Stephen Paul wrote:


I finally have taken my chances though (thanks AM) and permanenty set the
G-11 outside and got it polar aligned so that I can get out there on a
moments notice


Hi

Mine has had to endure two heavy rains, and
two snowfalls within the past month outside.

I put a towel over the EQ head, a piece of at
least 1 mil plastic over that, and the a military
poncho, which interestingly enough, the hood part
for your head fit's perfectly over the saddle.
Also, on my C 8 I got a waterproof bag to go over
the wedge, at some point I'm getting another to put
over the G 11 top, for added protection.

I do always take everything off as soon as
the sun is out in daytime, I never leave it
completely covered for long periods of time.

And something else I found out by accident.
Those emergency space blankets really
do work for reflecting light off a covered
telescope in the daytime, even in the hot
summer ! I havnt done a measurement, but
the telescope under one of these was noticeably
cooler than the surrounding air on a 100F day.
They will deteriorate (ie; fall apart) under
continued exposure to the sun. Which BTW
almost all thin plastic that I use to cover
the mount. I replace it on a monthly basis.


--
AM

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CentOS 4.2 KDE 3.3