Will the Dew-Not DN011 heater fit my 10" f/8 Ritchey-Chrétien OTA?
Yes. This Dew-Not heater strip has a total length of 38.0 inches, which is designed to securely wrap around the circumference of standard 10" telescope optical tubes, including Schmidt-Cassegrains, Newtonians, and Ritchey-Chrétiens.
How much power does the Dew-Not 10" heater draw from a field battery during an imaging session?
The heater draws 1.49 amps at 12V DC when operating at full power. When connected to a dew controller that cycles power, the average draw will be lower. A standard 17 amp-hour battery could theoretically power this strip alone for over 11 hours, though actual duration depends on controller settings and other connected equipment.
What's the difference between the 38-inch strip length and the 37-inch element length on this Dew-Not heater?
The 38.0" strip length is the total physical length of the fabric band, including the Velcro closure. The 37" heater element length refers to the portion of the strip that actively produces heat. This design ensures there is enough non-heating material at the end for a secure overlap and fit.
Is the Dew-Not DN011 heater compatible with my existing dew controller?
Yes. This heater strip uses a standard male RCA-style plug, which is the industry standard for 12V dew control systems. It is compatible with controllers from brands like Celestron, Kendrick, Thousand Oaks, and others that use RCA outputs.
Why should I choose a Dew-Not thick film heater over a cheaper resistance wire type?
Unlike heaters that use a single, thin resistance wire, Dew-Not's thick-film technology distributes heat evenly across a wide surface. This prevents dangerous hot spots that can damage optics or cause uneven tube currents, providing safer and more efficient dew prevention for your telescope.
How do I install the Dew-Not heater strip on my 10" telescope?
Wrap the strip around the optical tube just behind the front corrector plate or objective lens, with the foam side facing out. Pull the strip snug and fasten it securely using the built-in Velcro. Plug the RCA jack into an available port on your 12V dew controller.
