Quote:
Originally Posted by CDKPhil
Second I used a ducting fan to blow air around the mount and OTA. I thought the turbulent air would make it harder for the condensation to form.
It reduced the condensation and it dissipated a lot faster, but it still formed.
|
Now i don't own an observatory, so im sure some others have come across this, but from reading what you've said;
Sounds like your observatory is sweating. As you've deduced, the heat inside the obs is heating up faster than outside which is causing the cold air to drop its moisture as it heats up.
My thoughts are that you need relieve this build up so there is not such a large difference in outside air temp.
I am not sure how you would, but having the fan blowing air out of the obs and having an inlet for air somewhere else (lower is better for inlet, higher better for outlet as heat rises) may reduce or remove condensation. Simply set up a timer to start it at 5:00am (or whenever) and turn off at 8:00am or until outside temperature heats up.
Preventing direct sun contact with the obs will reduce the heat build up rate as well. Throwing a sheet over it won't help, it needs to be in the shade so an umbrella would be cheapest i would think. Not very practical though.
Another option is to throw in a desiccant bucket. We have some around our house to prevent mold, there a bout 1-2L and normally contain bally desiccant bits. Not sure where you can find them, maybe your local shops, or even Bunnings.
Only problem with them is that they will need to be replaced/have their moisture removed periodically. The wetter the environment, the more they need to be replaced/cleaned. You may only get 1-2 weeks out of it if it moisture in the air is severe.
I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be a long shortly
