dew straps for solar scopes

[troypiggo]

Hard to believe there's a corner of the astro-equipment market that hasn't yet been exploited, but I think I've found one and could be an opportunity for a few of us to build a side business.

Was looking around for dew straps for a Coronado PST solar scope and there aren't any available that would cut the mustard. So I reckon we go into business making and selling these. Some initial thoughts on criteria they'd need to meet:

- prevent dew, obviously;
- be UV resistent to avoid deteriorating in sunlight;
- be cheap to make but look expensive so we can charge more.

Any other suggestions or ideas to add?

If you're interested in helping this get off the ground, post down here and let's make it happen. Could be an opportunity for you to get in at ground level on a niche market production line.

[TrevorW]

You may want to try umbrella's for solar scopes

[Merlin66]

Joking aside...is the humidity so bad that a dew shield is necessary???
An eyepice dew strap would do the job.......

[Merlin66]

Just realised today's date!!:lol::lol::lol:

[erick]

Not so funny. A few days ago, I was thinking about the solar filter that I fit on my refractor dew shield and I was thinking - but how will I get the dew strap on when the filter is there? Took a while before I thought - Duuuh! :ashamed: :screwy: :rolleyes:

[troypiggo]

:D umbrella. I like it. :D

[peter_4059]

Troy - how many watts do you think it would take to keep the optics above ambient?



Do you think it could be solar powered?

[troypiggo]

I think the umbrella might prevent solar power being an option. C'mon mate, keep up. :P

[AstroJunk]

Using normal dew straps with mylar based filters is not an issue as the filters block light in the visible range. As dew straps emit infra red, their function is unaffected.

If you are using a more advanced .5 or .7 angstrom IR filter then you are in trouble as the dew strap is rendered useless.

You could be on to something there Troy.

[troypiggo]

Exactly what I was thinking...