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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Orion Optics UK Dew Heater for 18" Secondary (ODK18Tr)

Orion Optics UK Dew Heater for 18" Secondary (ODK18Tr)

by Orion Optics UK
SKU OOUK-SECONDARY-DEW-HEATER-ODK18TR-CARBON
$1,400.14 - $1,400.14
$1,400.14
$1,400.14 - $1,400.14
$1,400.14
Price Match Policy!
  • Custom-designed for the Orion Optics UK 18" ODK secondary mirror
  • Provides active heating to prevent dew formation
  • Lightweight carbon fibre construction
  • Ensures maximum light transmission on humid nights
  • Seamless integration with the ODK18Tr secondary assembly
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Orion Optics UK Dew Heater for 18" Secondary (ODK18Tr)

    This Orion Optics UK Dew Heater is engineered specifically for the secondary mirror of the 18" ODK telescope, providing an essential defence against dew. Built from lightweight carbon fibre, this heater ensures your ODK18Tr maintains pristine, high-contrast views throughout the longest imaging sessions, even as temperatures drop and humidity rises. It is the definitive solution for preventing the subtle, image-degrading effects of condensation on your secondary mirror.

    Protecting the ODK18 Secondary: Active Dew Prevention

    An open-tube design like the Orion Optics ODK18 is highly susceptible to dew, especially on the exposed secondary mirror which cools rapidly to the ambient temperature. This heater gently applies a small, consistent amount of heat directly to the secondary mirror assembly, keeping its surface just above the dew point without introducing tube currents or optical distortions. This active prevention is critical for long-exposure astrophotography, where even a thin film of dew can scatter light, reduce contrast, and ruin hours of data.

    ODK18Tr Integration: Custom-Fit Carbon Fibre Construction

    Designed as the ODK18Tr secondary dew heater, this component integrates perfectly with the telescope's existing hardware. The use of carbon fibre ensures the unit adds minimal weight to the secondary assembly, preserving the telescope's precise collimation and balance. This custom fit guarantees an unobtrusive installation that does not interfere with the light path, maintaining the ODK's exceptional optical throughput while providing total protection from dew.

  • Why is a dedicated dew heater needed for the ODK18 secondary mirror?

    The Orion Optics UK 18" ODK is a large, open-truss instrument, making its secondary mirror highly exposed to the night sky. This exposure causes it to cool quickly, often below the dew point, leading to condensation that degrades image quality. A dedicated heater is the only reliable way to keep the mirror surface clear all night.

    Will the ODK18Tr Dew Heater introduce heat plumes or turbulence?

    No. The heater is designed to apply very low, gentle warmth, typically raising the mirror temperature only a few degrees above ambient. When used with a proper dew controller that regulates power, it prevents dew formation without creating the kind of thermal gradients that cause visible tube currents or image distortion.

    Do I need a separate dew controller for the ODK18Tr Heater?

    Yes. This is a heating element and requires an external dew controller to manage the power output. Using a controller is highly recommended as it allows you to apply only the necessary amount of heat, saving battery power and ensuring thermal stability.

    How does the carbon fibre construction of the ODK18Tr heater benefit the telescope?

    Carbon fibre is extremely strong and lightweight. By using this material, the heater adds negligible mass to the secondary mirror assembly, which is critical for maintaining the telescope's mechanical balance and holding collimation accurately throughout an imaging session.

    Is this dew heater compatible with other 18" telescopes?

    This heater is specifically designed for the secondary mirror assembly of the Orion Optics UK ODK18Tr. It is not a universal-fit heater and is unlikely to be compatible with secondary holders from other manufacturers, even on telescopes of a similar aperture.

    How does this heater improve imaging of faint targets like the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960)?

    When imaging faint, low-contrast targets like the Veil Nebula, maintaining every bit of light transmission and contrast is essential. Dew on the secondary scatters faint light and reduces overall image brightness. The ODK18Tr Dew Heater ensures the optical surface remains perfectly clear, preserving the subtle details and faint wisps of nebulosity during the multi-hour exposures required for such objects.

  • Compatibility Orion Optics UK 18" ODK Secondary Mirror (ODK18Tr)
    Material Carbon Fibre
    Function Active Dew Prevention Heater
  • Orion Optics UK 1-Year Warranty