"Teabag" for my 8" newtonian OTA

[Mariner]

I just stuck them to the insides of my dry cabinet. The cabinet reading was at 45 but my hygrometers read 50. Not too bad.

[depardeuz]

Thanks for all the info!

[yltansg]

Hi depardeuz and all,

I have tried several ways (e.g. electric dehumidifier, cupboard with electric bulbs and also use a dri cabinet). Here is my most used method - a big plastic bag with dessicant (in gift pouch) and hygrometer (thanks to Gary who introduce them to me). Good to keep RH to about 45. Can last at least 3 months before having to recharge the dessicant. As mentioned by Gary, the inexpensive hygrometer can be defective. That is why is use 2 Just need to make sure that you tie the loose end of the plastic bag properly. Need to make occasional check on them. You can see the colour of the dessicant (pink if they need recharging) and the hygrometers will give a rough RH.

Here is a picture of how I keep by 8" SCT and 80mm finder/guider scope



Total cost:

a. Plastic bag - 50 cents
b. 2 hygrometers - $4
c. gift pouch - 80 cents
d. dessicant - $4 for a bottle (recharge using a electric hot pot)

Here is how I recharge the dessicant



Hope it is helpful for those who are looking for a cost-effective solution

[depardeuz]

Thanks for sharing your info, Alfred! Will look into this method!

[Hardwarezone]

Clubsnappers said the blue dye is cobalt and shouldn't be done with cooking ultensils that you also use for cooking.

[yltansg]

Hi Hardwarezone,

Thanks for pointing out a potential hazard

I used to work on electronic equipment that make use of dessicant to keep them dry. Did that for 2 decades and I am very familiar with its use and characteristics. The electrical hot pot that I use is solely for recharging dessicant and not for cooking. For those who are using dessicant, here is another safety point - don't inhale the dust from the dessicant - very bad for lungs.

Alfred Tan