OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

dynamo · Post by **dynamo** » Sat Oct 27, 2012 5:44 pm

Hi all, we have a Lunt 80m with the DSII option.
We have a metal shed OBS that's pretty well rain proof except a little creeping in of moisture (about 6" x 24") at one end of the concrete base, which I will take care of with sealer as time/weather permits.

I set the Lunt on top of an iOptron Mini-Tower2 each time I use it then take it down and put it in the storage case.
It doesn't take long but there are times others want to use it and I'd rather they waited for me but I'm not always home.

We're in Southwestern Ontario, Canada and I'm wondering if there's opinions on whether it's OK to leave the setup as is for long durations, just covered when not in use.
I've read some concerns about rust problems with some solar scopes and of course I'd like to take care of the instrument as best as I can.
Thanks for any feedback.

astrodanco · Post by **astrodanco** » Sat Oct 27, 2012 7:30 pm

I've been doing that with my night time telescopes for decades with no ill effects, but I would never do it with my solar scopes. Back into their cases and back into the house they go, every time without fail.

MapleRidge · Post by **MapleRidge** » Sat Oct 27, 2012 8:20 pm

I have kept my LS80/DSII (all other equipment for that matter) in un-heated observatories with no ill-effects. I usually drap an old cotton shet over them to absorb some of the humidity that may form as the temps swinsg through the day. I've equipment dew up even inside closed cases, so no guarantee there. At least if the equipment is in the open dew/condensation can evaporate off...much slower inside a closed case.

I'm in S. Ontario too...north of TO.

Brian

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Sat Oct 27, 2012 10:30 pm

I also leave all my scopes and cameras inside the dome and roll-off. During Autumn and Winter I have a dehumidifier working around the clock. I used to cover the mounts but I do not do it any more.

best regards

dynamo · Post by **dynamo** » Sun Oct 28, 2012 4:33 am

:
Thank you for the quick replies!
:thanx:
Any others appreciated.
I think I'll call/e-mail Lunt and get their opinion, but I bet it will be to pack it up and store it indoors.
I'll post back what they say.
Have a great weekend and clear skies!

Derek Klepp · Post by **Derek Klepp** » Sun Oct 28, 2012 6:18 am

George maybe also use desiccant caps when it's in the obs

dynamo · Post by **dynamo** » Sun Oct 28, 2012 10:23 am

Thanks Derek and thanks for pointing me to this forum!
George maybe also use desiccant caps when it's in the obs

Post by **solarchat** » Sun Oct 28, 2012 11:39 am

You can leave it setup in an obervatory for as long as you want as long as you remove the blocking filter and store it in a sealed bag with some dessicant. If you leave the blocking filter in the scope, it will be completely rusted over within about 60-90 days depending on your humidity.
I have seen this exact scenario or replied to emails on this very issue at least 100 times.

dynamo · Post by **dynamo** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 12:00 am

You can leave it setup in an obervatory for as long as you want as long as you remove the blocking filter and store it in a sealed bag with some dessicant. If you leave the blocking filter in the scope, it will be completely rusted over within about 60-90 days depending on your humidity.
I have seen this exact scenario or replied to emails on this very issue at least 100 times.
Excellent, thanks and much obliged, Solarchat!

OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

Re: OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

Re: OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

Re: OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

Re: OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

Re: OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

Re: OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

Re: OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?

Re: OK to leave a Lunt 80mm DSII set up in an OBS for weeks at a time in SW, ON, Canada?