Storing EQ6 Pro mount permanently outside on a pier.

[merlinxlm]

Hello everyone, I'm nearing the completion of my pier. And I was wandering, how other users store their equipment out side? I was looking for some advice regarding storing my EQ6 Pro mount permanently outside on the pier, the pier is located in the back garden. The scopes and other equipment will be kept in the garage. The EQ6 pro mount and scope ring will be kept on the pier. What would you recommend as a very good and reliable, water proof cover? Would it be possible to leave the mount out side indefinitely or will I damage the internal electronics of the scope or the moving parts of the scope/motors? Any comments or advice appreciated.

Thank you for looking.

[Matthew.Blake]

Hello everyone, I'm nearing the completion of my pier. And I was wandering, how other users store their equipment out side? I was looking for some advice regarding storing my EQ6 Pro mount permanently outside on the pier, the pier is located in the back garden. The scopes and other equipment will be kept in the garage. The EQ6 pro mount and scope ring will be kept on the pier. What would you recommend as a very good and reliable, water proof cover? Would it be possible to leave the mount out side indefinitely or will I damage the internal electronics of the scope or the moving parts of the scope/motors? Any comments or advice appreciated.

Thank you for looking.

I stick a bin liner over mine. Doesn't seem to have done it any harm.

[daz]

As long as it is waterproof, pretty much anything will do.

[George]

As long as its kept dry it wont be any different than having it mounted in an observatory.

Mounts are designed to be robust

[James]

I stick a cover on mine, two covers in fact. No sign of any problems as it's always dry under the covers.

James

[r3i]

I use my EQ6 with a garden pier but so far I've been taking the mount back indoors after each observing session - my mount is relatively new and I'm paranoid about security and getting damp into the innards.

To make things easier I use a lever bolt to attach the mount to the pier (see below).

I use a Telegizmos 365 cover over the pier which keeps it nice and dry - expensive but very hardwearing. Though from what quite a few folk say, you can't go wrong with bin liners.

[MarkF]

Have a look for caravan covers which are breathable but waterproof, they are custom made so possibly any of the many companies would make up a small cover for you.

Of course that may be overkill.

[MartinB]

Condensation is my worry outside or in an observatory. In my obsy I leave the mount switched on and keep a small low energy bulb switched on underneath the scope cover.

The scope cover is an Oxford motorbike cover which is waterproof and breathable. I prefer the idea of breathable to allow the escape of any condensation which does form. You can get specialised telescope covers but not cheap

Telegizmos Telescopes Covers - Telescopes UK: Telescopes & Telescope Accessories in your only London shop

The reflective coats are a good idea for outside use.