Telescope Port Caps

[jlowdo]

Hi All,

Whilst not being able to use my new scope due to weather conditions, it occurred to me that it would be very easy for foreign objects/bugs/etc. to get into the upwards facing ports on the base of my telescope. are there any particular stoppers or caps that people use to block up the unused ports to keep them from getting rubbish in them. Have had a look around, but just wanted a second opinion.

Many Thanks

Cheers

James

[russ]

What sort of ports are they....Serial, USB, power .  I know from my PC building days you can buy covers for the serial and usb ports, or at least you used to be able to.

[russ]

These are the USB port covers:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-TYPE-A-FEMALE-Security-cover-cap-anti-dust-protector-Flush-Face-UK-SELLER-/231139220929?pt=UK_Computing_Other_Computing_Networking&hash=item35d0f89dc1

Or there is a whole range of port covers here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12pcs-Silicone-Ports-Protector-Cover-Anti-Dust-Plug-Stopper-Black-for-Laptop-/111208385707?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccessories_LaptopCasesBags&hash=item19e4894cab

[brantuk]

You can pop down to Maplins and pick up a few plugs to fit the sockets and just stick them in when not in use. You'll need 2 shapes to fit "aux1, aux2, PC", and, "hand control, auto". Sorry I don't know specifically what the sizes are but if you look carefully you'll see where they differ.

Nice scope btw - "c/f special edition" sounds yummy must be a lot lighter to carry than the usual tube.

(Blimey - just looked it up - it's got gold plated eyepieces - you'll have to wrap the port plugs in gold coloured tape to match lol)

[jlowdo]

thanks, it is very nice, but i don't think the carbon fibre makes a great deal of difference to the weight in general...

i think they are rj45/ethernet thing's, so thanks for the links... 

i was about to go out for my first night's viewing, i had sorted the tripod, and the scope was out getting acclimatised, then the clouds turned up!

oh well, there's always tomorrow.

cheers

James