Protecting Your Scope from the Weather

Post by **weixing** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 11:07 am

Hi,
IMHO, a SCT will have more problem than a reflector if intend to leave it without protection: close tube doesn't mean it's water resistance or waterproof... in fact, water will get inside the SCT OTA if heavily dew.

IMHO, SCT require more care and protection than a reflector... SCT only require less maintenance than a reflector if you take care of it. Also, reflector is easier to clean than a SCT because of it simple design and the fact that all component can be easily access and clean... I won't said the same to a SCT.

So, if you really want to setup the scope permanently outside as you mention without maximum protection, I don't think you want to put a SCT outside as you'll basically damage the scope in no time.

By the way, reflector cool down faster than a SCT.

Have a nice day.

zaman · Post by **zaman** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 11:21 am

Hi,

Weixing says right.

I think you use this scope to learn first, gain more experience on telescope and mount handling and how to take care. It will takes sometimes to get used. Do not jump into SCT so quickly. SCT is not easy to maintain. SCT needs special cares and some experience.

Regards
Michael

10,000rpm · Post by **10,000rpm** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:13 pm

weixing wrote:
So, if you really want to setup the scope permanently outside as you mention without maximum protection, I don't think you want to put a SCT outside as you'll basically damage the scope in no time.

By the way, reflector cool down faster than a SCT.

Have a nice day.

Thank you WeiXing.

So a reflector would be a better bet for the way I want to use it?

And I thought I have always read that refractors and SCTs have less cooling down issues than a reflector.

Your further advise would be appreciated

10,000rpm · Post by **10,000rpm** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:37 pm

zaman wrote:Hi,

Weixing says right.

I think you use this scope to learn first, gain more experience on telescope and mount handling and how to take care. It will takes sometimes to get used. Do not jump into SCT so quickly. SCT is not easy to maintain. SCT needs special cares and some experience.

Regards
Michael

Thank you for your reply. I don't think it is a question of learning to use the scope first when the crux of my concern is the suitability of my scope being kept outdoors.

Cheers!

Post by **weixing** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:55 pm

Hi,

10000rpm wrote: So a reflector would be a better bet for the way I want to use it?

IMHO, it's highly recommended that you don't put any scope outside unprotected and if really want to put a scope outside unprotected, a reflector may be your best option. Anyway, I think the your mount might be the first to give problems as the metal part (such as gear) of your mount will get rusty and failed. I think if you really want to put outside, get a big rain coat or those army waterproof ground sheet or a few of those big trash bag to cover the whole setup.

10000rpm wrote: And I thought I have always read that refractors and SCTs have less cooling down issues than a reflector.

The heat on the Reflector's mirrors will transfer to the air around it. Since the Reflector is open tube, the heated air will rise along the OTA and out the scope, so the mirrors cool down fast.

The heat on the SCT/MCT's mirrors will transfer to the air around it. Since the SCT/MCT is closed tube, the heated air will have problem escape the OTA and so cool down time will take the longest.

The cool down time for Refractor is the fastest as the lens is already contact the air outside the OTA, so the heat will directly transfer to outside.

Have a nice day.

10,000rpm · Post by **10,000rpm** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:59 pm

Yes, I will be covering my scope and mount. As stated, I will put Mylar and waterproof canvas over them.

Thanks for your comments.

Post by **weixing** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:07 pm

Hi,

10000rpm wrote:Yes, I will be covering my scope and mount. As stated, I will put Mylar and waterproof canvas over them.

Thanks for your comments.

OK... I thought you going to put the scope unprotected... ha ha ha didn't read your post carefully... [smilie=embarrassed2.gif]

Anyway, in that case, you can get one of those really big aperture dob since you are not going to carry around... ha ha ha [smilie=cheer.gif]

Have a nice day.

10,000rpm · Post by **10,000rpm** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:29 pm

The thought has certainly crossed my mine! Haha

superiorstream · Post by **superiorstream** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:18 am

Hi,
Your scope is quite good for general viewing and easy to maintain.I dont know what outside mean-if its the balcony on the 2nd or higher storey house-ok;but if its on ground level becareful.Ant,insect and mice are all to willing to visit your scope-and personally,on several ocassions mice come to try to bite me when I was observing outside-at ground level.So why not just sectorize your scope for easy setup instead.I sectorize most of my scope setup and(except for C11) it take less than 5 min per scope to set up.Thanks.

10,000rpm · Post by **10,000rpm** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:45 pm

superiorstream wrote:Hi,
Your scope is quite good for general viewing and easy to maintain.I dont know what outside mean-if its the balcony on the 2nd or higher storey house-ok;but if its on ground level becareful.Ant,insect and mice are all to willing to visit your scope-and personally,on several ocassions mice come to try to bite me when I was observing outside-at ground level.So why not just sectorize your scope for easy setup instead.I sectorize most of my scope setup and(except for C11) it take less than 5 min per scope to set up.Thanks.

Thanks for your reply.

My scope will be on the car porch roof terrace where there are no creepy crawlies. What do you mean by sectorize?

Cheers!