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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 Carbon Dew Heater for 18″ ODK

Orion Optics UK Carbon Dew Heater for 18″ ODK

by Orion Optics UK
SKU OOUK-TUBE-DEW-HEATER-ODK18TR-CARBON
$1,141.21 - $1,141.21
$1,141.21
$1,141.21 - $1,141.21
$1,141.21
Price Match Policy!
  • Custom-designed for 18″ Orion Optics UK ODK Truss telescopes
  • Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber construction
  • Provides uniform heat to prevent dew formation on optics
  • Integrated design for a seamless fit and appearance
  • Requires a standard third-party dew controller for operation
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • Orion Optics UK Carbon Dew Heater for 18″ ODK

    The Orion Optics UK Carbon Dew Heater is engineered specifically for the 18″ ODK Truss telescope, providing a professional, integrated solution to protect its world-class optics. This carbon fiber heater ensures your 18″ primary mirror remains clear of dew all night long, preserving the high-contrast views these hand-figured systems are known for.

    Protecting Your 18" ODK Optics from Dew

    An 18" Dall-Kirkham optical system represents a significant investment in astronomical imaging. The last thing you want is a perfect night cut short by dew forming on your mirror. This heater provides gentle, evenly distributed warmth to the telescope's structure, keeping the optical surfaces just fractionally above the dew point without introducing image-degrading tube currents.

    Carbon Fiber Construction for the 18" ODK Truss

    Constructed from lightweight, rigid carbon fiber, this dew heater is not an afterthought accessory but an engineered component. It perfectly matches the aesthetics and build quality of the Orion Optics UK ODK line. Its rigidity ensures a precise fit that won't sag, slip, or lose contact, guaranteeing consistent heating performance throughout the night.

    Integrated Design vs. Fabric Dew Straps

    While generic fabric dew straps offer flexibility, they can be difficult to position perfectly on a large truss instrument and can create uneven heating spots. The Orion Optics UK Carbon Dew Heater is custom-made for the 18" ODK, offering distinct advantages.

    • Competitor Advantage: A generic fabric strap can be moved between different telescopes of similar sizes.
    • OOUK Carbon Heater: This heater provides a semi-permanent, integrated fit that delivers more uniform thermal control. Its sleek profile maintains the clean lines of your telescope and avoids the clutter of temporary straps and wires.

  • What makes the OOUK Carbon Dew Heater for the 18" ODK different from a standard dew strap?

    The primary difference is its custom-fit, rigid carbon fiber construction. Unlike a flexible fabric strap, this heater is engineered specifically for the 18" ODK Truss (ODK18Tr), ensuring complete, uniform thermal contact and a much cleaner, integrated appearance without any risk of slipping or sagging.

    Do I need a separate controller for the 18" Carbon Dew Heater?

    Yes. This is a passive heating element and requires a standard, third-party dew controller to regulate power. It is compatible with most popular dew control systems available on the market.

    Is the Carbon Dew Heater for the 18" ODK compatible with other 18" telescopes?

    It is designed specifically for the dimensions and mounting points of the Orion Optics UK 18" ODK Truss telescope. While it may physically fit other 18" instruments, a perfect fit is not guaranteed, and modifications may be required.

    I'm planning an all-night imaging session of the Cygnus Wall in NGC 7000 with my 18" ODK. How does this heater help?

    For long imaging runs, especially as temperatures drop overnight, dew is a constant threat. The Carbon Dew Heater for your 18" ODK provides continuous, low-level heat that keeps your primary mirror's surface temperature just above the dew point. This prevents the gradual softening of focus and loss of contrast that occurs as micro-dew droplets form, ensuring your final sub-exposures are as sharp as your first.

    My observatory is in a high-humidity location. Is the 18" Carbon Dew Heater effective enough for an ODK18Tr?

    Absolutely. This heater is designed for precisely these conditions. By providing consistent, uniform heating across the telescope's structure, it actively combats dew formation even in very humid environments, allowing you to image from dusk until dawn without interruption.

    How is the Carbon Dew Heater for the 18" ODK installed?

    The heater is designed to be a semi-permanent installation on the telescope's main tube or mirror cell structure. It attaches securely for a clean, integrated look that becomes part of the telescope itself, rather than a temporary add-on.

  • Compatibility Orion Optics UK 18" ODK Truss Telescopes
    Material Carbon Fiber
    Controller Requires external dew controller (not included)
  • Orion Optics UK 1-Year Warranty