Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Technical => Topic started by: Fay on Jan 17, 2010, 10:32:52

Title: Dew
Post by: Fay on Jan 17, 2010, 10:32:52
Well after having dew problems with my Telegizmos cover, I had a bit chopped off the bottom so it was not resting near the ground. Put over a bone dry mount & it was still damp this morning. The inside of the aluminium cover was damp & is about the same as my B&Q garden cover.

Robert has the same cover & is quite happy & has no damp inside & leaves scopes etc out as well. I have asked him what his secret is as there are only so many ways to vary putting a cover on.

I am sure that my mount was ok, thru the drier months & it only had a cheap cover on it. I am thinking that in this weather nothing will keep the dew off equipment. I will not leave my mount out until I am sure it will be ok, sort of messes up the reason for a permanent pier.
Title: Re: Dew
Post by: Mike on Jan 17, 2010, 10:50:36
Is there moisture on it before you put the cover over?

Contrary to popular opinion, dew is not something that falls from above. it is water in the atmosphere that condenses on a cooling surface so if there is any gap to let moisture in it will do so.
Title: Re: Dew
Post by: Fay on Jan 17, 2010, 11:30:54
No, I made sure it was completely dry, as I was testing. I tied it in below with bungee cord but there are fins around the pier, ao although wrapped tight, there would be small gaps here and there where fins are, but cannot see how a cover could be pulled completely 100% tight.

I am open to suggestions as to what to do next.
Title: Re: Dew
Post by: Ian on Jan 17, 2010, 13:11:36
dew is condensation.  Condensation is combatted by ventilation. I'm not sure how you're going to get ventilation in what amounts to a big plastic bag.

I wonder if drawing it in tight underneath is actually not helping...
Title: Re: Dew
Post by: mickw on Jan 17, 2010, 13:19:47
As Mike said, the moisture is in the air.

If you put the cover on when the air is damp, you are sealing the moisture in with the mount.

Have you tried putting the cover on during the day when it is sunny and warm not so cold and damp ?

I would cover the mount at the end of the session then next day uncover it to let it breathe and dry out (same with the cover), then re-cover and tie up.

It could of course be the foxes peeing on it  ;)
Title: Re: Dew
Post by: Fay on Jan 17, 2010, 15:28:34
Ok Plan B will be not tying it tight underneath
Title: Re: Dew
Post by: Fay on Jan 18, 2010, 18:42:12
Talking of covers, this company will make one for your motor home, Mik, & if you have a tractor or aircraft, you can have one for those as well!!!!!!!

In fact they will make one for anything!!!!!!!cheap



http://www.motorhomecampercovers.co.uk/fullheightmotorhomecovers.htm
Title: Re: Dew
Post by: mickw on Jan 18, 2010, 18:54:29
They're over £200.............................

Have you any idea how much beer that would buy  :roll: