14 replies to this topic

[Sean13]

I have recently installed my CGEM on a cement pier after getting back into photography after 7 years. I'm looking to keep the mount installed year around, and looking for options on a cover for it. Overall it sits 58" tall and I am unable to find a trash can or barrel that will easily fit over it. I'm down for all options between a water proof bag and building a small shed around it, so please let me know your ideas/experience. I live in Nebraska, USA, have a temp range of -10f to +100f, and often deal with 80+ mph winds, 1-2ft snow falls, and higher humidity during certain seasons. What is your advice?

[Notdarkenough]

Telegizmos 365. Nothing else is close

[afd33]

I agree with notdarkenough. Especially if you don't plan on keeping your telescope on the mount 24/7, you can get one that will fit over just your mount and be able to cinch it down on to the pier. That said, if you're willing to build a small shed around it, then a roll off roof observatory would be my ultimate goal if it was mine.

[pyrasanth]

Telegizmos 365. Nothing else is close

Most of my 365 covers have been superb and pretty much essential for all outdoors 365 setups. However the last "giant" size cover that was custom built for me leaks water into the membrane between inner & outer- even when I've tried a seam sealer. What I've done is to put a thin outer cover over the 365 which is used for covering garden furniture- this has fixed the issue but its another cover to attend to.

 

A good tip is to use a cheap undercover before placing the 365 cover. This prevent the thinner inside metallic thermal shielding film from snagging & ripping on a sharp telescope fitting.

 

Please don't take my experience as bad with the leaking cover- everybody can get a "Friday Car" now & again- all the other covers have been fine.

[PIEJr]

I've been using one of these for a lot of years.

The one I'm using cost $9.95.

When I was using my 80mm telescope I had a 32 gallon dome over the top of the BBQ cover. It doesn't fit over the 130mm Astrotech scope so good.

I got the idea from a fellow CNer back East who used a 32 gallon plastic trash can over his pier. Trash cans are usually treated for direct sunlight and really hold up well.

Not sure about the BBQ cover, but mine has held up for years of use now.

 

I use metal spring clamps to hold it rolled at the bottom.

 

And last spring I made an active ventilation system for it. So, it stays cooler and dryer.

 

I also have a piece of sun cloth over mine to help keep it cooler in the direct sun. Works better for me than umbrellas do because of our winds.

 

 

 

Edited by PIEJr, 11 November 2024 - 02:41 PM.

[VMan]

I'm of the extreme opposite perspective. 

 

I've had optics ruined by fungus and wouldn't ever consider doing that even with just a mount unless I lived in a desert. Cement gets soaked from temperature changes where I live especially in spring. I'd be nervous about humidity getting in the electronics.

 

The only way I would do it is with a climate controlled shed with a roll off roof. I scrapped those plans as I have limited sky visibility and it's too convenient to move my mount around to find a hole in the trees... at one point I considered multiple sheds, but that multiplies the effort and defeats the purpose.... ...I got pretty efficient at setup and breakdown, especially since I developed inverse aperture fever.... so it lost it's allure
 

Keep all my stuff in humidity controlled dry boxes in the house.

[PIEJr]

I'm of the extreme opposite perspective. 

 

I've had optics ruined by fungus and wouldn't ever consider doing that even with just a mount unless I lived in a desert. Cement gets soaked from temperature changes where I live especially in spring. I'd be nervous about humidity getting in the electronics.

 

The only way I would do it is with a climate controlled shed with a roll off roof. I scrapped those plans as I have limited sky visibility and it's too convenient to move my mount around to find a hole in the trees... at one point I considered multiple sheds, but that multiplies the effort and defeats the purpose.... ...I got pretty efficient at setup and breakdown, especially since I developed inverse aperture fever.... so it lost it's allure
 

Keep all my stuff in humidity controlled dry boxes in the house.

Sorry to hear you had a fungus problem.

 

We had so much rain last spring that we had moss and mold growing.

But not on my telescope due to the drying of the active ventilation DIY I made.

Edited by PIEJr, 11 November 2024 - 02:47 PM.

[jrazz]

Telegizmos 365. Nothing else is close

I've tried the cheap Amazon replacement... Like Notdarkenough said, nothing is even close to Telegizmos. The weight and strength of the material is in a different league. Like comparing plastic to metal.

 

[VMan]

Sorry to hear you had a fungus problem.

 

We had so much rain last spring that we had moss and mold growing.

But not on my telescope due to the drying of the active ventilation DIY I made.

Our mud season seemed to last 6 months here this year
I like your ventilation setup, that will certainly help.

 

The thing about fungus in optics is you don't actually see it till it's too late... and it somehow gets past seals and thrives in the dark... and literally eats optical coatings... fascinating scary stuff...

[PIEJr]

You're going to get your butt wet sitting on that chair, Jordan.

 

How many years have you had your gizmos?

[jrazz]

 

I've had it for two years now. 

[sevenofnine]

+1 on Telegizmo 365. My manual Dob sits on our deck under one for most of the year. I only take the scope in during the very rainy Winter months. The scope has weathered over 100*f heat (in shade) to occasional downpours in the Spring. No snow here but some heavy frost. I do try to manage moisture under the cover with blue desiccant. The workmanship of the cover is worth the price. Good luck! 

[Bob Pitney]

Most of my 365 covers have been superb and pretty much essential for all outdoors 365 setups. However the last "giant" size cover that was custom built for me leaks water into the membrane between inner & outer- even when I've tried a seam sealer. What I've done is to put a thin outer cover over the 365 which is used for covering garden furniture- this has fixed the issue but its another cover to attend to.

 

A good tip is to use a cheap undercover before placing the 365 cover. This prevent the thinner inside metallic thermal shielding film from snagging & ripping on a sharp telescope fitting.

 

Please don't take my experience as bad with the leaking cover- everybody can get a "Friday Car" now & again- all the other covers have been fine.

I would like to discuss this issue with you. If inclined, please contact me via email or phone...you can find the email address and phone number on our website.

 

Regards,

 

Bob Pitney

TeleGizmos

[WarrenS]

I know I'm a few days late but I've had a Telegizmo cover over my Orion Atlas mount for 17 years now through Hudson Valley New York summers and winters without any negative effect on the mount. The trick for me is to put a bath towel directly over the mount to absorb moisture, then a large contractor bag with the Telegizmo over last.

[Sean13]

Already order a Telegizmo 365 and received it this week. Thanks for the recommendations guys, very happy with it!