Meade Autostar cold temperature solution?

I posted this in the "alt.telescope.meade" newsgroup also, but since
"sci.astro.amateur" is much more active I figured the chance of finding more
ideas might be a little better here on this newsgroup.

This being my first winter with a Meade Autostar 497 I am looking to find a
way to keep the Autostar handset's temperature above freezing, as it becomes
unreadable when it gets to around 27 degrees F (I live NW of Chicago, IL,
and this is going to be a problem all winter).

I am looking at different ways to do this, such as using eyepiece heaters,
chemical hand warmers, etc. I figured others must have solved this issue
already, since I have read of many complaints to this affect. If you have a
solution, how have you done it? How well does it work?

I appreciate any and all responses.

Thanks,
--
Dan Braasch