gear (tools, compressor, welder & everything else) is still sitting in my garage in Bris.
So rather than buying more & doubling up, I've been hanging out until I can go get it.
It probably won't be until next Feb that I go for a drive with the truck & get it all. Seeing I have a house to put it in down here now.

So if your offer still stands I'd be greatful & happy to pay for time / labor over & above material cost.

Please PM if you are able to do them.

Cheers, Bryan

[rodroger]

No problems I will get straight on it for you. I will pm when ready for you, probably Monday as work Wednesday thru Saturday (nights) but will be able too get most of it finished by tomorrow. I will only charge you cost, which will only be the cost of the resistors:), I have plenty of hook up wire lying around. What plugs does your controller take - RCA's? or mini phono etc - let me know so I can put the right one one the end, I have plenty of both these lying around as well.

[Louwai]

Thanks Rod. Appreciated. I have a Kendrick Premier Controler.
Could you make the power cable for each in 2 peices?
With the 8" strap which I bought 2nd hnd, I cut the cable approx 9" from the strap & inserted a male / female plug set. I left the original male plug on the original cable end to go into the ctrlr. (total power cable length is approx 1.8m per strap)
This then allows me to leave the strap on the OTA when packing up without a heap of cable to worry about.
I use a corrogated plastic cable tube to run all my cables from the ground under the tripod up through the std "accessory tray" & attach to all items. (power to mount, power to focuser, PC ctrl cable to focuser, power to Dew straps, OTA temp sensor cable)
This cable tube is permenantly filled with all cables & an array of plugs protruding from the end. I then just join the corresponding plugs & sockets together.
The controller currently just hangs from the accessory tray on the tripod. Have to create some sort of tripod leg mount for it one day.
Do you have an email address that I can send pics to????

Cheers, Bryan

[rodroger]

Hi,
My E-mail is rodroger@bigpond.com (not worried about displaying it here as it displayed on quite a few web sites)
Are the exact measurements - 2", 3", 4" ? If the 2" is for a 2" focusor then the outer diameter will be greater than 2", and 2" will be too small??

[Louwai]

Rod, Email sent.

I see your in Redcliff. I still have a house at Cleveland down the other end of the bay.
Am in Melbourne now though. 6yrs to go before moving back to Bris.