A bit of advice?

[WatcherF]

My new (and first) scope just arrived (on the first cloudy night of lockdown 😶 ) and I'm well pleased with it. I have it all set up and aligned and now I need to decide where to keep it. I can keep it in the house but I also have a summer house in the garden and I'm thinking it might be better to keep it in there so it's closer to the outside temperature when I want to use it. No idea whether this is a good idea or whether it's better to keep it inside where the temp won't vary as much.

Any thoughts?

 

[John]

What scope is it ?

[WatcherF]

Celestron 130EQ. Has a motor drive but not fitted it coz I want to actaully understand how everything works before automating anything. So motor will still be in box in a drawer for a bit yet.

[DaveL59]

the summer house should be fine so long as you keep the scope sealed to prevent dust/spiders etc finding their way in and also protect it from getting damp on colder days.Do make sure it's aired out well tho after use so you don't trap moisture inside it.  It would be worth removing batteries while stored tho if the temps are likely to get high (or low) so they last longer but also not leak inside the equipment.

My scopes live in the conservatory which unfortunately can hit high 40's or even low 50's C on hot sunny days as well as freezing during winter. They've survived this with no ill effects so far and other than the step up into the garden makes it quicker to get out to play. I sometimes just point the scope out the conservatory doorway too if its too cold or windy and the target is in a suitable part of the sky  

Edited April 25, 2020 by DaveL59

[WatcherF]

Thanks @DaveL59.  Summerhouse it is then.

Can't see there being a problem with spiders & stuff, I use it as an office too :-)

W.

 

[DaveL59]

ahh that's very handy then  Likewise moisture issues too in that case. 

If you do feel you want to cover the scope, something like an old Lido canopy would probably do just find cut down to suit, just don't use plastic as it can trap moisture and get condensation into the gear.