· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Equipment Discussions >> Observatories Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 MHamburg professor emeritus Reged: 06/21/06 Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Berkshires, MA Melting Snow and Ice       #5608056 - 01/06/13 10:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Has anyone tried those sets of resistance wires used for preventing ice dams on roofs for their observatories? I was wondering how they might work on an aluminum dome. Michael Post Extras:       Mirzam Post Laureate Reged: 04/01/08 Loc: Lovettsville, VA Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: MHamburg]       #5608182 - 01/06/13 11:56 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I would think that with an aluminum dome a heater placed inside would cause most of the snow/ice to slough off. Rotating the slit to face south might help as well (assuming sunshine). JimC Post Extras:       MHamburg professor emeritus Reged: 06/21/06 Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Berkshires, MA Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: Mirzam]       #5610220 - 01/07/13 01:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Even with the slit facing south what happens is that snow and ice build up on the upper track of the shutter tending to freeze the shutter shut as well as adding tremendous weight to the dome. Hard to rotate! Already this season we have had over 2' of snow. Michael Post Extras:       stmguy super member Reged: 10/11/12 Loc: Western NH Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: MHamburg]       #5611677 - 01/08/13 10:26 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I fired up one of those lpg catalytic heaters in the OBS and the snow slid right off . Nice for working out in the OBS also ! Just make sure you have fresh air coming in. http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-Single-Tank-Top-Propane/dp/B00005LEXJ/ref=sr_... Norm Post Extras:       MHamburg professor emeritus Reged: 06/21/06 Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Berkshires, MA Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: stmguy]       #5613301 - 01/09/13 08:43 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm curious if you are dealing with air currents from the heater. Michael Post Extras:       stmguy super member Reged: 10/11/12 Loc: Western NH Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: MHamburg]       #5613672 - 01/09/13 12:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I just use it when I'm working out there, as a side benefit it melted the snow enough so it slid off (most of it anyway) Norm Post Extras:       MHamburg professor emeritus Reged: 06/21/06 Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Berkshires, MA Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: stmguy]       #5614120 - 01/09/13 05:22 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Oh! You mean working out as in a gym or working out(side), but definitely not observing?? Michael Post Extras:       stmguy super member Reged: 10/11/12 Loc: Western NH Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: MHamburg]       #5614994 - 01/10/13 07:53 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ah no...working on the observatory , lots still to do on it..never enough time...work gets in the way But I'm thankful I'm still working, it sure helps pay the bills ! Post Extras:       MHamburg professor emeritus Reged: 06/21/06 Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Berkshires, MA Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: stmguy]       #5617620 - 01/11/13 05:18 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I would love to se some pics of your pride and joy. Michael Post Extras:       stmguy super member Reged: 10/11/12 Loc: Western NH Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: MHamburg]       #5620298 - 01/13/13 08:49 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   sorry just saw this http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/5466873/page... or here for lots of pics https://picasaweb.google.com/ntfredrick/ObservatoryConstruction# Norm Post Extras:       MHamburg professor emeritus Reged: 06/21/06 Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Berkshires, MA Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: stmguy]       #5624852 - 01/15/13 05:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Many, many thanks. It seems that you beautifully solved the many engineering challenges you faced. Now to tackle the weather. . . Michael Post Extras:       stmguy super member Reged: 10/11/12 Loc: Western NH Re: Melting Snow and Ice [Re: MHamburg]       #5625760 - 01/16/13 08:31 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   It has been challenging but it IS usable and I've used my telescope much more now that I don't have to set it up each time. I'm in the process of painting the inside dark blue now as time permits Thanks Norm Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 2 registered and 11 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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