Dew Control

[zeb00]

Hi everyone
I have had lots of time to read through the articles here waiting for my scope (which is never coming). And noticed a lot of thereads about dew straps both DIY and commercial. I was wondering if there was interest in an open source/hardware microcontrolled dew controller.
things i was thinking it could include

*multiple temp sensors
*humidity sensor
*multiple outputs for straps
* outputs for dimmable lighting for charts
* low cost compared to commercial options
* open hardware so you can get your own pcb created or organize for a bulk lot as a group buy

this is something i would create the design for board and software. not something i would sell

is there any interest for this as it is not worth designing if no one wants to build one

Nick

[hikerbob]

Nick there always seem to be people around wanting a controller, some buy off the shelf, some buy a kit and others do a full DIY. There are a bunch of options around. Some of us are just mad enough to want to design and build our own.

My suggestion is if it's something you want to do just do it for your own pleasure and publish the result's or join one of the groups ( http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/s...ry_automation/ (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/sgl_observatory_automation/)) which are working on standard tools. I've not checked lately how they are going with the Dew Control part of their project.

I didn't add lighting control to mine (no observatory yet) and I'll eventually have a play with the software to add in ASCOM control. I'd like to be able to tweak settings on the fly from the computer.

Bob

[zeb00]

thanks Hikerbob
yeah i am also crazy enough to do it just for fun. thanks for the info on ASCOM was some interesting info there

[hikerbob]

Nick I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Have fun

Bob