Callisto75

17 hours ago, symmetal said:

You need to keep the shed well ventilated to avoid condensation forming during temperature changes. If the interior was fully sealed you would likelyneed a dehumidifier running to stop condensation forming.

Being well ventilated the air inside will be the same humidity as that outside so problems with damp or mould would need to be addressed. For my small roll-off shed which is well ventilated as the doors have a large gap down the hinge sides, I just have a 60W tube heater on the floor by the scope. Before using the heater the wooden shelves would show signs of mould after a while but since using the heater they are fine. It's thermostatically controlled so only comes on when the temperature drops so doesn't use too much power. It just keeps the interior a few degrees or so above the outside temperature so lower humidity.

Alan

Great tips, thanks so much. Mini heater seems to be the way to go. 🙂

Hi all, hope you’re having a nice sunny day at home.  One of the key reasons I do it get enough observing in is the fact I have to lug my 10”Dob plus base from my house up to my elevated garden to get going. So I have decided to put a small 2ft x 2ft, maybe 2ft x 3ft shed in my garden so I am always ‘ready to go’. 
 

My concern is the ongoing condition of the scope and whether the tube or base will suffer from being in a shed. What measures have others taken to keep their external scopes in good condition? Is it best weather proofing more, or more ventilation? Or am I going to have to invest in a protective cover?

Any help and advice always appreciated.

Thanks, Lee. 

1 hour ago, merlin100 said:

Could you take some photographs of the base, please? Doesn't your's have Teflon pads on it?  I'm trying to get the tension in the base on mine just right. It's either a bit too tight or too slack.

Yes mine has the Teflon pads as well. It’s functional but just feel it can be improved on. Especially as I tend to nudge using the knob on the tube more than the handles. I’ve also slightly adjusted the bolt tension now, see if that helps as well. Really appreciate the comments and links all, many thanks. 

Thanks all. I will have a look at the lazy susan option. Mine certainly didn't come with one and I prefer a more permanent solution to adding a bit of olive oil between the sheets.....

Hi Merlin, thanks for the reply. It's the rotating left and right which is a little jolty right now. Up and down generally ok. Its the standard Skywatcher base for the 10" Dob. 

Morning all. Nothing like a bit of quarantine to get you back in to astronomy. It's been a little while since I had the scope out in earnest and I have noticed that the nudging on my Dob has had to become a little more forceful.

What I am looking for is to get my dob 'gliding' and a smoother action. Can anyone share some good links or tips to help me improve my Dob base?

Many thanks and stay safe all!