Insulating a Dobsonian

[Astronomist]

Hi all  ( if this is the wrong forum I do apologize )

I am considering wrapping my 10" Dob in some silver foil insulation material that I have left over from a DIY project. As I understand it this should stop dew formation on the tube, improve thermal stability, and make the tube less cold to the touch on those chilly winter nights.  Is this a good idea? are there any disadvantages that I haven't thought of ? 

thanks in advance, 

Harry (astronomist)

 

[Guest]

You see people wrap dobs here and there, and they say it does help keeping the scope at a stable temp, but the more common thing to prevent dew is to make a dew shield out of foam.  Its easy to do, its cheap and it doubles as a light shield as well.  How well it works depends on the humidity where you are at.  Here in Ohio a dew shield works for a little while but really only prolongs the inevitable, so i run dew heaters and that handles the problem nicely 

[Stardust1]

I wonder how effective it would be to insulating an open tube like an dob. I understand insulating an closed tube, like an SCT, that it helps.  

[AstroKeith]

Definitely helps against dew. I take mine off before putting the scope cover on at the end of the session.

I'm also 95% convinced it helps on seeing stability.

[Stardust1]

Thanks for sharing. That's a beautiful setup. I haven't seen before insulated dobs. Glad that it helps. That's something I will consider with my 16" dob. 

[NGC 1502]

At first I misread the title-

“INSULTING A DOBSONIAN”

It felt personal 😡😡 then I reread it and calmed down😊😊

[Astronomist]

Thanks for your replies, I have not had any clear sky yet to test the insulation, great scope by the way AstroKeith, like the gold foil, very space age! 

On 21/11/2022 at 16:18, NGC 1502 said:

“INSULTING A DOBSONIAN”

lol I saw a thread something like that once in the refractors forum on CN. 

clear skies

Harry

Edited November 26, 2022 by Astronomist