Do I need the Celestron Thermistor if I have a Celestron Dew Heater Ring?
No. The Celestron Dew Heater Rings have a thermistor built directly into them. This separate thermistor is specifically for use with third-party dew heater bands or straps that do not have their own temperature sensor.
How does the Celestron Thermistor save battery power?
Without a thermistor, a dew controller often runs the heater continuously or on a fixed duty cycle, using more power than necessary. The thermistor provides real-time temperature feedback to the Smart DewHeater Controller, which then pulses just enough power to the heater to keep the optics clear, significantly reducing overall power consumption.
Where do I place the Celestron Thermistor probe on my telescope?
For the most accurate readings, place the sealed probe tip directly against the metal or glass of your telescope's optical assembly. Then, wrap your dew heater band over the top of the probe. This ensures the controller is measuring the temperature of the optics you are trying to keep clear of dew.
Will the 1828.8mm cable on the Thermistor be long enough for my 11" SCT on a CGX mount?
Yes. The 1828.8mm (72" or 6-foot) cable is designed to provide plenty of length for large setups. It allows you to route the cable from the front of a large optical tube back to a controller mounted on the dovetail bar or tripod, minimizing the risk of cable snags during slewing.
Can I use this Thermistor with a non-Celestron dew controller?
This thermistor is designed and calibrated specifically for the Celestron Smart DewHeater Controller series. While the 2.5mm plug might fit other controllers, its temperature readings may not be interpreted correctly by third-party hardware.
What is the main advantage of adding this Thermistor to my setup over just using a manual dew controller?
The primary advantage is automation and efficiency. A manual controller requires you to guess the correct power level, which often leads to either wasting power by running the heater too high or failing to prevent dew by running it too low. The thermistor automates this process, ensuring your optics remain clear all night while using the minimum amount of battery power.
