ASI294MM Dew Heater

Jpod00

Is it possible to enable/disable the internal dew heater on the ASI294MM from the ASIAir interface. If not, does anyone know if it is enabled by default?

w7ay

With the ASI2600, there is a slide switch in the Main Camera Settings Window of ASIAIR (after making connection to the camera) that says "Anti-dew." It is right under the switch for "Cooling," and is defaulted to "off."

I don't know if there is an integral anti-dew heater in the ASI294. At one time, ZWO only added an anti-dew heater to cameras with at least an APS-C sized sensor.

Chen

umasscrew39

I asked this same question yesterday on this forum but no answer yet. I own both cameras and I can turn the anti-dew heater ON/OFF on the 2600 but no option to do that on the 294MM despite the ZWO website saying that you can. I hope we can get a straight answer.

Jpod00

It's been several days. I'd very much like to know when/if/how the dew heater is enabled on my new ASI294MM camera.

PMTeam@ZWO

Hi guys, there is no dew heater in the ASI294MM. Confirmed with the hardware team. BUT as you said, plz share where did you get that info from the ZWO website? A link would be helpful. Thank you.

w7ay

@asiair@zwo#40752

I think the folks here may be taking information from hearsay that could have started with this Cloudy Night posting:

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/688770-asi294-mc-pro-internal-dew-heater-question/

They are mistaking the heat that is generated internally by the TEC cooler (which of course cannot be turned off unless you turn cooling off too :-) with a physical anti-dew heater, like in a ASI2600.

The Cloudy Night posting above links to the web page of one of your dealers to make the claim that there is a anti-dew heater.

However, the information in the dealer page specifically stated that:

"The heat generated by the TEC is used to counteract the formation of dew on the front window of the camera. "

Agena Astro did not even mention an integral anti-dew heater :-).

People probably read the Cloudy Night posting without reading the actual Agena Astro product information.

ZWO might want to reply to that Cloudy Night thread that there is no anti-dew heater inside the ASI294. I think Mr. Wen has an account on Cloudy Night?

Chen

Jpod00

We are referring to the product page here on ZWO website:https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/asi294mm-pro

See section titled "Reliable Mechanics" where it states, "In addition, ASI294MM Pro also has a polyimide anti-dew heater completely fitting the protective window that will help further avoid dew problems.

The anti-dew heater power is around 5W and can be turn off in software to save power."

Vendors also state this on their websites, even a review of the camera on YouTube points it out, probably due to that same website reference. It is unfortunate, because it was one additional reason behind my decision to purchase this camera.

w7ay

Jpod00 If dew is an issue, you probably can return the camera to your dealer (as long as it is not Agena, since they specifically say there is no heater). Be sure to take a screenshot of ZWO's web page before it is removed, and tell the dealer that you had purchased based on that.

Interestingly, I found that Mr. Wen (Sam) himself had already replied to that particular Cloudy Night thread (post #4) that there is no internal heater in the ASI294 to turn on or off.

Chen

Jpod00

w7ay Thanks Chen, it's a great camera and fits nicely with my ASI294MC OSC for LRGB. A dew strip can be added for about $20, so I don't think it's show stopper, just a little disappointing not to have a feature that was advertised. Glad we were able to get to the bottom of the confusion.

w7ay

Jpod00 I remember coming across a posting (possibly on Cloudy Nights too) that the add-on ZWO camera dew heater works well, but is a pain to remove without destroying it when you need to change the desiccant pills. If you install it, you might be able to take preventive measures ahead of time so that changing the pills can still be done.

Chen

davebl

If you go to the ZWO home page and click on DSO Cooled Cameras and then the ASI294MM Pro and click on Q&A, then go down a few comments you'll find this:

lakerunr – October 12, 2020:

How do I turn on/off the internal dew heater mentioned in your online description of this camera. I have one and I think I’m having dew problems.
0
0

Avatar

ZWO.Moson – October 13, 2020:

You can turn on/off the dew heater in our ASIStudio software.

Looks like there's a dew heater on the camera.

w7ay

Get the popcorn!

One support person says there is a switchable anti-dew heater (thirteen days ago), a different support person says no (three days ago), and the head of the company said no (ten months ago).

Fortunately, the veracity can be checked on ASIStudio by someone who has an ASI294.

Chen

PMTeam@ZWO

Hello guys, it's a mistake on the details in the Product Desc. Confirmed with the Hardware team. There is no anti-dew in the ASI294MM camera. Sorry about the issue. So now this thread will be closed.