Storage of Dobsonians

[cyborg421]

Dear All,

I am thinking of buying a 10" Skywatcher Dobsonian. Storage is going to be an issue (especially with the missus ). Where do people store their Dobsonians. I have an outside cycle shed. Can I store it there? Do I need to take any precautions? I am thinking of keeping the telescope in good condition rather than thieves .

Simon

[brantuk]

I keep my 12" Dob at the back of the lounge under a dust cover. It's a beast but fortunately my missus is into astronomy too so all's cool

[cyborg421]

Can't change my missus now!

[NGC 1502]

Hi Simon, keeping dust out of the tube is an issue. I've a 10" Dob and plastic

shower caps with elasticated edges are good for this. I use one each end, as

the mirror cell is nicely ventilated, so dust can enter from both ends. They will

keep the spiders out too !

Good idea keeping the scope in the shed, near to where it's used and much less

cool down.

Regards, Ed.

[Astronut]

Mine's next to the telly - nice and dry. I don't have an outside shed. I would keep the base inside anyway as it's made of chipboard and I think it would be prone to soaking up moisture and swelling if kept outside for the months between the few observing sessions I get.

[twotter]

My 8" is stored in the conservatory downstairs

[peteftm]

Silly question but if you do keep it indoors , is it best to cover it up? I keep mine in hallway

[Revs]

I keep mine in the hall. It'll tuck in to a corner surprisingly tidily. I wouldn't keep it in a shed as I suspect the damp may damage the mirror, over time.

[Moonshane]

I keep both my dobs indoors and as they have the square orion optics base, they take up very little space

[pvaz]

Mine stays in the garage so it stays at almoust outdoors temperature to minimize cooldown time. I also use shower caps on both ends to keep dust/spiders out.

[Revs]

In that case I think I'd have a large bag of silica gel in there. I like that shower cap idea tho

[Chris H]

Keep mine in a draughty and leaky old shed and it's fine, as mentioned above I have a shower cap over each end of the scope to keep out dust, spiders etc. I run a dehumidifier in the shed, I got it from Argos for £70, it runs for 2 hours a day and keeps the scope in tip top condition. The scope is always ready cooled so my 10" Dobsonian is a grab and go scope which is great with the UK weather being how it is.

[darkly]

Can't change my missus now!

hmmmm, missus, telescope ..... decisions decisions ...... telescope

It's the only logical choice when you really think about it