How to store telescope optics?

[astroAJ]

Hi all

A book I read lately said that I should always store the scope with its main optics facing down whether the dust caps are on or not.
Is it necessary to do this? :shrug:

[mill]

Not really necessary as long as you can keep it dust free.
A small refractor can go in a box and a dob can have a tarp over it.

[astroAJ]

Thanks mill
Sounds like a good idea for my dob :thumbsup:

[mill]

Ps: A showercap on the bottom of the scope will keep even more dust out.

[astroAJ]

Sounds interesting mill
To bad if it’s wet:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[mill]

:eyepop::P

[taminga16]

I think that the theory behind this statement is that dust only settles on upward facing horizontal surfaces, I cover my 10" DOB with a good quality plastic bag and then an old bed sheet after all it doesn't matter what it looks like when it's not in use.

Regards,

Greg.

A book I read lately said that I should always store the scope with its main optics facing down whether the dust caps are on or not.
Is it necessary to do this? :shrug:[/QUOTE]

[astroAJ]

The books called "The Australian Guide to Stargazing" by Gregg D. Thompson

The problem is that if i've got dust caps on, the book says the primary mirror should still be facing downwards (when not in use). :rolleyes:

[leon]

Yes it should be facing down to the best of your ability when not in use, if air can get in, so can dust, and with a shower cap on,(as suggested) each end, even with the caps on makes it better still. ;)

It is pretty obvious that i hate dust :whistle:

Leon :thumbsup:

[astroAJ]

Thanks all for your ideas :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[citivolus]

I always wonder about this with an SCT, as you have both the secondary and corrector plate to worry about. As a result, I store mine horizontally.

[astro_nutt]

Hi all...just a thought..with my Dob..I do store it horizontal..but...since the focuser is set on an upward angle..so is the secondary mirror..so I place it on it's mount..(back-to-front if you like)...so that the focuser points downwards when it's horiziontal..plus..a bag of silica gel taped to the sipder vane where it joins onto the inside of the tube helps to control moisture..cover the lot with a clean cotton sheet.
You could also use a bag of silica gel taped on the inside of the dust cap for the focuser on SCT's to prevent moisture build-up or mould on the optics.
Cheers!!

[leon]

Yep, there are many varied ways to look after our optics, and one way is probably as good as another, as long as we do something to stop that nasty dust.;)

Leon :thumbsup: