There is a shipping temperature specification, or a non-operating temperature spec on just about everything. Most of the electronics I have worked (ZIP, JAZ, etc.) with use -40 for this temp, although some are colder. Chuck is correct about LCD screens. I think their spec is -23 centigrade (-10F). The newer screens are specified at -51C (-60F). The electronics are very hardy and will not be hurt by low temps. The method of dew collection is radiation. The corrector/objective/anything with a view of the sky radiates its heat into space, because space is very cold. As soon as it becomes colder than the dew point, it will collect liquid or solid water on its surface. This water facilitates corrosion, and allows galvanic action to corrode. The dew/frost doesn't have to be there very long. These things happen all the time. A dew cap works because it shades the corrector/objective from space. The optical element sees mostly the dew cap (MUCH warmer than space) and will not radiate as much energy away. This normally allows it to stay above the dew point because of convection (primarily) and conduction. Things kept in a covered area such as a garage or dome don't have the opportunity to cool below the dew point in the same manner because what they see is not anywhere near as cold as the near absolute zero (3K-4K) of space. Any well designed telescope is made to be used in the cold. I would not worry at all about leaving a telescope in an unheated garage or shed, or observatory, or etc. Brent --- Joe Bauman <bau@desnews.com> wrote:
Brent, I have been thinking about doing that. I have an LX200, and my concern is that the intense cold of winter might damage the computer or somehow freeze up the gears, if it's left at subfreezing temperatures for weeks. But I don't know. Any thoughts on that? Thanks, Joe
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