Re: [ATM] dew heater circuit questions

["Don Clement" <clement.focuser@verizon.net>]

Keeping the optics above ambient insures no dew will form. There are
moisture sensors available, so one could add the ability (with added circuit
complexity and some sort of digital processor) to use these sensors and the
temperature information to calculate the actual dew point. Other factors,
such as thermal mass of the optics, determine how much power one needs for
minimum overshoot. Perhaps someone would like to write a simulation program
for various sized optics to determine the minimal power needed with this
circuit?  I only suggest a starting point of 1W-5W. From you experience it
sounds like about 1.5W works as a good starting point for 3.5" secondary
mirrors. Yes, Kemosabe, there is no silver bullet! My circuit is not
perfect. The circuit is extremely simple, inexpensive, easy to build, and
works.



Don Clement

Running Springs, California

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