Silica Gel for OTA

[E_ri_k (Erik)]

It occurred to me the other day weather it would it be advisable or not to store a bag of silica gel in the end of the OTA during the damper months? I guess just to avoid the possibility of damage? Would be interested to know what others do?


Erik

[glend (Glen)]

When they are not being used in the observatory i store all my scopes in a dehumidified room in the house. My refractor also has a 2" Farpoint dessicant plug in the back of the focuser and a silica pack in front of the objective in the sealed area behind the light shield cap. I worry more about the refractor because there is no circulation through it.

[Zuts]

Originally Posted by glend

When they are not being used in the observatory i store all my scopes in a dehumidified room in the house. My refractor also has a 2" Farpoint dessicant plug in the back of the focuser and a silica pack in front of the objective in the sealed area behind the light shield cap. I worry more about the refractor because there is no circulation through it.

What a good idea!

Cheers
Paul

[Allan_L (Allan)]

Like Glen, I have my scopes and gear in a dedicated cupboard sort of thing, with a little dehumidifier running 24x7.
{Pretty sure I got the idea from a previous post by Glen on this subject. Thanks Glen )
Being close to the coast, the humidity is always high, and those refillable moisture absorbers https://www.bunnings.com.au/damprid-...orber_p4470041
were just not cutting it.

This
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/500ml-Min...item43ed3eccdb
seems to do the job.
And as a side bonus, I get an unlimited supply of distilled water.

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

a solution for "sticky paper" in an office stationary cupboard is to install a low wattage light bulb and leave it turned on at all times

low constant heat reduces the humidity - paper stays nice and dry

geoff

[E_ri_k (Erik)]

Originally Posted by glend

When they are not being used in the observatory i store all my scopes in a dehumidified room in the house. My refractor also has a 2" Farpoint dessicant plug in the back of the focuser and a silica pack in front of the objective in the sealed area behind the light shield cap. I worry more about the refractor because there is no circulation through it.

Thanks Glen and Allan, I never even thought of thatI have seen those caps at Bintel. I think I'll get one. Maybe even a dehumidifier.

I want to avoid bringing everything inside when not in use. It would be a hassle disconnecting everything, taking the guide scope off, dew straps and cables, plus I have no good storage space in the house, and my wife wouldn't be too pleased with me leaving it laying around haha!

It's all in my "ror" 3x3 garden shed. I haven't noticed much moisture build up inside anywhere, but air circulation would be quite poor.

Erik