would this be ok for a diy dew shield?

[Spec-Chum]

http://www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/3405712/c_1/1|category_root|Sports+and+leisure|14419152/c_2/2|14419152|Camping|14419397/c_3/3|cat_14419397|Camp+beds%2C+airbeds+and+camping+mats|14419400.htm

Hoping to make one for my telrad too.

[Rustmonkey]

i think it'll be too thick. i went to hobbycraft. they have some 3mm black neoprene A4 sheets that are ideal for a couple of quid.

[Bizibilder]

Yes - That's the stuff. You can glue it with some superglues or, better, contact adhesive. Maybe use sticky-backed Velcro to help it grip the scope?

[Rustmonkey]

you'll need to spray glue a few together for your scope but its easy.

[Rustmonkey]

yes....thats a pic of me in the background with Brucie and his babes on the Price is Righht, lol....a few years ago, lol

[Ganymede12]

My dog hogs the centre of the sofa as well!

[Spec-Chum]

Thanks guys, was hoping to pick one up tonight but if 8mm is too thick I don't mind going shopping tomorrow.

[Solar_observer]

Thats exactly what I got from argos,to make mine.

tony

[Rustmonkey]

the black will help prevent LP getting in too so also acts as a shield. i suspect the bright colours may reflect light especially if its shiney.

[Planetesimal]

the black will help prevent LP getting in too so also acts as a shield. i suspect the bright colours may reflect light especially if its shiney.

I like what you've done with the Telrad dew shield, Rustmonkey.

I'm also planning to construct a dew shield for my own recently acquired set-up. Did you use some kind of template for that Telrad shield? There's a Hobbycraft on my way to work so I think I'll pop in and pick up some of that black matting you mention - I have the same scope as you (the SW 150PL), and the black matting looks great with it! Actually I notice you say you used glue to hold together the roll, I was going to use sticky-back velcro - any reason you would use spray glue rather than velcro?

One other thing - I have the basic 150PL out-of-the-box set up at the moment (no motors etc.) and I can't help but notice you've got a couple of extra counterweights on the mount... Was this to help stabilise because of the add-on stuff like the motors / telrad etc?

[BargeGazer]

There is a thread from a month or so ago if I recall with a ref to a template. I made mine from that and it is spot on.

I will try to find the reference.

David

[Rustmonkey]

There is a template out there which I referred to but can't remember where it was. A google search may find it.

i used spray glue to fix the A4 sheets together to make a full roll remembering to overlap the pieces then used Velcro to hold the two ends together.

the weights (£1.99 each from Tesco) are to assist balance when I have the Camera, Telrad and other bits and pieces on.

Glad you like it.....just don't point it at a Police Helicopter......they may panic, lol

[BargeGazer]

I think this is like the one I made.

http://www.homebuiltastronomy.com/downbino/HomeBuiltAstronomy-TelradDewShield.html

David

[Tinker1947]

I used a sheet of Cell Foam, its water proof and less than a tenner....enough to make 2 ...

[Rustmonkey]

yup, thats the one.......nice one Barge

[Orionis]

Hobbycraft is great for foam supplies although A4 was the largest size I could get.

The Range store does A3 foam sheets which are better for larger scopes.

If its a bit flimsy just glue two sheets together!

[Planetesimal]

I picked up 4 sheets of the A4 black foam from Hobbycraft yesterday. I was going to have a go at constructing a dew shield but the sky was clear last night so got in a viewing session (no. 5) instead

I'm definitely starting to get more comfortable star hopping with practice - it's a skill that takes effort I'm finding! But I was delighted to find M57, the ring nebula... Brilliant!

I had to give up when the finderscope fogged up followed quickly by the secondary - I know what I'll be doing this afternoon!

[acey]

The dewshield on my 50mm finder is a piece of cardboard (cut from a cereal box) with a velcro tab to hold it in place. It's lasted 3 years so far. I used to use a rubber band to hold it on but those perish eventually. For the main scope I use camping mat foam. Anything will do as long as it shades the optics from the sky, holds its shape, and doesn't get soggy.