Kendrick Dew Remover System

For many years, Astro-Physics has carried the Kendrick Dew Removal System. Jim Kendrick innovated the concept of dew removal systems in the mid-1990's to meet a persistent need in the burgeoning astronomical community for effective dew removal and prevention. His system quickly became the benchmark for dew prevention.

We are pleased to say that we believe the Kendrick Premier Dew Removal System to be the most appropriate setup for a large portion of our customers.The Kendrick Dew Remover System was developed to meet the need in the astronomical community for an effective dew removal and prevention system. This system has heaters for almost all the optical components used in amateur astronomy. Repeated field testing on many types of optical systems under many conditions and hundreds of satisfied customers has proven the effectiveness of this product over and over. It also has these other attractive features:

  1. Energy efficiency - Variable settings on the controller allow maximum conservation of battery power.
  2. Heat range adjustable.
  3. Lightweight.
  4. High quality manufacture.
  5. Versatiliy - Capable of keeping every optical surface moisture-free during an observing or astrophotography session.
  6. Guaranteed to be effective thus extending your observing time on dewy evenings.
  7. Radio frequency interference free.

We are pleased to introduce a few additional products to our line-up.

CONTROLLERS

Kendrick Premier Power Controller Package (KDRPCP)

Note: The Kendrick Premier Power Controller is temporarily unavailable while it is being redesigned by Kendrick.

Astro-Physics is pleased to offer the Kendrick Premier Power Controller Package. This is the most advanced controller of its type. Two of the six outputs offer temperature/humidity sensing and control. You can choose to run either in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Sensor readouts show ambient air temperature, optic temperature, dewpoint temperature, percentage of humidity, and battery voltage. A numerical keypad allows you to enter operating parameters for the utmost control of your settings. Outputs can be enabled or disabled, and you can save up to four different configurations. It offers centralized power management of telescope accessories and dew prevention heaters. This controller isn’t just for heaters; now you can power and control illuminated eyepieces, digital setting circles, motorized focusers, and a host of other accessories from one controller (Please note: some plug modifications may be necessary). This unit also has several programmable functions when put to dew removal use. You can also control the LED display brightness. For all you astrophotographers, there is no radio frequency interference to bother you. Completely RFI-free!

When you purchase the Premier Controller package, your programmable functions include:
  • Duty Cycle. Outputs 1 through 4 can be individually programmed to operate anywhere from 10% to 100% power.

  • Temperature variance. Outputs 1 and 2 can be individually programmed to operate within a user specified temperature variance (ie: 5° above air temperature).

  • Dewpoint variance. Outputs 1 and 2 can be individually programmed to operate within a user specified temperature variance (ie: 5° above dewpoint).

  • Set temperature. Outputs 1 and 2 can be individually programmed to operate at a user specified set temperature. This function is useful if you have a device that needs to be kept at a specific temperature for optimal performance.

  • Outputs 1 and 2 can be programmed to mirror one another. For example, if output #1 has been programmed to operate at 7° above dewpoint, then output #2 would come on and turn off at the same time as #1.

  • Enable/Disable. Outputs 1 through 5 can be set to on or off at any time. This is useful if, for example, you are running fans to aid in cooling your optics and you want them shut off.

  • LED brightness. The LED Display can be set anywhere from a low setting for nightime use to bright for daytime use.

The Premier Controller Package (KDRPCP) consists of the controller, (1) temperature/humidity sensor for sensing ambient air readings, (1) temperature cable for sensing optic air temperature with 4' lead wire, a lanyard, and instruction manual.



 

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Kendrick Premier Deluxe Controller Package (KDRPCPDX)

See note above.

Another feature of the Premier controller is its remote control capability. Kendrick offers optional remote control software which allows you to program and monitor controller function from a PC. It can also create log files that can be imported into a spreadsheet program. The resulting data can be used to track and determine operational functionality of the controller or heaters if so needed. The cable to connect the controller with your computer is included with your software purchase. You can purchase the software package bundled with the Premier Controller or separately if you already own this unit.
System requirements for the Kendrick Remote Software are:
  • PC with a Pentium-class processor with available COM port. Pentium 90 or higher processor recommended.
  • Microsoft Windows 98 or later operating system. Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 requires SP3 or later.
  • 24 MB of RAM (32 MB recommended).
  • Hard-disk space required: 10 MB.CD-ROM drive.
  • VGA or higher-resolution monitor; Super VGA recommended.
  • VB6 SP5 runtime environment (included).
  • Cross-over RS232 cable (included).
  • Kendrick PREMIER POWER CONTROLLER

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Kendrick Premier Controller Accessories
Ambient Temperature/Humidity Sensor (KDRPCPTHS)
This part is included in both Premier Controller Packages. It is also available for purchase separately as a backup or replacement.


