10" Dob Dew Shield

[Sgt.Pepper]

Hi, Can anyone tell me if this:

Orion 10 Inch Flexible Dew Shield | Telescope Accessories | Rother Valley Optics

..will fit my Flex Tube 10" Dobsonian, and is it suitable?

Also, I have thought about making one from a camping mat or just buying a piece of neoprene or kydex, but I would prefer to just buy one (plus, they are designed and manafactured to do the job)

I've spent a fair bit of money on a scope & accessories, so why not buy a dew shield...if you can buy a horse, surely you can buy a whip!?

Cheers

[Ad Astra]

A 'pro' dew shield isn't much more than a plastic camping mat painted flat black, or perhaps flocked to block stray light and attached with Velcro. This is one case (a black spandex shroud for an open tube dob is another) where low-tech DIY is really no different than the 'pro' version in design, execution or performance.

Go DIY on this one and save the cash for a nice new eyepiece!

Dan

[david o]

It doesn't look nearly long enough.

The length really needs to be at least twice the aperture for best results. Going home-made is the only way to get that.

It'll should also help improve contrast somewhat by stopping stray light entering the focuser tube.

[NGC 1502]

As others have said, a diy dewshield can be made from camping mat foam.

I've made one myself, for my 10" Dob, to reduce dewing of the secondary,

on very damp nights. I've had that happen a few times.

I don't think it needs to be as long as one for a SCT or Mak, as with those

you are trying to protect a large corrector that is facing the sky, rather than

a much smaller Newtonian secondary that is a short distance down the tube,

and facing the other way.

I've looked for black camping mat, but the best I found was mid grey, in my

local Wilkinsons.

Regards, Ed.

[Adz]

I can only second the camping matt or neoprene idea. Saves money and does exactly the same job.

But it is going to be at least 20" long for a dob of your size...