From: "Tim" <tjp314@pacbell.net>

Date: October 2, 2006 5:56:35 PM MDT

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: Using an iMac outside

Ray:

Before I started imaging with mac-compatible computers, I used to

build my own PCs from Fry's and PC Warehouse components.  I left the

computers in my garage on an old cabinet that I'd put wheels on so I

could roll it in and out to the driveway for imaging.  I never had any

problems with dew, and I doubt you would either unless you're in

really humid conditions (the heat of my computers kept dew from

condensing on them).  

But I did drop one once.  Actually, I was trying to move the cabinet

around with the computer on top, and when one of the wheel's got

caught on a rock, it fell off the other end of the cabinet from where

I was standing, about 32 inches to the concrete.  Mangled the heck out

of the case, broke all the plastic tabs on the front so the front

cover wouldn't stay on.

But it kept working!  It was a couple months before I could buy a new

case and transfer the guts from the old computer.  After that, I made

room inside the case for the CPU, but I still needed to put the

monitor and keyboard on top for use.  Still, I never had any problems

with dew.

These days, I use both my G4 and my HP laptop outside, even in dewy

conditions, and haven't had a problem.  I would imagine the iMac runs

quite a bit warmer, so wold similarly tend to prevent dew condensation

while it's on.

-Tim.

--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, Ray Byrne <ray@...> wrote:

Hi Again,

Post 4.

I really like the idea of using an iMac (not the CRT version or the  

ilamp but the one previous to the intel one - the PPC) for imaging in  

my backyard/garden. I should be able to pick-up one at a decent price  

on eBay as time goes on, although they are still holding there own  

price-wise at the moment. I've even got a plan for putting it in an  

enclosure/case with a lid that will form a "desktop" for the mouse  

and keyboard. This setup would also be very handy for Solar imaging  

as it would give shade from the Sun (I've used a card box for my PC  

laptop in this situation in the past - but that says it all - LOL).

Would using, what is a desktop computer after all, be dangerous at  

night in possibly dewy conditions?

Thanks Group for listening to my queries, I should be on board very  

soon as a Mac-based Astro_IIDC user because Saturn will be beckoning  

soon and I believe the reversal of the magnetic polarity of the Sun  

has been confirmed by SOLIS to show the onset of a new Solar sunspot  

cycle and I want to be chasing old Alan Friedman's coat tails :o]

All the very best

Clear and steady skies

Ray Byrne