| The Kendrick DigiFire 10 temperature-sensing dew heater controller has 100% digital Pulse Width Modulation operation that is free from RFI (radio frequency interference). This is absolutely necessary if you are into digital imaging, as RFI from a lesser controller can create interference and undesirable artifacts in your digital image that cannot be removed.
The DigiFire 10 has 6 outputs – four programmable for dew heater use and two constant 12VDC output for powering accessories, such as cooling fans, computerized setting circles, secondary mirror heaters etc. Two of the programmable outputs are designed for temperature sensing operation using a calibrated temperature sensor and a separate ambient temperature sensor. You can set these two outputs to keep your chosen optical surfaces anywhere from 1°C to 10°C above the ambient temperature. One optics temperature sensor is included with the DigiFire 10, plus an ambient air sensor. The temperature sensing accuracy is <0.5°C at 25°C (77° Fahrenheit).
The remaining 2 programmable outputs can be programmed to operate on a variable power duty cycle system. This system alternates between periods of full power output and zero power output. A 20% duty cycle, for example, would be on 20% of the time and off 80% of the time. This is much more power-efficient than a resistive-type controller, which wastes 80% of your battery power heating a resistor rather than heating your optics when it is set for a 20% power level. The duty cycle system can operate from zero output to 100% in 10% increments. If you prefer, you can use all four programmable outputs on the duty cycle system.
The DigiFire 10 has reverse polarity protection and a low voltage cut-off to protect your battery from being discharged too deeply. The system is firmware upgradeable. It comes in a brushed stainless steel case that measures 5.5” long x 3” wide x 1” high. It has a bar graph LED display to show the operating status and allow you to program the duty cycle and temperature sensor. The DigiFire 10 includes an ambient temperature sensor built into the controller case, an optic temperature sensor on a 4’ cord, and a Velcro attachment tab so the controller can be attached to scope, tripod, etc. |