Great stuff Doug. I put of guts of that controller in my project box and I've used it without fail or dew for 3 years. Really a great value. The only change I made is that I added a standard 12v Red LED inline around the RCA plug. That way as you turn up the heat the LED gets brighter and dimmer as you turn down the heat. A nice benefit when your capturing data and you want to confirm your dew bands are getting power.
Good Tips Jeff! It took me two tries to figure it out. I'm glad people here corrected me. I built it correctly the first time, but, I didn't test it correctly...doh! I'm glad to hear yours is running three years strong now!
I successfully made my own. I found the web site first, before I found this TH-cam video. It is actually easy to do. I turned on the power, and no smoke from the wires. Success!
Just finished making mine ! WIN ! Got my RGB dimmer from Amazon for $17.80 US and a bunch of RCA female connectors (30 total) for $8.99. Saved myself a boatload of cash! Thanks for the tutorial !
Hi Richard! I'm glad this worked for you! Mine is still going strong too! This is a great project. Thanks for commenting and posting your success! Doug
Good video, many years ago I built a 3 channel PWM controller from scratch. I´ve now been using these inexpensive LED dimmers for dew heater controllers for the last couple of years, they are super cheap and work fine. It takes only about 20 minutes to mod one of these dimmers in the way you describe if you know how to use a soldering iron and drill!
Hi Doug, thanks for the guide... I have ordered the controller. What size wiring are you using? Also I am going to use Anderson power pole wiring for power in. What size wire nut did you use to protect the wiring from the box? Thanks again!!
Great project. I have that exact same LED controller. But I just used a bunch of cable. But from the looks of what you did. I am going to ditch the cables.
Hi Ben, that little trick with the RIBS on top of the RGB dimmer box work great for lining up your drill holes for the Phono jacks. The other holes aren't too big of a deal other than the power. Make sure you remove your electronic board from the case first, that electronic board is fragile, handle with care. Good Luck and post a photo after you get done! Doug
Thanks Natalie! I really don't think a USB port has enough power to run the heaters. I'm using 12V source. I think the MAX is 500mA on a USB port and I think the heaters are running about 3AMPS depending the setting. If you could get all you needed under 500mA to heat your optics, then it may work. Thanks for watching and commenting, Doug
«Published on Aug 15, 2016» my birthday... I was about to pull the trigger on a $100+ controller, I'll do this instead. Will comment back once results are in. Thanks Doug!
I'm sure you'll find the results pleasing. Remember to use a temp probe under your dew heater bands. I find a temp probe is an excellent way to conserve power and not overheat your optics. Thanks for watching and commenting! Doug
Thanks Tyler, I should probably try to sell these, but, I think it's a diy you could try. If not, they do sell them for $100 at most telescope sites. Doug
@@astrofordummies8157 It's easy to build, but, it takes time. If a new unit cost $100, how much would you pay for one of these? I think there's probably $25 worth of parts in this build.
@@astrofordummies8157 Thanks Tyler, that's what I thought too. At that price point it's not worth my time. It's a good DIY, but, if DIY isn't your thing, you're probably better off spending the $100 for a manufactured version.
Hmm? I discovered the same RGB dimmer and mounted it as-is on my scope. Why do all those mods? I guess a phono plug is better than a screw terminal for a permanent installation, but I am lazy.
Good question, I believe it 18 or 16 gauge for most of the inside wiring, nothing really beefy. The biggest gauge was the power cord if that gives you an idea of the scale. Thanks for watching.
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Great stuff Doug. I put of guts of that controller in my project box and I've used it without fail or dew for 3 years. Really a great value. The only change I made is that I added a standard 12v Red LED inline around the RCA plug. That way as you turn up the heat the LED gets brighter and dimmer as you turn down the heat. A nice benefit when your capturing data and you want to confirm your dew bands are getting power.
Good Tips Jeff! It took me two tries to figure it out. I'm glad people here corrected me. I built it correctly the first time, but, I didn't test it correctly...doh! I'm glad to hear yours is running three years strong now!
I successfully made my own. I found the web site first, before I found this TH-cam video. It is actually easy to do. I turned on the power, and no smoke from the wires. Success!
Congrats Lance! I think this is a great idea! Everyone should build their own controller!
