365 Series Covers and Condensation

[osbourne one-nil]

I got myself a Telegizmo 365 Scope Cover to enable to me to worry less about the weather with my Edge 8 HD. It certainly works and has kept the scope nice and dry throughout some typically Cumbrian weather. However, last night it was showery and between the showers quite cool and this morning the inside of the cover, and the scope itself, were covered in condensation. Does this matter? Would trying to close up the base of the cover help reduce that?  

I don't keep the scope out all the time by any means, but if there's a chance of clear spells I do like to have it sitting there ready for me. 

[SkyBound]

Hmmmm, to stop condensation you need ventilation / air flow, so no it does not want to be airtight, or you will be sure to get condensation if it is.

 

[DaveS]

You do need to have some ventilation to keep condensation at bay. Not seen it under my cover, but I had better check next time I'm home.

[osbourne one-nil]

Thanks both. It did drop down to 5 degrees last night in between frequent heavy showers so it was probably prime condensation conditions. It might be best avoiding nights like that altogether and simply put the equipment back in the shed. 

[SonnyE]

Good advice about good ventilation. I cover my mount with a waterproof canvas bag, and then a 32 gallon trash bin over that (Yes, real Hi-Tech ). But the bottom of both is wide open for ventilation. I do live in an otherwise desert area. But I like having my mount set up so I can get to imaging faster. Its much more convenient.

About the condensation though.... What you see is alarming, what you may not see but need to be aware of is that it can and will infiltrate to the inner workings of telescope and mount. Particularly harmful would be to the electronics, drive motors, and gearing.

So in a damper climate, and especially if there are molds and spores present, I would try and keep the equipment as dry as possible.

[iapa]

Ive been known to have a bed sheet over the whole rig, with a couple of old bacon towels over that, then the waterproof shower tent

no condenstation on the rig, it gets caught by the towels

[Cleetus]

Quote from Bob Pitney, owner of Telegizmos, when replying to an email I had sent earlier this year;

"If dust is not a problem, leaving the cover open at the bottom will improve air flow so this is recommended".

 

[osbourne one-nil]

Ah right - I did that but there was still condensation inside the cover. I guess that's Cumbria for you. It works perfectly for those nights that have cracking skies between the showers though, and that's why I got it, so I'm very happy.