Thread: All Fogged Up
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Old 10-07-2007, 06:06 PM
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Tannehill
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Tucson, before that Wisconsin, before that Melbourne, etc etc.
Posts: 231
Keeping eyepieces dew-free

Also, another option is to keep your EPs in a container of sorts (a case) or even a small portable cooler - a mini-ice chest - into which you set your EPs for the night, and drop in one or two of those chemical warm pacs wrapped in a small towel. Keep the lid on the case between EP changes, and the contents - including the EPs - will stay warm enough to prevent dew. Of course, if that EP stays out for a long time, it can still cool and dew up, in which case the above mentioned solutions are the best. EPs heaters, focuser warmers, etc.

I've a Pelican case for mine and have been considering installing a low-temp heating element in the bottom for such a purpose. They sell them at Kendrick...case heaters...for that same purpose.

Common problem I have when in the northern US is not dew per se, but condensation when my warm face approaches the freezing-cold EP: fogs up right away and is slow to resolve. less of an issue here, but in Wisconsin...hardy observers have been known to have damp eyelashes freeze solid to the (ice-cold) barrel of the EP, and require extrication by a partner. Another good reason to observe with a buddy, preferably one with a small hair dryer...or small scissors....

Scott
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