Doug
Just finished making mine ! WIN ! Got my RGB dimmer from Amazon for $17.80 US and a bunch of RCA female connectors (30 total) for $8.99. Saved myself a boatload of cash! Thanks for the tutorial !
Hi Richard!
I'm glad this worked for you! Mine is still going strong too! This is a great project. Thanks for commenting and posting your success!
Doug
Good video, many years ago I built a 3 channel PWM controller from scratch. I´ve now been using these inexpensive LED dimmers for dew heater controllers for the last couple of years, they are super cheap and work fine. It takes only about 20 minutes to mod one of these dimmers in the way you describe if you know how to use a soldering iron and drill!
Thanks Jeff!
Mine is still going strong after 5 years. The first controller I purchased didn't last this long.
Doug
Hi Doug, thanks for the guide... I have ordered the controller. What size wiring are you using? Also I am going to use Anderson power pole wiring for power in. What size wire nut did you use to protect the wiring from the box? Thanks again!!
Great project. I have that exact same LED controller. But I just used a bunch of cable. But from the looks of what you did. I am going to ditch the cables.
Hi Ben, that little trick with the RIBS on top of the RGB dimmer box work great for lining up your drill holes for the Phono jacks. The other holes aren't too big of a deal other than the power. Make sure you remove your electronic board from the case first, that electronic board is fragile, handle with care. Good Luck and post a photo after you get done! Doug
Nice job! Looks so tidy!
Thanks Rafael! It wasn't that difficult. Easy project.
Great Job! Which power source are you using? I wonder if it would work with a simple USB power bank?
Thanks Natalie! I really don't think a USB port has enough power to run the heaters. I'm using 12V source. I think the MAX is 500mA on a USB port and I think the heaters are running about 3AMPS depending the setting. If you could get all you needed under 500mA to heat your optics, then it may work. Thanks for watching and commenting, Doug
«Published on Aug 15, 2016» my birthday... I was about to pull the trigger on a $100+ controller, I'll do this instead. Will comment back once results are in.
Thanks Doug!
I'm sure you'll find the results pleasing. Remember to use a temp probe under your dew heater bands. I find a temp probe is an excellent way to conserve power and not overheat your optics. Thanks for watching and commenting! Doug
Gday Doug
Thanks for posting tutorial
I just built a unit & it works great!
Keep up the great work
😀
Hi Rider! I'm glad it worked for you too. I've been using mine now for almost a year and it's still going strong.
Doug
If you de-soldered the terminal strips and reversed them you could have routed the wiring completely internally
Good Point Rob! I'm happy to report mine is working great! Going on Two years now. Thanks, Doug
Works awesome! Great job!
Thanks Greg! I really like mine I built too. It seems more energy efficient than old dew zapper.
Great project!
Thank you!
Radio Shack is OUT OF BUSINESS!! 🤣
Maybe mouser electronics now?
I need to know where I can buy one from ya
Thanks Tyler, I should probably try to sell these, but, I think it's a diy you could try. If not, they do sell them for $100 at most telescope sites.
Doug
I don’t think I could even do it hahaha
@@astrofordummies8157 It's easy to build, but, it takes time. If a new unit cost $100, how much would you pay for one of these? I think there's probably $25 worth of parts in this build.
50 bucks
@@astrofordummies8157 Thanks Tyler, that's what I thought too. At that price point it's not worth my time. It's a good DIY, but, if DIY isn't your thing, you're probably better off spending the $100 for a manufactured version.
Hmm? I discovered the same RGB dimmer and mounted it as-is on my scope. Why do all those mods? I guess a phono plug is better than a screw terminal for a permanent installation, but I am lazy.
Great Idea Kevin! You're right, simply splice the wires directly. Brilliant idea! Thanks for commenting,
Doug
Great work, I must get one made up now...:)
Thanks! My is still going strong after 2 years!
Doug
what gauge wire did you use?
Good question, I believe it 18 or 16 gauge for most of the inside wiring, nothing really beefy. The biggest gauge was the power cord if that gives you an idea of the scale. Thanks for watching.
Personally I would buy one being crap at DIY but A1 perfect, I have posted this to "Ice in space"
Thanks Jeremy!
Doug