I use a garden mulch bag, you know the ones with the spiral of wire built in so it holds it shape.
I have one made of canvas (its a Jamie Durie model $20) as well as a plastic version from the Reject Shop ($7)
So, come the end of my session under the stars, I cover the scope with a towel then the mulch cover.
I use a plastic outdoor chair cover. It is really light yet strong, have actually left the scope running underneath it and it tracked perfectly. I have attached rubber band in 3 places around the base to attach it to the legs of the tripod so it cant blow away. Rolls up to about 30cm long x 10cm round.
Only thing I suggest, is on dewy nights get a tea towel to put over your OTA, dew can still form on the inside of the cover.
After asking a similar question about a cover for my 16", I've ordered a Telegizmo from the US. Cost of shipping seems reasonable - they don't have a dealer here. A few people suggested that I try Peter Reid from sdm telescopes, but he doesn't seem to stock them and suggested that he could get one for me but it would be easier for me to get one from the source. Cost for cover for 18" scope was US$139 and shiping US$43
After asking a similar question about a cover for my 16", I've ordered a Telegizmo from the US. Cost of shipping seems reasonable - they don't have a dealer here. A few people suggested that I try Peter Reid from sdm telescopes, but he doesn't seem to stock them and suggested that he could get one for me but it would be easier for me to get one from the source. Cost for cover for 18" scope was US$139 and shiping US$43
Money never troubles Trevor. If it costs more than his allowance he just comes to me for more. He is not getting the G11 till I have finished playing with it.
This idea is from some guys at the Snake Valley Camp. They were using camp toilet/shower tents. They fit right over the scope and when using the scope you put your table in it so your charts, books, computers are protected from dew
The old toilet tent eh?
It's one thing setting them up but it's a comedy of errors getting 'em back their carry bags.
I've spent many a merry hour watching very tired and cranky Astronomers packing up in the morning.
Good value.
Very lightweight plastic bags were the dew protection of choice at this years QLD Astrofest.
Once the morning sun hits them they just take off.
The bags from both my scopes took off at the same time.
A double launch.
I hope there were no 5-yo stowaways in those bags, J
I love the Astrogizmos cover. It has a blue "tarpaulin" material on the inside and a reflective "metallic" outer coating with a draw string at the base.
The old toilet tent eh?
It's one thing setting them up but it's a comedy of errors getting 'em back their carry bags.
I've spent many a merry hour watching very tired and cranky Astronomers packing up in the morning.
Good value.
I had one of the toilet tents at Snake Valley. Very easy to take down in the moring. Cost around $60 at Rays Outdoors and was great for all my atlases etc while I was observing. Packed away very easily, and yes I was tired and grumpy!
Malcolm
Alex, I use a good quality BBQ cover for all my scopes.
One size fits either my refractors or my 12" LX200.
It is very handy, relatively cheep, it's lined underneath and is so easy to cover the scope in an emergency.
The velcro straps that it has ensure a snug fit too.
I use a shower tent as well. Much easier than a tarp or furniture cover. Only thing is is that you have have to secure them becuase they like to fly away.
The old toilet tent eh?
