Using a heating fan to prevent moisture for planetary imaging.

[WilliamAstro]

I began using a heating fan to help tackle dew on my equipment over time, but the problem is that the turbulence can affect my views on the planets. There for I will be stuck in a rut of tackling the dew and trying to keep the seeing from deteriorating. What will you think if my idea is when I finished taking a run through of capturing one planet then turn the heater on to remove the dew?

[Clarkey]

Why not use a dew heater? Alternately a quick blast with a cool hair drier is probably better than a heater. However, for planetary imaging it is probably less of an issue.

[Pete Presland]

I have used a heater on the rare occasions that my Dew heater has either not been on high enough or i have forgot to plug it in.  Not sure i would want the hassle of doing it regular, as you have to wait for the turbulence created to subside.

Do you use any sort of Dew shield? Even a home made will help

[Steve Ward]

A long dewshield would be my choice , quick , simple and cheap.

[WilliamAstro]

I use a dew heater for my telescope, the problem isn't the scope, It's my equipment such as my laptop and table.

[Carbon Brush]

Assuming you have mains available....Have you considered a heated pet mat for your table top?
They come in assorted sizes and shapes.
As a low power device, it is not going to overheat your laptop and not having a fan means you won't get lots of turbulence.
By introducing a little bit of heat to your laptop, you discourage condensation.

If you return to eyeball viewing, the pad can go on your observing chair🤣
 

[Steve Ward]

12 minutes ago, WilliamAstro said:

I use a dew heater for my telescope, the problem isn't the scope, It's my equipment such as my laptop and table.

That's not how your OP came across William , sorry ... 🙃

[Steve Ward]

I find sitting indoors at the end of 5m leads the most comfortable and dew free solution as far as my laptop etc goes ... 😉

[Freddie]

Tip a cardboard box on its side so that it is open at the front and put your laptop in there. The heat from the laptop will keep the dew out.

[Cosmic Geoff]

Is the Essex climate especially dew-prone? I use a dew-shield on my scope and leave the laptop next to the scope in the open.  I rarely if ever have a problem.  I don't need to write anything down while planetary imaging, as the laptop saves all necessary details.

I actually use a wire mesh table (part of a re-purposed mini green house) to support the laptop and accessory box.

[The Lazy Astronomer]

2 laptops, a large toolbox and remote desktop connection over wifi - scope side laptop sits in the closed toolbox and I go indoors. The only 'dew' I worry about then is the condensation on my beer 😁

[Clarkey]

Ok, I understand now. I used to get the same problem. A plastic storage crate with the laptop inside was my solution, then a long cable into the warm, now a remote fanless PC which generates plenty of heat.