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Where to store OTA


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I have a 8" SCT with a dew cap but no dew heaters as yet. I have being told ti store telescope OTA indoors then take outside rather then keep it in shed. This apparently buys more time before dew formation. Is this correct information.

Your views would be appreciated

Thanks

Dean 

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You need to store it as close to outside temperature as possible. If it is kept inside cool down times will be very long, possible several hours. On cold nights where the temperature outside is dropping it may never reach thermal equilibrium.

It's best to have a dew shield. You can buy one to fit or make one from a camping mat or similar.

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I would keep it somewhere dry and well ventilated, like a garage for instance. A shed is probably not ideal since the temperature can fluctuate wildly within sheds unless insulated thus making cool down times longer or damageing the mechanics of the thing due to expansion/contraction.

Sheds also have a habit of leaking or getting broken into.

Ben

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Definitely store it in a dry outbuilding at near outside temperature if you can. The views will be very poor until it stabilises thermally and as Michael says this could easily be 2 to 3 hours!

A dew shield (which I think you have) makes a difference, but a dew heater should sort you out properly.

If you do need to store it in the house, put it out to cool as soon as you can. I normally point mine towards the ground at around 45 degrees with no eyepiece or diagonal in so the heat has a chance to escape from the visual back.

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You need to store it as close to outside temperature as possible. If it is kept inside cool down times will be very long, possible several hours. On cold nights where the temperature outside is dropping it may never reach thermal equilibrium.

It's best to have a dew shield. You can buy one to fit or make one from a camping mat or similar.

Yes that i initially thought, then got told differently. I am easily confused!  :smiley:

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I would keep it somewhere dry and well ventilated, like a garage for instance. A shed is probably not ideal since the temperature can fluctuate wildly within sheds unless insulated thus making cool down times longer or damageing the mechanics of the thing due to expansion/contraction.

Sheds also have a habit of leaking or getting broken into.

Ben

Thanks for the info Ben, Next project to insulate shed. However i still have celestron original box with polystyrene form. Will that do?

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Definitely store it in a dry outbuilding at near outside temperature if you can. The views will be very poor until it stabilises thermally and as Michael says this could easily be 2 to 3 hours!

A dew shield (which I think you have) makes a difference, but a dew heater should sort you out properly.

If you do need to store it in the house, put it out to cool as soon as you can. I normally point mine towards the ground at around 45 degrees with no eyepiece or diagonal in so the heat has a chance to escape from the visual back.

thanks for the info. Got told conflicting stories but you have helped to clear it up

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I keep mine inside and never have any problems. A C8 takes about 40-60 mins to cool down so I set up and leave it for about an hour and have no problems. Dew heaters are a must though, and put cap on before you switch them off so no dew forms on corrector

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