Cover for scope outside

[proflight2000]

Hi All

I am after some advice please on a quality scope cover which can be used to cover my scope outside, I am due an operation soon and basically I will not be able to lift the scope from my garage into the garden, so I want to put it out there and leave it, the wife cannot lift it and the kids, well they don't give a hoots so I am not trusting them with anything. Basically it would only be out there for no more than a month, but I would rather ask and see what others have proved and tested rather than get any old bit of tat.

Thanks

[jason.p]

I have used a large barbecue cover and a motorcycle cover in the past. Purpose made covers can be found at for example, Green Witch.

When I had mine covered like this, I took every opportunity to uncover it to let it breathe

[AndyWB]

I have the Greenwitch one, and it stood up to the rain at SGL 9 nicely. It's the only time I've used it, though. It does have 2 vents on the side to let a little air through, too.

[proflight2000]

Thanks guys, I can get hold of loads of dessicant packs from work so the moisture isn't a problem. The issue is if I don't get it outside then I will be grounded for ages i shall have a look at greenwich.

[astronymonkey]

I use a plastic cover which came off a matress ..... the big bag they are packaged in by the manufacturer.

I popped into a bed shop to see if they had any and they had just put 2 single mattresses on display and only cut the bag along the bottom.

at star camps this nicely covers my 16inch dob and tucks under the feet meaning the weight of the scope keeps it in place.

its very thick plastic but is also see through meaning I can easily keep an eye on things.

It was free and to date I havent found anything better.

cheers

[AllanJ]

More support for the Green Witch Scopecoat. I have had one out all winter on my pier, dry as a bone.

Allan

[JamesF]

A reasonable quality outdoor table cover will do the job, too.  Bizarrely not all of them are waterproof or UV stable, but ones that are seem to do a reasonable job.

James

[brantuk]

If you have to then go for the Green Witch cover. I use them all the time at star parties and they work fine.

But surely you have hefty mate or maybe even a good neighbour who would bring it indoors for you - or maybe someone from your local astro soc. Better than leaving it outside with weather and security issues? I'd offer a hand myself if I was anywhere near you.

Scratch that - I just re-read that you want to take it outside - in which case surely it's better in the garage?

[DAVE AMENDALL]

Hi All

         A 3ft X 6ft Long Single Bed cover will do the job. They are waterproof and made of heavy duty polythene. Used one on my pier all last winter.No problems. Cost about £6

[Lowjiber]

I use Telegizmo 365 covers.  Perhaps not available in EU.  They come in a large range of sizes; are totally waterproof; and withstand intense sunlight (I live in a desert).

[beamer3.6m]

Large bbq cover. Quality one. Cost about £30.00 depending on size.

Mine has been outdide for 5 years with no issues.

[scarp15]

I recently had a Cygnus Astro Cover made for my 8" dobsonian, covers to fit other scope types and mounts are available. Consultation is by email and is very good. Mine is medium weight and for temporary use outdoors, it is a good fit with elasticated base. A heavy weight material for prolonged outdoor use is available either taylor made or as standard. Most importantly the material is breathable as well as being 100% water proof. The costs are very reasonable, mine came in at £35 delivered.

Recommended

cygnus astro covers

[Sirius Starwatcher]

Have a look at the website here

http://www.bags4everything.co.uk

I've used them for camping and they are really good. You can get a bad for almost anything and if the size you want is not stock item they will make it.

[silios]

Geoptik Telescope Cover is quite adequate for protection from rain and sun. I use a woolen old sweater on top of the telescope and it absorbs the humidity (if any).

Beware of winds though!!! I once found the whole assembly (45kg and the legs of the tripod where not extended) upside down and covered in snow

[cathalferris]

You've also got to watch out for little critters setting up home under the tarp. I've found snails, spiders, centipedes, woodlice, etc - all seem to like hiding under these covers.

Just make sure that any optical surfaces are well closed, and that any openings into the tube are also closed off. Few things worse than seeing a snail trail across your mirror, or a spider web inside your refractor OTA..

[Matt Scunthorpe]

I think the covers mentioned above are your best bet, I trust you've thought of security etc, unlikely to happen but you never know who may peer into your garden during the night.

Matt.

[Dave In Vermont]

I have a 16-foot by 20-foot roofing-tarp. They are designed to cover a rooftop beng repaired. They work for protecting all me gear:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Blue+roofing+tarp&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Much less ££ than a Scope-Cover found on the market aimed at astronomers.

Clearr & Dry Skies,

Dave

[mikeDnight]

I kept my losmandy G11 with its electronics permanently mounted on a pier in my garden for five years. I used a garden chair canvas cover over it, tied with a bungee cord. It never got wet in all the time it was out there. You could use a garden bench cover to protect your scope if its a long one.

Mike :-)

[BobSki]

I will be storing my 8" Newtonian in my garage. I have an old Red & Blue canvass airbed that is no longer used, so I was thinking of cutting along the bottom edge of that and slipping it over the tube. I would think, being airtight, it would be waterproof too. Perhaps if you have one lying about you could use that. unless anyone knows of reasons why we shouldn't.