Dew Nemisis

[beren]

On sat/sun night whilst out observing/imaging I had the worst dew conditions so far this winter , dragon breath visible during dusk and moisture everywhere especially on vinyl sets {damn wet butt}. It was the best test of my Kendricks dew controller and heating straps and the 35amp battery that powers it. It worked well , from previous experiance i knew i had at least 7hrs with 2-3 straps running at near full strength , to conserve energy {had intent to go well after midnight] i ran just two straps for the scopes . The whole night i had no moisture on the OTAs but everything else like the telrad/finderscope/diagonals were dripping.How is everyone dealing with this menace this winter

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Simple Stuart. I don't take the scope outside anymore. Tried Knockies tonight and they dewed up real fast!

Go the Dragons (the Rooster killers)

[slice of heaven]

I dont use the gs this weather as the metal tube starts sweating nearly straight away.
The fibreglass tube on the Parks copes much better.
The dewheater on the Telrad works great(thanks Laurie).
No finderscope, so no problem there.
I leave the fan running to extend the viewing time, keeps the dew off the mirrors for awhile.
I call it quits at the first sign of dew on the secondary.
And I have a hand towel to keep my hands dry.

[cahullian]

I only have my home made dew shield for the ota.Its my finder that I have the trouble with. saying that I still get at least 5 hours out of it no matter what the weather(except rain lol)
BTW what are heating straps???
Gazz