Err..my second idiotic question - dewshields

[chrissara]

This may be classified as the most idiotic question on the forums for a while, but given the expense of my new "secondhand" telescope, I do not wish to take the risk.

I recently obtained a second hand telescope (a LX90 Meade SGC). The fellow included a dew shield. Now I don't really spend much time out at night (maybe two hours tops with the scope), but I will going on holidays soon with my wife and kids to the in-laws and will be taking the telescope with me.

As such I will be spending more time at night out of the house in the back yard and the weather where they live is cooler.

My question is simple. Where the the dew shield go? (piccy would be nice) i.e. round the scope or party hanging over the top of the scope?

[[1ponders]]

Hi chrissara.

Basically the dewshield is an extension of the telescope tube. You can see a good example on how it should look here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2356&d=1118663549)

[vespine]

I think this kinda explains it http://www.atozstars.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=39

maybe not your scope but principle is the same.

[chrissara]

Err..thanks for the reply, but where is the dew shield?

[[1ponders]]

Do you have a pic of your dew shield? The dew shield is the extension tube that sticks out in front of the telescoep tube.

Check out vespine's link. The dew shield are about half way down the page

[chrissara]

Ahh no - the item I have is a piece of like black plastic around 40cm long and 20 cms wide. It has "Meade Dew Shield" written on it. It appears to wrap around the tube and sticks together with some velcro. Will try and find a picture.

[[1ponders]]

I know what you are talking about now. Yes that is a dew shield. Looks like it's made out of a piece of old yoga mat.

Wrap it around the end of the OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) to form a tube about 20 cm long. The velcro should be positions to hold its shape and in position on the end of the OTA.

[vespine]

I do think that's exactly what's on that page I linked.

http://www.atozstars.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=39

You velcro it around your scope and then extend it so it sticks out as far out the fron as it will go while still holding on to the ota securely.

[[1ponders]]

Yep that's it here (http://www.atozstars.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=434)in the 8" size

[chrissara]

Thanks for the replies. That was the way I thought it may go on but was uncertain as to whether this afftected the performance or light gathering ability of the optics. Logically you may think it enhances but cutting outsome light.

[[1ponders]]

It will cut out some light but only off axis nuisance light. Any light you want to be seeing will be coming in parallel to the OTA Axis