Motorized Dew Shield Epsilon E-130ED

Get it quick: Both versions are in stock and ship within 48 hours

When I was imaging from my backyard, I had both light pollution and very few clear nights to contend with.  I ended up settling on an Epsilon to allow me to take the most advantage of those rare imaging opportunities, and it turned out to be an amazing scope.  While I could go deep with images, there were a lot of nights where the scope just stayed parked in my little roll off roof observatory.  Over time the optics began collecting dust and pollen, and I quickly realized that I was going to need to regularly clean the mirrors.  Additionally, when I needed to take dark and bias frames I needed to go outside and drape towels over the end the objective to block light from the various LED's and light leaks through the observatory gable vents.

I designed this dew shield to solve these problems and allow the Epsilon to be remotely deployed where environmental conditions could be even more harsh and the need for dark and bias automation even higher.  The panel opens a full 270 degrees to minimize the impact of wind in your environment. 

The shield is attached to the end ring of the telescope, keeping any clamps or materials off the OTA body itself.  You will permanently install a small mounting ring to the end ring, and then with four thumb screws you can remove the entire shield for easier transport and storage.

I've partnered with OPTEC for the components needed to power a motorized dew shield.  The motor and circuit board are official OPTEC hardware, that is also used in their Alnitak Flip Flat. We also use the OPTEC Alnitak Utility and Drivers (native and ASCOM) for control, so you can easily integrate automation with your favorite capture program.  You can open the dew shield dust cover at dusk, allow your scope to acclimate as it gets dark, image all night and when you park the dust cover closes to protect your optics from the elements.  The dust cover makes a very good seal at the end of the dew shield by compressing against a silicone foam ring.  While it is dust and light tight, I still recommend collecting calibration frames in a dark environment.  Bottom line, you don't have to worry about stray light, or someone turning on a flashlight and it will keep your optics clean while not in use.  

I've tested a ton of 3D printed materials over the years.  I produce most products, including this, out of PET-CF which is a carbon fiber infused and has excellent thermal, moisture and strength properties.  It's perfect for a remote environment and with reliable OPTEC components this item will give you years of enjoyment, enhancing your Epsilon imaging experience.

This dew shield is offered as a complete turn-key product, or as an upgrade kit if you have an existing Alnitak Flip Flat that you would like to repurpose for your Epsilon telescope.  

Purchasing Options:

1) Complete Shield with Dust Cover and Light Panel: You will receive a complete product, ready to use out of the box, with an integrated Alnitak Flip Flat light panel.  

2) Complete Shield with Dust Cover only:  You will receive a complete product, ready to use out of the box.  There is no light panel on this, it is simply a dust cover. 

3) Upgrade Kit with Full Service: You can ship me your Alnitak Flip Flat and I will perform the upgrade service, moving the motor and board into the motorized dew shield.  This includes moving the parts over, extending the motor wires for the new component configuration, updating the firmware and testing before return.

4) Upgrade Kit DIY: You will receive all of the parts needed to upgrade your Alnitak Flip Flat.  I will include a basic guide for our Alnitak Flip Flat 270 Upgrade Instructions (which is similar enough to guide you through the process).

-Motorized dew shields are also available for the Epsilon 160 and 180. See store for details.