14 replies to this topic

[Dr. Megabyte]

I picked up a good deal one a gently used an Orion XT6 today.  The owned had lost the plastic dust cap that goes on the front but has been using a cloth, tied around the opened to keep it dust free. 

 

This looks like it will work: https://www.highpoin...iameter-az-1406.

 

Are there other options? 

Edited by Dr. Megabyte, 04 February 2023 - 03:49 PM.

[AstroApe]

The hard plastic dust cap that came AD8 started rubbing the paint off around the rim and dropping it onto the primary mirror. I replaced it with a shower cap from Dollar General. I also use one on the primary mirror end too.

 

I've been meaning to upgrade them to the AstroZap covers for an 8" scope like the ones you linked, but they've been out of stock or on backorder everytime I've looked.

[macdonjh]

A plastic trash bag isn't elegant, but it will work.  So will a shower cap.  Also check Agenaastro.com, they might have something a little slicker.

[BrentKnight]

Dust Covers for Dobsonians

[Dr. Megabyte]

Dust Covers for Dobsonians

Yep, that's the same product I provided a link to.  It seems to be the only one, but my post is hoping to find any alternatives ... 

[BrentKnight]

Sorry...I guess I just saw the title.  Why do you want an alternative?  I recently got one for my 14" Orion and it works very well.

[Dr. Megabyte]

Why do you want an alternative?  I recently got one for my 14" Orion and it works very well.

Before I buy something, I always like to know what my choices are.  Perhaps my original question could have been better phrased something like this:

 

This looks like it will work.  Are there any other options on the market I should consider?   .. or something like that ... 

[AstroApe]

AstroZap is probably the biggest seller of dust covers mainly due to limited aftermarket choices.

 

There's a company called R-Sky that made probably the best covers for the price, plus awesome dew heaters and observing vests, but he's from Russia (the R in R-Sky) and the war in Ukraine kinda threw a huge monkey wrench into the gears of his business.

 

Those are the only two companies that really come to mind, but I'm sure there's probably a few more that offer something similar.

[Ryley]

I use the same cloth covers from High Point. They work great. Got got these instead of plastic shower caps because I feel they let it breathe, maybe prevent any condensation from forming in tube and on mirrors while stored in my garage. There's been no condensation evident.

Edited by Ryley, 05 February 2023 - 02:54 PM.

[briansalomon1]

One of these may work for you.

https://jspmanufactu...head-flat-cover

 

You also might just get a cover for the entire telescope. I usually leave my telescope out while I'm camping and if it looks like I might get a few sprinkles, which has happened, I'll cover the scope.

https://www.astronom...dobsonians.html

[Alterf]

These folks make fabric-like dust caps for scope ends and also makes covers for the entire telescope:

 

https://casesandcovers.com/

 

I have their dust caps for three of my telescopes.  Each set is 5+ years old and like new.  They work perfectly.  I highly recommend them.  I don't see them on the website right now, but the website is clearly under some construction.  I'd call and ask.  They work better than any other fabric dust cap I have used and are much better than a shower cap.

 

Best,

 

Val

[Philip Jodry]

Carve a dust cap from a piece of pine. Coat it with a little deck stain to repel water. Done. 

Edited by Philip Jodry, 06 February 2023 - 02:31 PM.

[MellonLake]

You can design and 3D print them as well.

 

Rob

[Dr. Megabyte]

>>Carve a dust cap from a piece of pine. Coat it with a little deck stain to repel water. Done.

 

>>You can design and 3D print them as well.

 

Sadly, perhaps, my woodworking skills are non-existent and I have no 3D printing equipment. ;-) 

[Bill Weir]

One of these may work for you.

https://jspmanufactu...head-flat-cover

 

Those post caps look great. I’ll have to think of those if I ever lose the cap for my 6”. Measure then order a little big. Then rim the inside of the cap lip with weather stripping to fit secure. Either that or a couple of tabs of Velcro to hold it in place. I already use Velcro tabs for my cap as it’s a bit loose and falls off when transported.

 

Bill