EP's-To cool or not to cool?

[kellogg]

Just a quick question, when I put my scope outside to cool down before observing, is it worthwhile to put the EP's outside too?

Thanks

[Macavity]

I suspect, since there is a market for eyepiece heaters, you might be better off keeping them in a (inner) pocket. I do note that, with a cold eyepiece, the tendency is to BREATH (condensation) onto the darn thing...

[John]

I keep my eyepieces a bit warmer than the scope in a foam-lined case - it seems to lessen the chances of them misting up from the warmth of my face when I use them.

[Doc]

I keep the eyepieces in a case and place the case outside still shut until I'm ready to observe then open it. If it gets to cold I'll keep it closed.

[kellogg]

Thanks for the replies, so the consensus is take them outside but not to put them out in the open, leave them in their cases. And when observing, keep them in a pocket to keep them warm.

Cheers

[Mouse on the Moon]

Hi kellogg,

See this thread I posted a few minutes ago about using cases: http://stargazerslounge.com/equipment-reviews/111985-eyepiece-flight-case.html#post1509289

Hope this helps.

[kellogg]

looks like a sound investment, I'll keep my eyes open for something similar (I live in Canada so no Maplins for me anymore) in Canadian Tire.

[Andrew*]

I'm glad this has come up.

I often have the experience (as I did last night), that when an eyepiece cools to ambient it becomes very prone to fogging in use - it's not just breath which causes this - heat from your face is enough on cold nights. The case will keep eyepieces warm enough for a limited time, and leaving the eyepiece in the open lets it get cold very quickly and consequently unusable until warmed up again.

I'm thinking of using a heated blanket or similar to place over the eyepieces when not in use, or even (gentle) heating elements in the case. Other possible methods are putting them in jacket pockets or using dew heaters around the eye lens.

Andrew

[dweller25]

I find it's best to keep eyepieces a few degrees above ambient in a case. When they do fog up I hold them in my hand for a few minutes to warm them up.

[yeti monster]

Oh the joys of observing in the tropics! I have to store everything in a none air conditioned room beside my workshop, otherwise I get misting due to them being too cold!

But worry not, I'll be suffering the cold again in a few weeks, the good thing is I won't be suffering from the scope waving around and getting vibrations form the main engines.......