End of the night's scope care - Forums

Topic starter

Nov 24, 2021

Backyard, 70mm Meade Quadruplet on LX85.
ASI 071 MCP

I run sequences overnight using NINA to a laptop next to my scope. In the morning, before leaving for work, I cover the scope with a telegizmo if there is no serious rain predicted, otherwise I bring it inside.

Despite a dew heater the front lens may get a little moisture on it - the dew shield too. Should I wait to put the lens cap on?

The mount itself often has water on it as well - Should I refrain from covering it with the telegizmo till later in the day after it can dry out a bit?

THis morning it was clear out and I was able to run home and cover the scope and place lens cap on at about 11:00 AM, but this isn't always a possibility depending on my schedule.

I have seen different opinions on this elsewhere.

ZS

Sean van Drogen

Nov 24, 2021

When taking it inside I wait 30 minutes or so before putting caps on the scope. This is enough time for the scope to adjust and not trap moist air behind the caps

Concise

Zensurgeon

Topic starter

Nov 24, 2021

Thank you - what if I want to leave it outside?

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Nov 24, 2021 · Edited: Nov 25, 2021

I leave all the scopes I routinely use (and cameras) out and they are all under some sort of tarp (well, more expensive than run-of-the-mill tarp but still same function). I had issues similar to yours until I decided to use a small electrical tubular heater (the sort they use in greenhouses) and leave it on attached to the mount. The heat generated is small, typically 40W or less but enough to keep humidity out no matter what (rain, hail or snow).

Helpful Concise

wsg

Nov 25, 2021

I have only refractors and little to no danger of theft or vandalism so it may be easier for me. I leave and have always left my entire rig- tripod, mount, scopes and cameras all set up under a Telegizmo 365 year round, wind rain, snow or sun. We have an average of 72% year round humidity on Vancouver Island and it is routinely in the 90% range during the winter, and we hit 100 degrees (F) for a couple of days this past summer. I replace the lens cap in the morning and cover the whole rig, with the cover leaving the system on with the camera cooler turned off. I turn the system off later in the day or just start imaging again that night.
The main thing, the most important thing, is to allow air flow under the cover. I do this by using a slightly oversized cover and NEVER cinching it up. I have never had a problem with dirt or moisture with the worst thing being a slight bit of rust on cheap screws or bolts on legs of the tripod.

New Permanent Pier

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Zensurgeon

Topic starter

Nov 25, 2021

Thank you so much!
That's a huge help.

It gets cold here and I run remotely from inside the house but I got to always PA and align with frostbitten fingers. Keeping it out all the time gives me anxiety but your reply has reassured me that I can be more at ease leaving it out for longer periods of time. The easier I make things, the more imaging time I get to do.

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