2600MC Cooling

starvoyager

Due to persistent cloudy weather I decided to make a new Dark Library for my existing 2600 MC and my new 2600 MM cameras
My 2600MC is 3.5 years old
My 2600MM is 3 months old

I completed my Dark Library using the 2600MM cooled to -10C with no issues at all ( power consumption was only 83% )
When I started my Dark library using the 2600MC is wouldn’t cool to my regular temperature of -10C , it reached -9.7C at 100% power consumption, then when I started taking short Dark subs , the temperature started climbing to -9.0 and progressively to -8.0C and then settled on -7.9C for a minute or two . I ceased taking Darks as my regular temperature is -10C and then warmed the camera and shut down.
When taking Darks with both 2600MC and 2600MM the outside temperature was 22 C and humidity was 90%.
I’m using APT for imaging software and have not had any issue up to now with either camera.
All latest ZWO camera drivers have been installed as well
The last time I used the 2600MC was back in May heading into our Winter and had no issue cooling down to -10C back then.
My question is should there be such a big difference in cooling efficiency and capability of both cameras ?
As the 2600MC is 3.5 years old now , does the ability to cool deteriorate ?
Should the 2600MC have its cooler replaced ? Can this be done ?

I welcome advice , comments and recommendations

Thanks
Martin

starvoyager

After testing over a few days with 65% to 70% humidity and ambient temperature of 24C , the cooler performed significantly better set at -10C. Temperature reached -10C and once camera started taking Darks , temperature dropped to -9.5C with power consumption of 87% and then slowly reached -9.8C to -10C over 4 hours with power consumption of 89% to 91%.
Taking Darks inside a room of the house with high humidity is definitely a strain on the cooler
Just waiting for the persistent cloudy weather to improve and image again , hopefully the cooler will perform significantly better at night in the outdoors with lower humidity levels.

hyiger

I put the camera in the fridge when taking darks. Easier to maintain temp and ensures no light leaks.