Well, observing this time of year usually is hit and miss with a lot of miss. 
So, this is a good time to do all the maintenance so that all is ready when the weather breaks.
As seen on another forum, mold and mildew can get a start in wet and cool weather, so this is a great time to inspect all the glass in EPs, cameras and scopes.
One thing about mold and mildew is, it needs something to feed upon. So removing oils and tears from the EP lens is a big thing, especially when they sit in a box for a while during the off season. If caught early, most will clean off well, but left for months it can be a disaster! 8O
Another thing that must be removed it pollen and other airborne saps that you get during the year. They too make good food for the mildew and molds. So, get that off now and save some headaches later.
Look at the mirror and see if it has a coating of pollen or other organics while you are looking and don't forget the secondary!
Clean and lube the focusers and get the finders all cleaned and ready, not as expensive to replace a finder, but mold and mildew like them as well as anything.
Don't forget the batteries, keep them well charges so they don't go flat.
Clean the bearings on that Dob and make it smooth again.
Do that modification you have been thinking about, make that case fit properly or the nice EP tray you wanted to make for a year or two.
It may not be as exciting as going out under the stars, but it will make your next night out even better. 8)
So, this is a good time to do all the maintenance so that all is ready when the weather breaks.As seen on another forum, mold and mildew can get a start in wet and cool weather, so this is a great time to inspect all the glass in EPs, cameras and scopes.
One thing about mold and mildew is, it needs something to feed upon. So removing oils and tears from the EP lens is a big thing, especially when they sit in a box for a while during the off season. If caught early, most will clean off well, but left for months it can be a disaster! 8O
Another thing that must be removed it pollen and other airborne saps that you get during the year. They too make good food for the mildew and molds. So, get that off now and save some headaches later.
Look at the mirror and see if it has a coating of pollen or other organics while you are looking and don't forget the secondary!
Clean and lube the focusers and get the finders all cleaned and ready, not as expensive to replace a finder, but mold and mildew like them as well as anything.
Don't forget the batteries, keep them well charges so they don't go flat.
Clean the bearings on that Dob and make it smooth again.
Do that modification you have been thinking about, make that case fit properly or the nice EP tray you wanted to make for a year or two.
It may not be as exciting as going out under the stars, but it will make your next night out even better. 8)
[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue
Amateur Imager
