DewBuster™ Thermostatic Dew-Heater Controller
The "Set & Forget" Dew Controller
Built To Last
Designed for those who want the best. Built tough to last a lifetime.
Output jacks case mounted to prevent stress on circuit board. Short
protected outputs can't be damaged by a heater fault.
Two year warranty even covers damage from shorts and home-made heaters. |
 |
Uncomplicated
No programming or confusing controls to struggle with in the
dark.
Just turn one knob. Blinking lights let you know its doing its job. |
Temperature Controlled
Keeps optics near air temperature to
maximize telescope performance.
The only controller that doesn't require recalibration when swapping
temperature sensors.
Quit wasting time with your dew
controller and start using your telescope! |
Low Battery Drain
Doesn't waste battery power, applies very little heat while the
telescope is cooling down, then increases heat as needed to maintain
optics dew free.
If battery becomes exhausted it gradually reduces heater current to allow
as much heat as
possible without damaging battery. |
REVIEWS
Excelsis Astronomy Equipment Ratings - an independent
web site where owners can
post opinions of products.
Cloudy Nights Review -
by Rod
Mollise author of "Choosing and Using a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope" .
NJ NightSky Review
Mac Astronomer
If you find a review not listed here, please
send me the
link.
FEATURES
Proven technology
-- Industrial-Spec components for dependable performance 24/7 and cold weather
operation down to at least -40F.
Mature product -- growing base of
satisfied users
with reliability second to none.
No CCD interference -- The DewBuster™ controller will not interfere with CCD equipment.
8 heater outputs -- AUTO and AUX can supply up to 10 Amps each (ring
terminal power cord needed for 20 Amp maximum load, standard cigarette plug fuse
is 5 Amp). Outputs are over-current protected so heater faults will not damage controller. AUTO
output typically used for corrector plate,
objective, or guide scope heater. AUX outputs typically used for
eyepiece, finder scope, Telrad, etc. Standard configuration is 3 AUTO / 5 AUX but
controller may be ordered with custom configuration or with some jacks wired as
12V power.
Heater status lights -- AUTO and AUX lights are wired to heater outputs
so you know the heaters are getting power. When AUTO light blinks you know temperature is being maintained.
Lights are red and dim enough not to interfere with your night vision.
Battery status light -- Yellow Low Battery light is normally off and
flickers as battery weakens to monitor
battery condition. Heaters gradually shut off as battery is exhausted to prevent battery
damage.
Heavy-duty power cord -- standard 6-foot cigarette plug handles most
telescopes. Standard 5 Amp fuse may be replaced with up to 10 Amp fuse
if your cigarette socket can
handle the load. For large telescopes,
ring terminals are
recommended and can provide up to 20 amps.
E-mail me if you have any
questions on the most suitable power cord for your application.
Premium enclosure -- deluxe 4.4" x 2.4" x 1.2" cast aluminum enclosure
with durable
polyester powder coat finish. Durable and scratch-resistant Lexan® front panel
graphics.
Easy removal -- industrial
strength Velcro™ strip holds tight but
allows easy removal.
Custom Configurations Available -- if you need a custom configuration
just ask. Since the DewBuster™ controllers are hand built, not mass produced,
they may be ordered in custom configurations to suit your needs, often at no
additional cost. If you want to customize it after purchase, you may send it in
for an upgrade, often at no cost other than shipping charges. Your
satisfaction is our #1 goal.
 |
Solid RCA jacks -- Heater output jacks
solidly case mounted to prevent stress on circuit board solder joints.
Connectors won't loosen with use. If the standard arrangement
does not suit your application or if you need 12-Volt accessory outlet(s) then
e-mail me and we can
customize your controller to suit your needs. |
THERMOSTATIC CONTROL
Prevents overheating
optics - keeps optics slightly warmer than the air to prevent
dew while allowing your telescope to
perform at its best.
Set-&-Forget thermostat control
- allows unattended operation. Just set control knob and controller does the
rest. In an observatory the controller may be left on
24/7 to help with daytime condensation.
No recalibration when changing temperature sensors -- the DewBuster™
controller is unique in that it does not have to be recalibrated when
changing temperature sensors, a very important consideration if you want to have
a sensor on each of your telescopes.
No drift in accuracy as temperature changes -- The DewBuster™ controller
uses thermocouple technology for temperature measurement. Thermocouples do not
drift over wide temperature extremes allowing more precise temperature control.
Interchangeable low cost temperature sensors - Only one sensor can
be plugged into the controller at a time, but extra sensors
may be purchased if you wish to leave one attached to each of your telescopes.
Controller does not require recalibration when swapping sensors, a major
advantage over competitors.
Dual Temperature Sensor - air and telescope temperature sensors are combined
into one cable to minimize extra wires. Telescope sensor conveniently clips under
heater strip and can easily be moved between telescopes. Six foot long cable
matches the cord length of most heater strips.
HEATER VERSATILITY
The DewBuster™ controller does not come with
heater strips. You may use
commercial 12V heater strips
such as AstroZap, Dew-Not, Kendrick, Telescope Solutions, or Thousand Oaks. You
may also build your own heaters following my
instructions for building home-made heater
strips. The DewBuster™ controller has circuit protection from heater faults
so it can not be damaged by a shorted heater. This offers the flexibility to
use any combination of home-made or mixing brands of heater strips without
worrying about your warranty.
BATTERY SAVER
Conserves battery power
- applies only as much heat as is needed to replace what is being lost to the
sky. If insulation is wrapped around outside of heater, the controller reduces
heater power which translates into longer battery run times.
Efficient - Pulse Width Modulated heater
output circuitry with Power MOSFET drivers for maximum efficiency and longer
battery run time.
Low Battery light - yellow light provides
advanced warning of discharged battery. Light is normally off and when battery
is discharged it begins to flicker dimly. Light brightens as battery weakens
allowing you to monitor
battery condition and disconnect unneeded loads (less battery load will cause
the yellow light to dim since run time has been extended). When battery is
exhausted the yellow light will remain on solid but the AUTO and AUX heater
lights will be off since the heaters are shut down.
Smart low-battery circuit -
senses low battery voltage and gradually reduces heater power to keep
dew heaters operational as long as possible. Allows
heaters to run as long as possible but will not allow damage to your battery.
Provides peace of mind at a star party if you forget to turn it off when going
to bed.
2 YEAR WARRANTY
The DewBuster™ controller is warranted
to the original purchaser for 2 years against failure of any kind including damage
caused by shorted heaters regardless of brand. Failures beyond the
warranty period and controllers purchased second hand may be repaired at a very
reasonable flat-rate fee, contact Tech Support for current price.
OWNERS MANUAL
Download DewBuster™
Controller Owner's Manual
(file size 200K)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Includes everything but the heaters strips and
12VDC power source:
DewBuster™ controller
Dual
Temperature Sensor Cable (both telescope and
air sensors in one cable)
Velcro™ mounting strip
Owner's Manual
OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE :
[Click here to order
accessories without a controller]
