11 replies to this topic

[NinePlanets]

I have seen the foldable room divider panels available on Amazon for blocking annoying light sources, but I would also like to see home-made, quickly-deployable, and easy-to-store solutions people have come up with.

 

Whatcha got?

[Jethro7]

Hello,

There are lots of threads here on CN's DYI forum for light shields. Mostly PVC and Tarp type light shields.

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

 

https://www.cloudyni...ght-shield-r544

 

https://youtu.be/K55...YNnbO_goAUq_1wz

Edited by Jethro7, 27 March 2025 - 11:05 AM.

[Cotts]

How tall must the blocking surface be?  Two folding tables, deployed folded to a 90º angle and lying on their sides work well.  Or, even just one pointed into the breeze or toward the offending light... 

 

Works great for Seestar and other low mounted gear.

 

Dave

[npbarker]

I get a lot of use out of a large patio umbrella with a tilting head. Easy to deploy, easy to "point", easy to move around as needed, and useful during the daytime as a.....patio umbrella. 

[TOMDEY]

Portable Light Shield --- blocking annoying light sources --- quickly-deployable, and easy-to-store solutions people have come up with.

 

Whatcha got?

 

Actually >>> a car and a tank of gas satisfies the definition --- and far more effectively than anything else!    Tom

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[vio]

From my backyard, to keep out the patio lights from one of my neighbors, I use a photo studio reflector on a light stand. I happen to have quite a few from my photography hobby. Sizes depend on what lights you need to deal with, also the lightweight setups or large reflector ones may not handle the wind very well. This was not a problem for me, as I tend to not setup when it’s windy, also I have good support (including sandbags to secure the stands) for tripods/lightstands to use depending on the situation. Plus my neighbors don’t always leave their porch lights on.


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[12BH7]

https://www.cloudyni...d#entry13943075

 

Look at panel number one. I made this for all of around $40. When I'm not using it I can roll up the plastic against the IV stand making it very compact to store.

[jcj380]

I don't have pix anymore, but I use black polyester shower curtains on a half-inch (or whatever) PVC pipe for a crossbar. Uprights are PVC pipe with 90° elbows slid into Tiki torch deck rail holders.  For freestanding use, use a couple PVC table caps on wood bases to put the uprights in.

 

Need a longer crossbar?  Add a PVC T-fitting with another upright.

 

Cheap, easy to break down and transport, and two curtains were $20 so if they get destroyed it's not much of a loss.

 

Edited by jcj380, 28 March 2025 - 10:39 AM.

[Sacred Heart]

I use a long dew shield on the scope.  Actually it is more of a dew shield extension. Made from EVA foam, 5mm thick. It comes in a roll 24" wide.  I wrap it around the  tube, overlap by an inch or two, glue it closed. Use duct tape to hold together while glue dries.

 

To use just slip over the existing dew shield.

 

Hobby Lobby for the EVA foam, it comes in black.

 

Joe

[vsteblina]

I used 3/4 inch PVC pipe, cut to order for free by the hardware store.  Then 3/4 inch connectors to connect the segments.  

 

Bought a heavy duty 6X8 foot tarp and connected it to the PVC pipe with electronic ties.

 

Since the hardware store cut all the pieces, it literally took NO TIME of mine to make.

 

It takes about five minutes to assemble a panel.

 

The 6X8 panels make a HUGE wind sail.  I would down size to 4X6 for imaging, but the visual it is nice.

 

I bought a heavy duty tarp, that is silver on one side and brown on the other.  Buy the tarp first and then have the PVC pipe cut to size. to make the blind.

 

The entire package fits into a fairly small tent bag.

 

I am traveling right now, but if your interested I can send pictures and instructioins.

[mondo1948]

https://www.cloudyni...do-observatory/

 

 

My light shield described in the link above has worked out unless it is very windy.

 

Mondo

[BRCoz]

I used 3/4 inch PVC pipe, and made three 7' H X 5' W each.  Tarps over each one.  Used Velcro to connect them in a U around the scope.  Wish I still had it.