What kind of power controller do I need for the Dew-Not DN017 heater?
The Dew-Not DN017 uses a standard male RCA plug and runs on 12V DC. It is compatible with virtually any dew controller on the market that has RCA-style outputs. You can connect it to a multi-channel controller alongside your other heaters for your main scope and finder.
Will the 5.6W power draw of the Dew-Not heater drain my field battery?
No, the 5.6 W (0.47 A at 12V) power draw is very efficient. When used with a controller that pulses the power, the average consumption is even lower. A typical 17 amp-hour field battery could run this heater strip for over 30 hours continuously at full power.
How does the Dew-Not Binoviewer Heater attach to my eyepieces?
The heater features a soft cloth exterior and a built-in Velcro strip. You simply wrap one 6.0" strip around the body of each eyepiece in your binoviewer and press the Velcro ends together for a secure fit. The outer foam layer helps direct all the heat inward toward the optics.
Can I use just one of the two Dew-Not heater strips?
The two heater elements are wired together to a single plug and are intended to be used as a pair for a binoviewer. While a power takeoff plug is mentioned in some descriptions, allowing one heater to be used elsewhere, the primary design is for simultaneous dual-eyepiece operation.
On a humid night observing the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960) with my Dobsonian, how will this heater help?
The Veil Nebula requires dark, often damp, skies to see well. On such nights, the glass on your eyepieces can cool below the dew point, causing them to fog over. The Dew-Not heater applies a gentle, continuous 5.6 W of warmth, keeping the glass surface temperature just high enough to prevent condensation from ever forming, ensuring your view remains perfectly clear.
Will the 6.0" Dew-Not strips fit around my larger 2" eyepieces in a binoviewer?
Yes, the 6.0" strip length is generally sufficient to wrap around the barrels of most 1.25" and many 2" eyepieces commonly used in binoviewers. The Velcro closure allows for a flexible fit. For eyepieces with exceptionally large housings, you may want to measure the circumference to ensure a proper overlap.
