Telescope/ eyepiece storage

See sub forums to discuss "Do it yourself" projects.
Post Reply
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#1

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Now that I have moved my telescopes are no longer stored inside the home. I have a 1.5 x 3 metre shed I have built for storing everything.
The shed is insulated and I have a small heating/ conditioning unit similar to the type found in hotels, a small fan in the roof that turns on when the inside temperature gets to high, approximately 25°C.
My concern is high temperatures/ humidity in the warmer months (30°-40°C and rain) creating an environment that would be ideal for fungus growth in the shed and on optics.

Do you think I have missed anything or should possibly add something to lessen the chance of it happening?

I was thinking of purchasing a 160mm UV-C spotlight so I could put a telescope on the bench then aim the light at the objective lens occasionally. Thoughts?
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
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
Star Dad United States of America
Orion Spur Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 744
Joined: Sat Aug 10, 2019 8:05 pm
4
Location: Norwich CT
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#2

Post by Star Dad »


I Keep my scope in an unheated, unattached garage. Never had any problems - though I have a Newtonian and I have sealed every hole in it (include around the draw tube). I keep all my lenses in water resistant, foam filled gun boxes. They keep moisture out. This unit is very similar to what I have:

Again, I've never had a problem in 13 years, so I must be doing something right. ;)
"To be good is not enough when you dream of being great"

Orion 203mm/f4.9/1000mm, converted TASCO 114mm/f9/1000mm to steam punk, Meade 114mm/f9/1000, Coronado PST, Orion EQ-G, Ioptron Mini-Tower and iEQ30, Canon 70D, ASI120MM,ASI294MC, Ioptron SkyHunter
User avatar
JayTee United States of America
Universal Ambassador
Articles: 2
Offline
Posts: 5619
Joined: Thu Apr 25, 2019 3:23 am
4
Location: Idaho, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

TSS Photo of the Day

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#3

Post by JayTee »


What about putting a dehumidifier in the shed. It would only need to be small and these units can be fairly affordable.
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

Image
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#4

Post by Lady Fraktor »


@Star Dad
I do use similar cases NPRC for my eyepieces, they definitely help.

Heat and damp are more a issue with refractors due to the air gap between the lens, a advantage for the newtonian I expect :)
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
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
Bigzmey United States of America
Moderator
Moderator
Articles: 8
Online
Posts: 7548
Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 7:55 pm
4
Location: San Diego, CA USA
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#5

Post by Bigzmey »


There are dehumidifying cabinets designed to keep optics. Here is an example. Large models can store scopes.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _125l.html
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
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#6

Post by Lady Fraktor »


JayTee wrote: Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:44 pm What about putting a dehumidifier in the shed. It would only need to be small and these units can be fairly affordable.
I have just installed the heater/ conditioner recently so not sure if it will work as a dehumidifier. Space is limited in the shed as everything astro is inside.
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
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#7

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Bigzmey wrote: Mon Sep 26, 2022 8:13 pm There are dehumidifying cabinets designed to keep optics. Here is an example. Large models can store scopes.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _125l.html
Much to big for inside the shed, I would also have to sell internal organs to purchase one large enough for the f/15. ;)
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
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
notFritzArgelander
In Memory
In Memory
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 14925
Joined: Fri May 10, 2019 4:13 pm
4
Location: Idaho US
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#8

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Mon Sep 26, 2022 8:50 pm
JayTee wrote: Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:44 pm What about putting a dehumidifier in the shed. It would only need to be small and these units can be fairly affordable.
I have just installed the heater/ conditioner recently so not sure if it will work as a dehumidifier. Space is limited in the shed as everything astro is inside.
Usually, depending on how you set up the temperature limits for heating and cooling they would double as dehumidifiers too. Check and see if there is a water outlet from the refrigerating coils. One could also at low cost get dehumidifying backup by sealing rechargeable silica gel dehumidifying packs in every case.

I use these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TCGPZXK?ps ... ct_details

Recently I was away from home for ~6 weeks and a plumbing accident flooded the apartment. The carpeting was soaked, floors warped and mold and mildew were climbing the walls from the floor. So there was some time that the place was wet < 6 weeks. With these guys 1 to a case all the optics stored at home survived in pristine condition.
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#9

Post by Lady Fraktor »


I will have to check with the installer about a water outlet.
For winter the heater is set to maintain between 0°-5°C, the sensor for the exhaust fan in the roof turns it on between 20°-25°C
I guess I will have to figure out a set point for the conditioner in the spring.

I do use desiccant in all of my cases, I have a 2kg tub of it as Sabin uses it in her guitar cases as well.

Nobody had any thoughts on the UV-C spotlight?

@notFritzArgelander
I do hope the instruments came through the flooding without issue and no hassles with insurance for you.
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
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
notFritzArgelander
In Memory
In Memory
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 14925
Joined: Fri May 10, 2019 4:13 pm
4
Location: Idaho US
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#10

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 4:00 am I will have to check with the installer about a water outlet.
For winter the heater is set to maintain between 0°-5°C, the sensor for the exhaust fan in the roof turns it on between 20°-25°C
I guess I will have to figure out a set point for the conditioner in the spring.

I do use desiccant in all of my cases, I have a 2kg tub of it as Sabin uses it in her guitar cases as well.

Nobody had any thoughts on the UV-C spotlight?

@notFritzArgelander
I do hope the instruments came through the flooding without issue and no hassles with insurance for you.
With regard to the UV-C spotlight... sure, why not? I use an ozone generator before each use of my CPAP equipment to kill microbes and molds. It's made a huge difference in the usability of my CPAP apparatus. A UV-C light should work similarly for optics.

No troubles with insurance. All the optics are in good condition. A few books and some furnishings had to be discarded. That's all that was lost.

PS I'm writing up an observing report on sessions testing the Starbase eps against KK orthos.
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#11

Post by Lady Fraktor »


notFritzArgelander wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 5:58 am I'm writing up an observing report on sessions testing the Starbase eps against KK orthos.
That should be interesting. I keep thinking I should purchase a set so a good review may help that situation. :)
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
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
notFritzArgelander
In Memory
In Memory
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 14925
Joined: Fri May 10, 2019 4:13 pm
4
Location: Idaho US
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#12

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 10:05 am
notFritzArgelander wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 5:58 am I'm writing up an observing report on sessions testing the Starbase eps against KK orthos.
That should be interesting. I keep thinking I should purchase a set so a good review may help that situation. :)
The short story is that at f5 the Starbase are the equals of the KKs which was not the case at f10.
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#13

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Well that is a interesting tease!
I am looking forward to the review.

I talked to the installer and there is a drain for the heater/ conditioner. He will be back next week as he is connecting the various sensors to my weather station
and connecting the power feed from the wind generator. Free power for the astro shed!
I also ordered the UV-C light today.
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
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: Telescope/ eyepiece storage

#14

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Just a update, so far the HVAC system seems to be working well. Currently it is -5° and the shed inside is 5° and 37% humidity.
I also have used the UV-C light on all of the optics, if nothing else the south wall of the shed should be germ and mould free! ;)
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
My day was going well until... people
Image
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

Return to “The DIY corner”