294MM Pro dew or condensation on the sensor

mikelockwood

294MM Pro - advice or input please

1) moisture on the sensor ?
2) replace or microwave the desiccant tabs ?
3) install the ZWO dew heater in front of the sensor ?
4) too much moisture in the air " 95% + humidity in my location tonight

This image ( M81 Bodes ) is with an Optolong 2" Luminance filter ( brand new - used once ) - 300s, gain 120, sensor temperature 32 degrees Fahrenheit

thank you in advance

Tech@ZWO

mikelockwood
Does not look like on the sensor, possibly on the protective window or telescope.
Did you use a dew heater for the camera and telescope?

mikelockwood

Tech@ZWO thank you for the prompt reply. I use a dew strap on the telescope and guide camera, but not on the 294MM Pro

I do have the ZWO dew heater and plan to install it now. I've never had this happen before.
I agree - the condensation is probably on the glass in front of the sensor

What grease do I use on the camera plate when I reinstall it ?

thank you

mikelockwood

@Tech@ZWO - I microwaved the desiccant tabs according to ZWO instructions and also install the ZWO dew heater that sticks to the front of the 294MM Pro camera.

I connected the Dew Heater to Power Port 2 on the ASI Air and turned it on - I have 2 questions

1) Should the ASI Air Power Port screen indicate how much power is being distributed to the dew heater like it shows on Port 1 for the Main Camera ?
2 ) Should the Dew Heater get warm to the touch after being connected after 10 minutes or so ?

See image attached

Tech@ZWO

mikelockwood
1 100% is ok
2 It will get warm after you power it.

In addition, the working relative humidity requirement of the camera is 20%₈₀%, so It's better not to use a camera in high humidity.

mikelockwood

Tech@ZWO

Answer #1 was not what my question was. Output 2 does not show any voltage when the Dew Heater is turned on.
Output 1 shows 12.9V when turned on. The question is.....Should there be a voltage output showing on Output 2 when the dew heater is turned on ?

Also in response to your answer #2 - I had the dew heater on for almost 20 minutes and it never felt warm. The dew heater is brand new. How long does it take to get warm ?

thank you

Tech@ZWO

Kevin_A

mikelockwood Output 1 shows 12.9V when turned on. The question is.....Should there be a voltage output showing on Output 2 when the dew heater is turned on ?

No, it won't show the voltage when you choose flat panel and dew heater.

Try other DC output ports that work fine for other devices on the ASIAIR, it should be warmer after you power it for a while. if it still does not work, your dew heater may be defective.

Kevin_A

No, dew heaters will not show voltage.

mikelockwood

Kevin_A thank you sir - I appreciate the information

Is your ZWO "peel & stick" dew heater warm to the touch after it's been on for a while ?

Kevin_A

mikelockwood mine are not zwo heaters and are just very slightly warm. The zwo heaters do not get very warm at all as they do not need too. 4-8 watts is plenty. Turn off your heater in the software and see how much the wattage drops. You can also use a hand held temperature reader to verify some heat. If it did not work it would not show any wattage useage either.

mikelockwood

Kevin_A copy that - thank you once again for the prompt reply and advice