Cover or not cover

[lhuchison]

I'm never sure whether to cover the scope when's its cooling just in case of rain or just leave it open, so it cools faster?

What does everyone else do? I'm dreading the day it pours rain all over my equipment !

I would have thought covering the tube prevents the internal heat from escaping?

[Space Dragon]

I always stick a cover on just in case, I don't think it affects cool down time much and also protects from bird-strike and other Acts of God.

[lhuchison]

That's sounds like good thinking. Didn't think about birds,etc.

[lhuchison]

Any thoughts on what to use as a cover, best materials , ? Need to keep dry but not too heavy and allow heat to escape.

[DazC]

I just leave mine outside the back door uncovered but under the porch.

If you want to keep yours covered you could drape a thin cloth over the open end and use an elastic band to hold it in place.

D.C

[Space Dragon]

I picked up barbecue cover which is waterproof and hardwearing and was only about £3. Some scope covers I've seen have been ££££££££.

[RikM]

I generally don't leave mine to cool. I start observing at low power straight away and work up to higher powers as the scope cools. I do have a BBQ cover to chuck over if it actually rains though.

[Pig]

I always stick a cover on just in case, I don't think it affects cool down time much and also protects from bird-strike and other Acts of God.

Bird strike, you should choose your girlfriends more carefully

I always cover mine, you just never know with this weather

[L8-Nite]

I use a a plastic bin liner over the scope while cooling. If its going to rain and I can't move the scope, I protect it with the heavier Bar-B-Que cover.

[lhuchison]

Thanks for the suggestions . A trip to B and Q this week then!

[Killie]

Bbq cover sounds like a good idea to me. Especially as I try to grab the odd risky clear skies at the moment.

[L8-Nite]

Check out Wilkinson for Bar-B-Que covers, a lot cheaper than B & Q and they have many shapes and sizes.