Question: How effective is dome ventilation against dew and humidity on a damp February Day?
I've always maintained to offer a free allsky variant within the main printable.com hub with opportunity of users to remix their own solution. The original design is old, aging, and with simple geometry before i masted 3D Modelling: I wanted to revisit the original design and offer an updated free, entry level model.
Since adopting the ventilated dome design i've never had dew in my dome. Would this new entry level model work? Here is the prototype - an unventilated version of the new V3 design i'm working on…
Raspberry Pi4B with TJ Allsky software and powered by 15W POE with 1W Resistance Heating.
New pre-release Dome assembly (V3) - modified to an unventilated dome housing for testing purpose
Standard Tub with lateral POE Port and inclined Base - Roof Mounted
Ambient Temperature 7-13°C (44-55°F) with 72-87% humidity
After 3-4 hours, even before nightfall - i see immediate accumulation of condensation on the dome. You can even make out the resistance heating fighting back - but with little success.
Overtime the situation doesn't improve. With nightfall the unventilated design is unable to shake-off the condensation - even with the internal temperature above 20°C (68°F) from the Raspberry CPU.
The resulting startrail - 1 Star Rating! :(
Conclusion:
The ventilated dome design provides significant protection against dew, even with low powered 5V 1W heating element. An un-ventilated design is very prone to condensation and dew accumulation and is difficult to recommend, even as entry level solution.
Is there still use or purpose for an unventilated dome?
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