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Subject: Re: Scope Shelter: Update
From: Herminio Perez
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Thu Jun 20 06:14:24 1996

>> If you have AC power going into the shelter you may want to consider a
>> dehumidifier (a proper mains operated compressor job - not one of
>> those chemical things). I store my scope in an unheated outhouse (tho
>> not an observatory) - normally it would be permanently damp
>> throughout the winter but with the dehumidifier everything keeps bone
>> dry, and no hint of corrosion over the last 4 years. Very efficient,
>> since it doesn't waste power on heating - just removes moisture. Mine
>> is made by Amcor. I guess a decent one in the US would cost around
>> $200-$300.

You really dont have to run a dehumidifier, a simple 15-25w lightbulb on all
the time will keep the humidity from condensing on the cold telescope..moisture
in the air will not harm anything, its just the wet stuff condensing on the
metal that causes damage...the lightbulb solution is the one thats used in gun
safes, it works very well to keep rust off several thousand $$ worth of fine
guns. This is common in gun owner circles.

I would leave the bulb on all the time, its liable to run for many years that
way...switching it on and off will burn it up (as many of us have noticed..g.).
If you can rig up a resistor to provide the same heat then all the better.

25w * 24hours * 365days = 219kw-hours @ $0.07 = $15.33 a year.

Herm