Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

Discuss any astro equipment that does not have its own forum, such as focusers, finders, chairs, etc.
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Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#1

Post by Refractordude »


The cooler allows me to protect eyepieces from dew by adding a few hand warmers at the bottom. It can hold more eyepieces than the tripod spreader. It takes very little effort to move it around with me. It is high enough not to be difficult to reach for eyepieces. It has two side pockets that I will use for the hand warmers, and lens cleaners. It cost less than $20.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arctic-Zone- ... r/35733210
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#2

Post by KingNothing13 »


Huh, interesting.
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#3

Post by Lady Fraktor »


A good idea, many household objects can be repurposed for astro uses.
I would put some dividers in to keep the eyepieces from rolling around though.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#4

Post by Bigzmey »


Good idea, but I would also put some dividers (from crafting foam, etc.) as Gabby suggested.

When observing I usually keep 3-4 most used EPs in the separate pockets of vest or jacket. They stay warm and protected, and I have a system of which EP goes into which pocket, so I can change them without looking. :)
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#5

Post by Refractordude »


I just placed a small light weight at the bottom of the cooler. This keeps it balanced when I move it holding the strap. Kinda like the ballast of a sail boat. Yeah, going to create a divider.
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#6

Post by Refractordude »


Bigzmey/Lady fraktor

Please provide me with a link to exactly what you are referring to? Almost got some poly panel at the Home Depot, but decided against it. It was to much material left over, and cost almost as much as the cooler. I tried some foam from a small delivered table, but it was to lightweight/crumbly. Once I install some kind of divider there will be no need for a balance weight at the bottom of the color. With out the eyepieces evenly spread they move to on side and tilt the cooler a little. By the way, last night got 240 mag on Saturn. Really loving this bought used 6" f8 refractor.

Thanks
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#7

Post by Bigzmey »


Hi RD
Styrofoam which you got is not a good material, as you see it is too brittle and produces small crumbs.

You want to use flexible spongy foam. Upholstery (polyurethane) foam, polyethylene foam or craft foam, all works.

This is what I use

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-pack-1-x-18- ... 2749.l2649

I would cut the foam panel to the size of your cooler, and then make holes inside to fit the EPs.

Another options is to get 5-10mm craft foam and cut dividers from it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/EVA-Foam-Sheet ... SwL7VfAzG2
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#8

Post by Refractordude »


Bigzmey wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 6:07 pm Hi RD
Styrofoam which you got is not a good material, as you see it is too brittle and produces small crumbs.

You want to use flexible spongy foam. Upholstery (polyurethane) foam, polyethylene foam or craft foam, all works.

This is what I use

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-pack-1-x-18- ... 2749.l2649

I would cut the foam panel to the size of your cooler, and then make holes inside to fit the EPs.

Another options is to get 5-10mm craft foam and cut dividers from it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/EVA-Foam-Sheet ... SwL7VfAzG2
Thanks very much
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#9

Post by Lady Fraktor »


The styrofoam can work but I would wrap it in craft store felt. This would give a non scuffing surface and hold any foam debris inside.

I will post a picture of an eyepiece holder I made from closed cell foam tomorrow.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#10

Post by Ylem »


Cool!
Or should I say, warm idea! :)
I like repurposing stuff ;)
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#11

Post by pakarinen »


Brilliant!

Re: styrofoam. Instead of the white "beadboard", you could use extruded polystyrene - green, blue, or pink, depending on manufacturer. It doesn't crumble and you can cut it with a breadknife or a hotwire foam cutter if you're into the crafty stuff. Beware the fumes if you use heat to cut it. Model railroaders discovered the stuff years ago for lightweight benchwork, etc.

Hobby Lobby, et. al. sell thick foamrubber pads for DIY cushions or pillows, but I lay my OTAs on them in my scope cabinet. About $10 for a 12x12x2-in pad. Ppl have suggested soaking them in water, freezing them, and then using a drill with a holecutter to cut out EP slots.
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#12

Post by Refractordude »


Got the polyethylene foam. Just waiting for arrival.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-pack-1-x-18- ... 2749.l2649
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#13

Post by Lady Fraktor »


I had a buzz in my brain that I was forgetting something (nothing new), I promised to take a couple of pictures...
Leaving myself a large note for morning!
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#14

Post by Bigzmey »


Here is my custom insert for a small EP case.
small_EP_case A.jpg
small_EP_case B.jpg
small_EP_case C.jpg
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#15

Post by pakarinen »


Bigzmey wrote: Sun Aug 23, 2020 6:31 pm Here is my custom insert for a small EP case.

Image
Did you put an edge on the copper fitting?
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AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#16

Post by Bigzmey »


pakarinen wrote: Mon Aug 24, 2020 11:53 am
Bigzmey wrote: Sun Aug 23, 2020 6:31 pm Here is my custom insert for a small EP case.

Image
Did you put an edge on the copper fitting?
Yes, I use bench grinder, but you can also just file the edge manually.
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#17

Post by Refractordude »


The foam arrived from eBay. What kind of knife would you use to cut squares into it? I have a sharp butcher's knife, but the foam bends when I cut down into it. Thanks
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#18

Post by pakarinen »


Haven't cut that type of foam myself, but from similar projects, I'd suggest a razor blade, box cutter, or an X-acto knife. Make a series of shallow cuts. There's also a hobby tool called a razor saw. Good for straight cuts, but not digging down into something. Watch your fingers - all of those puppies are sharp!

A more caveman approach might be a straight wood chisel. Set the foam on solid backing and whack the chisel with a mallet. The chisel would have to have a really sharp edge on it though.
Last edited by pakarinen on Tue Aug 25, 2020 3:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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I drink tea, I read books, I look at stars when I'm not cursing clouds. It's what I do.
=============================================================================
AT50, AT72EDII, ST80, ST102; Scopetech Zero, AZ-GTi, AZ Pronto; Innorel RT90C, Oberwerk 5000; Orion Giantview 15x70s, Vortex 8x42s, Navy surplus 7x50s, Nikon 10x50s
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#19

Post by helicon »


Sounds like a great idea!
-Michael
Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope
Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50
Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl
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Re: Now Using A Small Cooler For My Eyepieces

#20

Post by Bigzmey »


Refractordude wrote: Mon Aug 24, 2020 11:56 pm The foam arrived from eBay. What kind of knife would you use to cut squares into it? I have a sharp butcher's knife, but the foam bends when I cut down into it. Thanks
I used utility knife like this

https://www.grainger.com/product/1UK26? ... X:20500731
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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