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"Dew Buster" vs. "Kendrick"
Paul Gustafson wrote:
"Mark Smith" wrote in message ... Anybody have experience with the two controllers? I understand that the heaters themselves are interchangable. The high end Kendrick controller, while it looks really cool, is much more than I am ever going to need. I like the looks of the Dew Buster over the basic Kendrick controller but am looking for experiences. I had the basic Kendrick and was happy with its performance on a variety of scopes from a 92mm refractor to a C-11. However, it couldn't keep my 10" mak-cass dew free even when set on high in severe dew conditions. I bought the DewBuster in the hopes that it would perform better on the 10" but it did not. I saw no difference in performance between the two -- where the Kendrick basic works the Dew Buster works, but neither was up to the task on the 10" with that big chunk of glass. I tried a new heater strip to make certain it wasn't involved, still no go. I guess I'll try the new Kendrick next. Paul Gustafson Paul, I wonder if your problem isn't more of a function of your heating strip configuration (or the strips themselves) rather than the controller. Also, do you have a good dew shield that is also insulative? When do you start (turn on) your dew heating system? A 10" Mak-Cass meniscus is a thick piece of glass compared to a 10" SCT corrector. In high dew situations, both your heating strip set up and your dew shield insulation capabilities are very critical. Additionally, it would be critical to start your dew heating system at the very beginning of the evening as soon as you are set up. Otherwise, it will be trying to play catch up the rest of the evening if the temperature drops are steep, which is typical for heavy dew situations. With your thicker glass, that becomes even more critical. I am a big fan the DewBuster, but I don't think any controller will solve your problem if those elements aren't properly addressed as well. Have you spoken with Ron Keating (of DewBuster) about your problem? I am sure he would be more than happy to help you, especially considering the uniqueness of your situation. He has a very good understanding about the dynamics of dew as it can apply to wide range of telescope configurations. I have a 10" SCT and the DewBuster has performed in an outstanding fashion for me while keeping the objective plate, a companion scope (ranging from an 80mm f/5 to a 5" refractor on a side by side), finder optics, Telrad, and eyepiece clear. It is basically a fire and forget solution to dew. I live north of New Orleans and, naturally, the dew is tremendous down here. David Moody |
#12
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"Dew Buster" vs. "Kendrick"
I'll throw in another vote for the Dew Buster. I live next to Puget Sound,
home of perpetual dew. The Dew Buster lets me turn it on and forget it for the rest of the evening. Clear Skies Chuck Taylor Do you observe the moon? Try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lunar-observing/ And the Lunar Picture of the Day http://www.lpod.org/ ************************************ "Mark Smith" wrote in message ... Anybody have experience with the two controllers? I understand that the heaters themselves are interchangable. The high end Kendrick controller, while it looks really cool, is much more than I am ever going to need. I like the looks of the Dew Buster over the basic Kendrick controller but am looking for experiences. Thanks. Clear, Dark Skies Mark |
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