Permanently mounts to 5" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes Directly heats the corrector lens for maximum efficiency Draws a maximum of 7 watts at 12V DC Lightweight 46.3 g (1.63 oz) aluminum construction Integrated thermistor for smart control with Celestron controllers Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Downloads Warranty Celestron Dew Heater Ring - 5" The Celestron Dew Heater Ring for 5" Schmidt-Cassegrains provides a continuous 7 watts of power directly to your corrector plate, preventing dew formation during critical observing and imaging sessions. Its rigid aluminum frame has a precise 127.3mm inner diameter that replaces the telescope's original plastic retaining ring, ensuring the most efficient heat transfer possible from its 12V DC input. Weighing just 46.3 g, it adds minimal mass to the front of your optical tube while offering a permanent, integrated solution to combat dew. Efficient Dew Prevention: Direct 127.3mm Corrector Heating Unlike conventional heater strips that warm the telescope's metal cell and hope the heat transfers inward, this Dew Heater Ring heats the Schmidt corrector glass directly. This method is far more efficient, using its 7 watts of power to keep the glass just above the dew point without wasting energy. The ring's 127.3mm inner diameter ensures perfect contact and uniform heating across the entire surface of your 5" SCT's corrector lens. Permanent Integration: A 46.3 g Aluminum Ring Design Engineered as a permanent, set-and-forget accessory, the Celestron Dew Heater Ring replaces your telescope's factory retaining ring. The lightweight aluminum construction adds only 46.3 g (1.63 oz) to your setup, having no meaningful impact on balance. Integrated clips secure the power and thermistor jacks when not in use, allowing the original dust cover to fit perfectly, while an included cable management clip prevents snags or accidental pulls on the connections. 7W Power with Integrated Thermistor Control The ring operates on a standard 12V DC input via a 5.5mm/2.1mm barrel connector, drawing a maximum of 7 watts. For ultimate power efficiency, it features a built-in thermistor compatible with Celestron's Smart DewHeater Controllers. This allows the controller to monitor the exact temperature of the corrector lens and apply only the necessary power, dramatically extending the life of your field battery. A 6" extension cable is included to ensure a clean connection to any controller. Celestron Dew Heater Ring vs. Traditional Heater Bands For owners of 5" SCTs, the choice between this integrated ring and a generic heater strap comes down to efficiency and convenience. Heating Method: Traditional bands heat the exterior lens cell, leading to significant heat loss and inefficient warming of the glass. The Celestron ring's direct contact with the 127.3mm corrector provides immediate and targeted heat where it's needed most. Integration: Heater straps must be wrapped and unwrapped for every session. The Dew Heater Ring is a permanent installation, meaning it's always ready to go and you can't forget it at home. Smart Control: While some straps can be used with controllers, the ring's integrated thermistor offers a level of precision that external sensors cannot match, resulting in lower power consumption and clearer optics. Is the Celestron Dew Heater Ring required for my 5" SCT? While not required for the telescope to function, a dew heater is an essential accessory for observing or imaging in any climate with moderate to high humidity. It is the only reliable way to prevent moisture from condensing on your corrector plate, which can end an observing session prematurely. Can I use the 5" Dew Heater Ring without a controller? Yes. You can plug the ring directly into any 12V DC power source with a 5.5mm/2.1mm tip-positive connector. In this mode, it will run continuously at its maximum 7-watt power setting. A controller is recommended to optimize power consumption and prevent over-heating the optics, but is not mandatory. How does the 7-watt power draw affect my portable battery life on a NexStar 5SE? At 7 watts, the ring draws approximately 0.58 amps from a 12V source. When used with a Celestron Smart DewHeater Controller, the average power draw is often much lower, as the controller only applies heat when needed. This makes it a very efficient solution for portable battery packs, allowing for many hours of protection without significant battery drain. Will installing the 5" Dew Heater Ring void my telescope's warranty? No. The Celestron Dew Heater Ring is an official, Celestron-designed accessory. The installation process of replacing the stock retaining ring is fully supported and will not affect your telescope's warranty when the instructions are followed correctly. Is the built-in thermistor compatible with third-party dew controllers? The integrated thermistor is specifically designed for and only compatible with Celestron SmartHeat Dew Controllers. However, you can still power the heater ring itself using a third-party controller; you just won't be able to use the temperature-sensing feedback function. How does this Dew Heater Ring perform on a humid night imaging the Orion Nebula (M42) with my 5" SCT? This is precisely the scenario the ring is designed for. On a humid night, your corrector lens is a prime surface for dew, which can blur faint details in M42. The ring's direct heating will keep the corrector clear for hours, ensuring sharp stars and maximum contrast on the nebula's faint outer structures throughout your entire imaging sequence. Compatibility 5" Schmidt-Cassegrain Max Power 7 watts Power Jack 12V DC barrel connector, 5.5mm/2.1mm, tip positive Thermistor Jack 2.5mm audio jack, compatible with Celestron SmartHeat Dew Controllers Ring Construction Aluminum Inner Diameter 127.3mm (5.01") Outer Diameter 146mm (5.75") Weight 1.63 oz (46.3 g) Power Jack Extension Cable 6" long, 12V DC, 5.5mm/2.1mm barrel connector to male RCA connector, tip positive Dew Heater Ring - 5" × 1 Cable Management Clip × 1 Power Jack Extension Cable × 1 Paper Installation Shield × 1 Download Manual Celestron 2-Year Warranty
