Re: ATM Beyond the fan

["Chuck Hards" <chuckh@companionsystems.com>]

Now that I've thought about it, maybe the idea shouldn't be dismissed so
easily.  (I get the list at work, and am often distracted while reading.
Sorry!)

The circuit would certainly be simple; I can't see any complexity either
electronically or mechanically, in the actual fabrication.  These heat pumps
can be had for 20 dollars or less if you keep your eyes open.

The power requirements are another matter, yet I see more and more amateurs
with power-hungry set-ups.  Computers, driver motors, power supplies, fans;
the precedent for high current consuption has been set.  Some clubs have
purchased generators for their dark-sky site, and a couple of marine
deep-cycle batteries would certainly do the trick.  (I've seen telescopes
that set-up in two minutes, yet running the cables and setting up the
digital devices took 1/2 an hour!)

So I retract my previous acceptance of the impracticality of the idea.

BUT, time-saving and space-saving does seem to be the only real advantages
over a fan, so I suppose one would have to examine one's own observing
program/style/time allotments,  and telescope design (is there room for a
fan?) and decide if it's worth it on a case-by-case basis.

Chuck