Has anyone had any experience with the Orion Dew Heater Controller and Orion Dew Heaters?
I"m currently looking for some dew heaters for my C8 and refractor. I've looked at the Thousand Oaks and Kendrick series but they seem fairly expensive compared to the Orion dew heaters.
I'll appreciate any comments and feedback on Dew heaters.
I have to agree with Geoff, Matty battery powered can be a bit of a draw back, as these heater straps have to run sometimes all night and need a fairly steady supply of power.
Mine run from a Regulated power supply, which is dedicated only to the heaters.
But I might be wrong here, and I do suppose one can't have tem hooked up to DC out in the field
I have to agree with Geoff, Matty battery powered can be a bit of a draw back, as these heater straps have to run sometimes all night and need a fairly steady supply of power.
Mine run from a Regulated power supply, which is dedicated only to the heaters.
But I might be wrong here, and I do suppose one can't have tem hooked up to DC out in the field
Leon
Leon, I intend to use a regulated power supply to power the dew heaters inside my Obs. I am aware that they require a steady power supply and I understand that powering the heaters all night on battery power is less than ideal.
I just need to find a regulated power for the heaters and my mount.
Dick Smith had a very good one - delivering 13.8Volts at 23 Amp. The output voltage can be adjusted - I brought mine down to 12V, no problem.
Cannot see it on their website at the moment. I got it on special for something like $89.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matty P
Leon, I intend to use a regulated power supply to power the dew heaters inside my Obs. I am aware that they require a steady power supply and I understand that powering the heaters all night on battery power is less than ideal.
I just need to find a regulated power for the heaters and my mount.
Matt, I just found a few power supplies on ebay which may suit your needs very well... Im actually in conversation with one of them to find out about the suitability for semi-outdoor use.. if its all good I'll be buying it.. 13.8v 25A, $130. Australian made.
The problem with most of these power supplies, is that they are not suitable for outdoor use where they may be exposed to dew and moisture... If need be, I'd build a ventilated box for it..
there are more options for you obviously, being that it will be inside an observatory,.. just needs some basic cover and it would be fine.
Matt, I just found a few power supplies on ebay which may suit your needs very well... Im actually in conversation with one of them to find out about the suitability for semi-outdoor use.. if its all good I'll be buying it.. 13.8v 25A, $130. Australian made.
The problem with most of these power supplies, is that they are not suitable for outdoor use where they may be exposed to dew and moisture... If need be, I'd build a ventilated box for it..
there are more options for you obviously, being that it will be inside an observatory,.. just needs some basic cover and it would be fine.
Sounds good Alex but the price doesn't.
I might be worth having a look though. Could you post a link.
I have the Thousand Oaks controller and 2 x DewNot straps, 5" and 1.25" eyepiece .... $235 delivered.
The power supply I use is from Dick Smith ... 3 amp regulated $60 ... it comes with a cigarette lighter type adapter with banana style connectors that plug into the end of the screw type connectors, if you get what I mean. So the mount is connected with screw and heater with banana to same posts. Anyway as my FLT110 scope only weighs around 7kgs with SBIG camera the mount and dew heater run off the same power supply with no problems so far.
I hope all that came out as clear as mud ... I know what I mean !
Keep the power supply dry .... it's not recommended for outdoor use .... mine lives under a foot stool under the mount on top of carpet tiles in my observatory.
I have the Thousand Oaks controller and 2 x DewNot straps, 5" and 1.25" eyepiece .... $235 delivered.
The power supply I use is from Dick Smith ... 3 amp regulated $60 ... it comes with a cigarette lighter type adapter with banana style connectors that plug into the end of the screw type connectors, if you get what I mean. So the mount is connected with screw and heater with banana to same posts. Anyway as my FLT110 scope only weighs around 7kgs with SBIG camera the mount and dew heater run off the same power supply with no problems so far.
I hope all that came out as clear as mud ... I know what I mean !
Keep the power supply dry .... it's not recommended for outdoor use .... mine lives under a foot stool under the mount on top of carpet tiles in my observatory.
Thanks Steve,
I do understand what you are saying but not that clearly.
Do you think you could post some images. That would make it much easier.
Matt, that all depends on your specific power requirements... Take a look at everything you intend to run off this power supply, find out their amp draw, add it all up, then add 1/3 of the total to the total....
Ie, if your equipment all totaled to 5A draw, add 1/3, making it 6.5A. That 1/3 allows for any surges by any of the gear etc, and gives you a little bit of head room should you want to power something else...
I know the EQ6 draws 2A, towards 4A during the start of a slew.... Dew heaters are power hungry, although I dont off the top of my head know their ratings.... Personally I'd lean towards the 8A one... Maybe buy a 5A as well just for posterity...
