Replacing Temperature Sensor Plug or Extending Cable Length

The DewBuster™ controller's Temperature Sensor cable has a 6 foot long striped wire that connects to the DewBuster™ controller via a phono plug. This wire is an ordinary 2 conductor copper wire and its length may be extended by simply cutting it and soldering in an extension wire. The plug is a standard 3.5mm mono plug like those commonly used for earphones and may be replaced if it becomes damaged. The wire with the stripe connects to the tip of the phono plug.

The end of the cable with temperature sensors should not be modified, but I can build you a custom cable if needed.  E-mail me with specifics if you need a custom cable.

After modifying or repairing the Temperature Sensor Cable, test it as follows:

1.    Plug the DewBuster™ controller into 12-Volt power but do not plug in any heaters.

2.    Plug the Temperature Sensor Cable into the DewBuster™ controller but do not attach the Temperature Sensors to the telescope. Instead lay the Temperature Sensors on a surface or suspend them so they can acclimate to the ambient air temperature. Do not touch them with your hand as your body temperature would warm them.

3.    Turn the DewBuster™ controller knob to minimum (but not OFF).

4.    Wait for both Temperature Sensors to cool to the air temperature (Auto LED blinks slowly or stops blinking).

6.    Increase the DewBuster™ controller knob to 5 degrees and the AUTO LED should come on and stay on (its trying to warm up the scope).

7.    Simulate the telescope warming up by touching the scope sensor with your thumb. As your body heat warms the Telescope Sensor warmer than the Air Sensor, the AUTO LED will start blinking and then go out completely (its trying to let the scope cool off).

8.    While still holding your thumb against the Telescope Sensor, grasp the Air Sensor between two fingers of your other hand. When both sensors are warmed up to your body temperature the AUTO LED will start blinking and then stay on (scope no longer warmer than air so its trying to heat it up).

9.    If steps 7 and 8 worked, then you have the wires connected properly.

10.  If in steps 7 and 8 the AUTO LED worked backwards, then you have the wires reversed on the new plug. Correct the problem and test again.
 

If you have any questions, e-mail me  for assistance.