2 replies to this topic

[abordage]

Hi all;

 

This is my first post in a looooong time. If I am posting in the wrong section please let me know.

I am expecting a used Daystar Solaredi 60mm H-Alpha scope to arrive within a couple days. I live in NB Canada so with the upcoming winter months daily temps could go as low as - 25 deg C ( about - 13 F). There may be the occasional day when temps might get as high as 0 deg F . Is it possible to wrap a dew heater type strap around the drawtube of the scope right next to the tuning knob to apply enough heat to the tuner to make it work in cold temps? If so, can anyone recommend a good budget dew controller with a 3 or 4 inch heat strap? I will likely use the cigarette lighter plug in my car for the power source. Thx. Adrien

[David Knisely]

It would be best to put this question to the Solar Observing and Imaging Forum, as they might have a good answer to you.  Dew heaters may or may not have enough capacity to heat the filter unit past 50F at such a low ambient temperature, although there may be other options.  Clear skies to you. 

[OregonAstronomer]

Beware of this unless you are planning on leaving the car running. Car batteries are not designed for deep discharge and a couple of dew straps can quickly deplete it enough to where it can no longer generate enough cranking voltage to start your car. If you plan on using 12 volts for the dew straps, you might want to consider a separate deep cycle marine battery or a LiFePO4 battery, both of which can discharge much further than a car battery (50% and 90% respectively) and be easily recharged at home.

Arnie

 

 I will likely use the cigarette lighter plug in my car for the power source.