DDCAP

Arguably the single most important standard accessory for a telescope is the cap/covers - both the front and rear covers. These caps or covers of course keep the dust and other air borne particle out and away from the front objective or corrector and the inside of the optical tube when the telescope is not in use. The front objective can be cleaned (when cleaned properly) if any dust settles on it, but in most cases, not much can be done if dust gets inside the optical tube. For this reason the rear cover or cap in many ways is even more important than the front cover. However, most telescope maker only include a plastic cap for the rear (eyepiece end) of the their telescope regardless of the price - be it $100 or 10,000. Some include an aluminum cap but only in one size, some offer an aluminum cap which screws only on to their telescopes. Now you have a choice. Not only can you continue to prevent the dust from entering the interior of the optical tube but you can do it in style and for all your telescopes and diagonals.

DDCAP was designed to replace the plastic caps which are included with most telescopes. It is available in both 1.25" and 2" sizes and in clear, black, blue or red anodized finish. It is beautifully CNC machine from solid bars of 6061 T-6 aluminum to exacting tolerances.

DDCAP is available in two stylish models - the flattop and the handled version. Both have the same capacity and perform equally well. Both styles were designed for easy grip with or without gloves, and are easily inserted or removed from the telescope. Once inserted, the thumb screw or the compression ring on the 1.25" or 2" adapter retains them in place just like an eyepiece or a diagonal. There are no sharp edges on DDCAP, so it will not snag on things or tear into the material of the case.

But there is more than quality, precision and looks to DDCAP. DDCAP is comprise of two pieces, the neck and the handle, which are screwed together.

The neck is hollow and contains a chamber for storing desiccant. Once the desiccant - we use molecular sieve - is inserted in the chamber, the two halves are screwed together. A cleverly place O-ring seals the chamber/threads from outside air and moisture.

The bottom of the DDCAP (the base of the neck) has strategically placed openings to expose the desiccant to the interior of the optical tube. Once the DDCAP is inserted into the optical tube, the same O-ring which seals the inside chamber and the threads from the outside air and moisture seals the interior of the optical tube, preventing moisture entering from the eyepiece end. The desiccant inside the DDCAP then absorbs the moisture from the interior of the optical tube while keeping the dust out at the same time. Of course, DDCAP can be used without the desiccant, and as a stylish and super quality dust cap.

Everything arrived in excellent condition. That cap that you invented is an OUTSTANDING piece of work - WAY TO GO! I cannot believe your attention to detail, it is some of the best, if not the best, that I have ever had the privilege to purchase.

Mark

We supply the DDCAP with five recharges of desiccant. The molecular sieve and silica gel we include with DDCAP are in pre-packed form. They are easy to replace and since they are contained in a pack, they do not introduce any desiccant dust or residue into the optical tube. Also included with the molecular sieve is an indicator pack. The indicator pack when fresh is blue/purple in color, but changes color to clear/pink when saturated. There is no guessing involved. Just unscrew the two halves and one look will indicate the status of the desiccant.

A vinyl plug and a set of Velcro disks are included with DDCAP. When the DDCAP is not being used, such as when removed from the telescope or diagonal, slide the vinyl plug on the DDCAP and over the openings to seal it from outside air and moisture. The Velcro disks can be used to attach the vinyl plug to the telescope or other equipment for easy access and to prevent misplacing the DDCAP and the plug in the dark.

An even more beautiful limited version brass 2" DDCAP is available. One has to see the stunning brass/golden color and feel the substantial weight of the brass to fully appreciate this version.

The 1.25" DDCAP contains approximately 3 grams of desiccant and the 2" DDCAP contains approximately 6 grams. DDCAPS are supplied with five refills of desiccant. A major advantage of using replaceable pack of desiccant is the savings in time and money because there is no need to recharge the desiccant by baking it in the oven. Replacement packs are readily available at a minimal cost

They are absolutely beautiful. The machining is superb and the design is really excellent from what I can see. They would be a fitting accessory that would only enhance any scope they were used on. The weight and feel of them is really great. Just by holding it you know you have a excellent quality accessory.

Harvey

Some highlights and advantages of DDCAP

• Beautifully and precision machined from solid bars of aluminum
• Available in two styles and sizes (1.25" and 2")
• Easy to use (fits like an eyepiece or diagonal)
• Keeps the dust out
• Removes moisture from inside of your optical tube
• Enhances the aesthetics of your telescopes
• Increased the resale value of your telescope
• Replaceable desiccant
• Very durable
• Available in different colors
• Available in brass

DDCAP is also available in ASTRO-PHYSICS and TMB model. The ASTRO-PHYSICS model is custom made to ASTRO-PHYSICS specifications and only available from ASTRO-PHYSICS.

Note: The flattop version is approximately 4mm lower in overall height/profile. With the flat surface and the lower profile, the flattop version is better suited for telescopes stored in a case than the finger grip version.

The following picture illustrates the indicator pack status in three different stages. The pack on the left side is fresh, the middle pack has been used for some time and has absorbed some moisture but still capable of absorbing more, and the pack on the right is fully saturated and must be replaced.

Red anodized DDCAP is only available in the Flattop 2" version only.

DDCAP is shipped with 5 full recharges of desiccant

Read customer comments on the DDCAP