Hello, I have been using the cooling system on the Aluma AC4040 for a month with great success in the Arizona Heat. I easily hold -10 deg C no matter what the external temperature. I have a small tank of water (from our reverse osmosis system) that I use to make a closed loop system pump system with a small peristaltic pump. I notice over time that things grow in the water. Is there any known danger to the camera if I add a pool chlorine tablet to the tank? It seems that I have more risk if something "grows " in the cooler block than any possible damage from the chlorine. I wanted to check first in case anyone had experience. Thanks, Greg
Hi Greg, I'm sorry that I don't know the answer on that one. Perhaps someone else can chime in. I do know some folks have used a dilute vinegar solution to clear out lime scale in the water block as part of annual maintenance, although I'm not really a fan of this due to its effects on aluminum. I also know some folks use RV water line anti-freeze for cold-weather operation (not relevant to your situation). On another note, we'd love to see your images!
Colin: Actually that insight about the block being aluminum is probably enough. I use the RO water for exactly the reason to avoid lime scale from our hard water. I've don a little research and chlorine at higher concentrations can react with aluminum. But I don't think a few drops of Chlorox in a 3 gallon container will do much damage to the cooler. I'll give it a try on my own. I've was down for 3 weeks in July due to Arizona monsoon season and clouds every night. I am currently working to get ACP running to control the observatory and hope to acquire some more images this weekend (PS, finally got ACP to remotely start up the AO and guide - so far so good - I now need to see ACP handling Dither while I'll work on this weekend). Here are some Astrobin links to work I have done on the AC4040 before monsoons set in here in Arizona. We are back to clear, hot weather. https://www.astrobin.com/at1quw/B/ https://www.astrobin.com/zresjt/ https://www.astrobin.com/djohqo/ <--got a "Top Pick for this one" https://www.astrobin.com/sqwoz3/ https://www.astrobin.com/2r2ff0/ I routinely publish on Astrobin so if you are there you can follow me. Thanks, Greg
Wow those are some nice images! Would you mind cross-posting them into our My Astrophotos section so people can find them? https://forum.diffractionlimited.com/forums/my-astrophotos.23/
Doug, Thanks, each one represents a step in learning how to use the new camera and AOX. when all is working well, this camera gives great data with super sensitivity. I'll try to post a few when I get a little time this weekend.
