Storing mount in shed - good idea?

[mikey2000]

Hi,

just a quick question really.    With my garage full of stuff after emptying the loft, I’ve been keeping my eq6-r mount and tripod in our wooden shed, with a tarpaulin covering it.

 

the shed is watertight but draughty.   Outside temperatures are dropping occasionally below zero here now.

 

is this going to harm the mount/mechanics/grease/bearings/electronics etc?

 

keeping it in the shed works quite well as it’s a bit fiddly to get the mount from garage to garden ?    I keep the scope and camera in the garage still.

 

any advice much appreciated.   I have a feeling it is Ok in the shed, after all, it quite often sits outside, frosting up for hours on end, while I’m actually using it!  

[LightBucket]

No, it will be fine, the fact that it is draughty is a bonus, as ventilation and being dry, mean no condensation, the killer of metal items...

But maybe remove the non breathable cover as that is not good, either get a breathable one, or use a cotton sheet or large towel..  

[mountainmadman]

Morning ?

I'm in a similar position to yourself at the moment. Remember that many people keep their mounts on a pier in roll off roof observatories. Some of them nothing more than a traditional shed with a few strengthening tweaks. Good suggestion about letting air get round it though. I do have an old bed sheet over mine just as a dust cover, but that's all. As long as you don't have water coming through the roof, you should be fine ?

[Carbon Brush]

Coming up to 11 years keeping all sorts of kit in my shed/observatory. Like those mentioned above it is weather-wise a shed. Nothing posh.

No issues worth mentioning. No temptation to pull things into the house.

David.

[mikey2000]

Thanks for the reassurance.  I will change to a breathable dust sheet and leave it in the shed.

 

It is so much more convenient!

[Owmuchonomy]

Mine is always in the shed as that is also my obsy. Draughty is good and mine is purposely ventilated. It’s not covered but I do coat it with a fine layer of GT85 which keeps it as new.