Equipment cover - Forums

Topic starter

Nov 4, 2023

I have an EQ6-R Pro and a Williams Optics FLT 91. I purchased a Telegizmo cover. I believe I would like to keep the tripod, mount and scope outside for extended periods this winter, but am not content with only using the Telegizmo cover. I've built a three point, mobile base that I can place the tripod and role it in and out of the garage, but the viewing site outside my garage is not as nice as the viewing site in my backyard. I can't move the rolling mobile base out to the back yard.

I believe I would like to purchase a teepee of sorts, sort of a fabric/plastic type portable ice shanty, or some similar durable, yet mobile shelter large enough to cover the scope, mount and tripod, better than the telegizmo does.

Any suggestions where to get such a product, hopefully that is not to wieldy to lift on and off and not the size of a circus tent?

Brian Puhl

IOTD Staff

Nov 4, 2023

I can't say I know of any other products, but the T365 covers have kept my scopes safe outside for about a year now. I only bring them inside for things like hurricanes. If you're worried about humidity, I just keep the mini-pc powered on, seems to be enough to keep them dry.

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Christian Großmann

Nov 4, 2023 · Edited: Nov 4, 2023

I see this like @Brian Puhl . I have 3 setups in my backyard and all are covered with a Telegizmo 365 cover. They are outsie for 2 years now. Beside some marks on some steel screws, I had absolutely no issues. All works fine the whole time. The only thing I do is to leave the covers open on the bottom (I do not use the rubber band to close them) so the air can circulate at least a bit. Sometimes, if I cover the scopes while they still have a lot of dew on it, I have to remove the cover after I come back from work to let everything dry. But that's rare. The trick with the running PC would help here. You can use some USB fan (fan only without the PC) to save some energy.

I will build myself an observatory, soon. The only reason to do this is, because the roof can be closed automatically when there are unsafe observing conditions. At the moment, I have to go outside to cover everything manually. That's a bit annoying during nights, after which I have to go to work.

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Arun H

Frequent contributor

Nov 4, 2023

+1 for Telegizmos 365 which I have been using for many years now.

Fox Park Observatory

Dec 13, 2023

Search Amazon for a "Hanging Egg Chair Cover".

Tom Zepf

Dec 13, 2023

If wind is not a big issue, you might want to look into ice fishing tents. I've seen folks use those, and it looks like a great adaptation. If anchored well, it might very well stand up to some strong winds.

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Paolo

Dec 13, 2023

In Europe, you can buy a Geoptik cover (or Artesky, they are the same).

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KnoxW

Dec 13, 2023

I have had my Mach1 mount outside for6-7 years now. I also use a Telegizmos cover (I've had to replace the cover twice now) but beneath the Telegizmos I also have two large heavy clear plastic bags that I sinch down snug around the base of the concrete post and with a large cannister of desiccant inside. Stays outside in all kinds of weather here in the Smoky Mountains - no problems. If I could build a small roll-off roof observatory - I would - but the wife put here foot down on that idea right next to our house!

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Stuart Taylor

Dec 13, 2023 · Edited: Dec 13, 2023

I really don't think you need any kind of tent or teepee.

I have an Esprit 150 ED and EQ8R permanently outside under a Telegizmos 365 cover. I also leave the miniPC, motor focuser, dew straps and Pegasus UPBv2 attached. The only thing I don't leave out there is the camera (as that is more sensitive to moisture); I remove that after each session and bring it indoors.

Like you I wasn't happy to just trust everything to the Telegizmos, so underneath that I use two super large size polythene mailing bags (belt and braces!). These are 120x110cm and easily cover the scope and mount. Inside these three layers, I hang a little basket from the telescope which holds two heavy duty, electric rechargeable moisture absorbers and I swap them out every couple of days. Periodically I check to see if any condensation has gathered and if so, I remove all the covers (assuming it's a dry day) and let everything air out for a couple of hours.

I've had my rig outside like this for three years now and it still works perfectly with no sign of corrosion.

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Willem Jan Drijfhout

Dec 13, 2023

Feedback on the Telegizmos 365 covers is usually very good. Not sure if another type of cover would get you better results.
Cuiv the Lazy Geek released a long-term review of his telegizmos, which comes out very positive. He uses regular silica-based moist-absorbers to keep the atmosphere under the cover dry. YouTube

If the concern is that the cover does not cover the mount/tripod very well, you can try a size larger. I have different sizes for different setups, but they vary quite a bit by how well they cover also the lower parts of the setup.

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Marcelof

Dec 13, 2023

The Telegizmos 365 works fantastic, my mount, telescope and electronics live in my backyard protected by it.

Just to keep in mind, do not let the cover completely enclose the equipment, I leave it a few centimeters over it to let the air circulate and avoid humidity. And also, very important, it is recommended to use a cheap cover as a first layer, this is to protect the inner layer of the Telegizmos from the sharp edges that our equipment usually has.

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