Canvas cover?

[miki63au]

Would you live your telescope outside permanently,
covered with a weather proof canvas?
I talking about a big old telescope not a expensive TAK.
Too heavy for set it up all the time, and don't have money
for a permanent observatory.

Is this a silly idea?

Mick.

[leon]

Mick you probably could, but the only concern that I would have is condensation or sweating if you like under the tarp with the changing temps.

If it was very cold at night, and the the Sun was out all day you would definitly get moisture under the tarp.

To help with this would be to first cover the scope in something like a toweling material and then put the tarp over that.

This would help absorb any moisture that may occur.

Leon

[iceman (Mike)]

I've left my scope on its mount outside for about a week in a row (early-mid May when the seeing was so good and I was out every night).

It got very wet with dew every night so I didn't seem to notice any problems during the day? I'm not sure if i'd leave it out like that during 30+ deg hot summer days but during the cooler months it's probably fine.

I use a motorcycle weather cover, which apparently "breathes" so you won't get the problems described by Leon. Problem is, it's not exactly heavy duty and doesn't completely cover my scope + mount so i'm not sure if it would cover yours.

[mostschaedel (Gerald)]

Hi Mick!
i have my C14 outside under 2 layers of canvas since 2003.
The scope is removed only once a year for a few weeks when i go on vacation to the islands...
I cant see any problem on it.

Thats the way how it looks like "uncovered" (last image on the page):
http://www.werbeagentur.org/oldwexi/pier.html

Thats how it looked like "covered" in summer of last year after a heavy hail:
http://www.werbeagentur.org/oldwexi/...anvas_hail.jpg

And the latest results a few days ago with the scope out since 5 years:
http://www.werbeagentur.org/oldwexi/...y_deepsky.html

I dont see any need to worry. These things are built to be used
under different extreme temperatures and in dry and wet conditions!

[iceman (Mike)]

VERY cool, Gerald! What a great spot.

Why not build a roll-off roof shed around it?

[mostschaedel (Gerald)]

Originally Posted by iceman

VERY cool, Gerald! What a great spot.

Why not build a roll-off roof shed around it?

I am saving money for a nice dome. A wooden hut infront of the
living room windows is not looking good enough for the other half of
the 2 who think they are ruling the house and the garden...

[iceman (Mike)]

Originally Posted by mostschaedel

I am saving money for a nice dome. A wooden hut infront of the
living room windows is not looking good enough for the other half of
the 2 who think they are ruling the house and the garden...

I understand, Gerald

My wife won't let me put up a shed in the middle of the grass where the kids play, either!

[miki63au]

Thank you gentleman's,
I got my answer!
Mick.