Quote:
Originally Posted by toc
You guys will probably laugh, but I just use a tarp, some bungee cords and a plastic garbage bin over the top. Been doing this for more than a year without any issues - Been through HEAVY rain, storms heat, frost. In other words typical Melbourne weather 
No condensation so far, but my mount is sitting on a bunch of concrete pavers, rather than grass. I think rust and dust will be a problem, but I think I have just as much of that when the mount is in my shed. |
My optical tube (with all the cables and power supplies - which there are quite a few since I have a spectrograph installed which needs 3 cameras) goes into the garage, then I wrap the mount with a doubled tarp, carefully folding over the peak so as not make a rain trap. The tarp is secured with spring clamps (the type which look like a big pair of pliers). Quicker and more secure than straps etc which have previously had a tendency to loosen and result in tarp flapping or worse in wind.
So far so good - but plastic bin on top does sound like a good idea. Setup is reasonably prompt, about 5-10 minutes, but do I now have spousal approval for a nice little timber rolloff roof shed provided I also install a lower roof under the roll off tracks for storage of mower etc.