Optic Temperature Sensors (KDRPCPTS4/6/8)
These sensors are key for optimal use of the Premier Controller System. Both the Premier and the Deluxe Controller packages include a sensor with a 4' lead.

Additional sensors are available in 6' and 8' lengths. Please specify which length you need when ordering this part (KDRPCPTS6 or KDRPCPTS8).

Premier Controller Leatherette Pouch (KDRPCPLP)
Keep the sheen on your brushed stainless steel case by protecting it with this smart pouch. Made from snug-fitting leatherette, this pouch has openings for all sockets, outlets, and the power cord. An envelope flap closes tightly around the back with velcro.

Two loops are stitched on the edge (one on the top, the other on the bottom) for attaching the lanyard.


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Kendrick DigiFire 7 Controller (KDRDF7)

Also new to our controller line-up is the Kendrick DigiFire 7. This mid-range power controller is perfect for those astronomers who don’t require the full functionality of the Premier Controller but still want enhanced digital control of their dew removal system.

This controller has 100% digital operation and is radio frequency interference-free. Four of its six outputs are individually programmable in duty cycle from 0 to 100% in 10% increments.

Other features include:

  • low voltage cut-off
  • two constant 12V DC outputs for other accessories
  • reverse polarity protection

Velcro mounting tab and 1-year warranty are included with your purchase.


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HEATERS

 
Premier Heaters
These heaters have been built to use only as much power as necessary and thereby not waste energy. They have sponge insulation on one side to prevent heat being dispersed into the atmosphere. The heat is directed into the optics instead. As a result, less energy is needed to keep your optics moisture-free.

The heaters wrap around your objectives, label-side out, and are held in place by elastic/Velcro attachments. The Telrad heaters are held in place with an elastic band. The heaters for secondary mirrors are placed on the backside of the secondary and can be held in place by using the polyester batting found inside the secondary mirror holder. The .965/1.25" 1.25/2" and 2" units are considered eyepiece heaters. The 1.25/2" and 2" are also heaters for camera lenses and certain binoculars.

New in the Premier heater line is the bino-viewer heater. This is comprised of two heaters connecting to one cable, using only one output. These handy heaters come in two sizes: up to 1.5" and 1.5" and over. We currently stock only the bino-heater for 1.5" and larger optics.


Amp Hour Ratings and Fitting Dimensions

Please bear in mind that the following table of amp hour ratings is to be considered accurate only if the controller is set at high. Under normal operating, conditions these ratings can be reduced by 40% to 60% as the normal controller setting is medium to low. This table will also help you determine which heater is right for your scope.


Our Part # Heater Size Product Description Amp Hour Rating
KDRTEL Telrad for Telrad .4
KDR965 .965" for .965" eyepieces and finder scopes .2
KDR125 1.25" for 1.25" eyepieces .2
KDR002 2" for 2" eyepieces, 50mm finder scope objectives, and camera lenses .3
KDR003 3" fits 90mm-130mm OD (3.5" - 5" OD) .8
KDR004 4" fits 130mm-145mm OD (5" - 5.5" OD) .9
KDR005 5" fits 140mm-165mm OD (5.5" - 6.5" OD) 1.2
KDR006 6" fits 165mm-200mm OD (6.5" - 8" OD) 1.4
KDR7/8 7"/8" fits 200mm-250mm OD (8" - 9.5" OD) 1.5
KDR910 9"/10" fits 250mm-310mm OD (10" - 12.5" OD) 1.9
KDR011 11" fits 310mm-340mm OD (12.5" - 13.5" OD) 2.3
KDR012 12" fits 340mm-400mm OD (13.5" - 15.5" OD) 2.6
KDR014 14"/16" fits 400mm-460mm OD (15.5" - 18" OD) 4.1
KDRB20 Binoviewer Heater 1.5" and up for eyepieces with barrel diameters over 1.5" .6


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POWER REQUIREMENTS
Due to the cyclical nature of the duty cycle, it is best to power your dew removal controller from its own power supply to avoid the resetting of your mount and keypad. We recommend a deep-cycle, 12 amp hour rechargeable battery for this system at minimum. If you are using household current, it must be transformed to 12vDC with the transformer appropriately rated for your amp requirements.

Astro-Physics offers an AC power converter if you wish to use your your household current. Please review the information regarding the 13.8 Volt, 5-Amp Regulated Power Supply with Cigaretter Lighter Receptacle (PS138V5A).

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Some information on this page was provided by Kendrick Astro Instruments.
Copyright ©2012, Astro-Physics, Inc. - All Rights Reserved

Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, IL  61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513   Fax: 815-282-9847