Protecting Your laptop from Extreme Cold Weather

[dmill1220]

HI Folks,

One the the things that worry me the most about imaging in extreme cold weather is the possiblity that damage could result to my laptop.

The damage is more likely to happen when the laptop is brought back inside to room temperature, then dewing does the wicked deed.

I have made an enclosure out of a plastic laminated waterproof cardboard box, that uses a thermostatically controlled quartz heater which is ducted or placed at the opposite end of the box, via a small opening, it is cut just big enough to allow me to place half the heater inside with the fan intake being left outside.

For Power I now use a bank of four 650 Amp 12 volt deep cycle batteries that not only provides 12VDC power to my Mount and dew heaters, but it also incorporates a 12VDC to 110VAC inverter which I use to power my laptop and the enclosure heater, plus whatever else I need power for.

It incorporates a red cellophaned window that not only allows you to see your laptop but it also allows for quick opening, for access to the keyboard when needed.

There is also a smaller red cellophane window that allows me to see the digital thermostat I have suspended inside this enclosure.

As soon as the Moon disappears from our night sky again, I'll be ready for the extreme cold New Hampshire winters.

How do you folks protect your laptop when you are exposed to temps and wind chills that are well below 0 degrees F ?

Dennis

[Darryl]

Hi Dennis,

I was thinking about all this in the past couple of days as these two clear nights that are here now, looked like they were actually going to transpire. If I was to bring a laptop outside into subfreezing temperatures I would probably just set it out there and let it do its thing. I would be careful when bringing it in. I would shut it down and pull the battery and then make sure all the resulting condensation is gone before powering it up. I don't think there should be a problem with that as long as you make sure it's absolutely dry before powering it backup. Its no different than how I handle my DSLR's or any electronics that go outside. Making sure its all dry from the condensation that has formed after bring it in is the big thing.

At the moment I am keeping the computer inside (using my desktop) and the only things that are outside is telescope and imaging related equipment attached to a USB hub. I wouldn't hesitate to bring the laptop outside, I would just cover it up with a towel or something when I am not at the keyboard to keep the dew off. It's what I do in the summer.

I get to go out again tonight. I'm going to do the full piggyback setup tonight if all goes as planned.

Did you construct that diagram? I'll keep this in the back of my mind should I ever venture away from home base. Great idea.

[dmill1220]

HI Darryl,

Yes I did make that lousy diagram in about 5 minutes time with MS paint, LOL, it took me 1 hour to construct the actual enclosure.

Here is my line of thinking when it comes to cold and my laptop.

Even after pulling my batteries there is still power from the clock battery and power to the BIOS chip. This is where most of my worries are. am I mistaken here?

Also with my line of thinking, there must be many nooks and crannies inside that could retain moisture droplets, especially the hard drive, but the main reason is that my manual specifically states to not use the laptop outside in a cold environment that is below 32 degrees F.

Also Being retired and disabled and on a fixed income, means that replacing or fixing my laptop is not going to be easy, a mere 1K, the cost of my laptop, would take me at least 2 months to save up for a new one.

Am I being too obsessive with this possible scenario ?
I have a bad habit, when it comes to my equipment, I always use extreme extra caution, I even use one of those chemical hand warmers inside a zip-lock baggie to enclose my hand controller on my CG5, because I worry about the LCD display freezing. we also have a serious Dew problem here where I live. it has already caused problems with the CG5's power switch, its a simple fix, just a squirt of WD-40.

I should be ready to tackle the Freeze your buns event this February at my local astronomical society's observatory site, once I get setup and aligned, and start my imaging run, I can retreat back inside to the warming room we have on site and, periodically go outside and check my progress.

I do have to be careful and avoid temperature extremes due to the MS, while its in remission and, I no longer need a leg brace, I must also avoid getting sick, I still have this dreaded disease, and I dont want to go back in that darn full leg brace again, LOL

Dennis

[Buldric]

I don't think your being too cautious at all. I mean, yes, chances are very good that absolutely nothing will happen, as computers are built fairly well, but i mean, no such thing as too much precaution. However, I'll link the laptop I'm saving up to buy for imaging, it can be fully submerged in water, and be used under water, hehe, can be ran over by trucks and be fine... Its really nice...but not cheap.

Panasonic Toughbook-30


Though it says its only "heavy shock" and "moisture resistant", people have put these things through horrendous tests and they pass with flying colors. These laptops are INSANE.

This laptop is actually made for military and field engineers....but i just LOVE it, cant wait till i have enough to afford one.

Clear Skies,
Buldric

[dmill1220]

Thanks Buldric!

That does look like one tough puppy, but guess what I found in the manual?

Yep you guessed it, here is the same statement regarding cold temps. right from the manual, here is a link too look on page 17, ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasoni...hbook-30oi.pdf

��

Place the computer on a fl at stable surface. Do not place the computer upright or turn it over. If the computer is
exposed to an extremely strong impact, it may become inoperable.

��

Temperature: Operation : 5 °C to 35 °C {41 °F to 95 °F}
Storage : -20°C to 60 °C {- 4 °F to 140 °F}
Humidity: Operation : 30% to 80% RH (No condensation)
Storage : 30% to 90% RH (No condensation)
Even within the above temperature/humidity ranges, using for a long time in an extreme environment will result in
the product deterioration and will shorten the product life.

��

Do not place the computer in the following areas, otherwise the computer may be damaged.

��

Near electronic equipment. Image distortion or noise may occur.

��

In extremely high or low temperature.

�� As the computer can become hot during operation, keep it away from items that are sensitive to heat.

Ok Maybe its just me, but I don't like going against any manufacturers advice on limiting operating temperature parameters.

That is one nice laptop! Maybe I'm just too worried that I may loose it and find myself without the ability to continue my imaging projects.

There must be a reason for their temperature parameters below zero temps with any wind is quite nasty.

Dennis

[Buldric]

Their temperature concerns are just so that in the 1/10000000000000000000 chance that something goes wrong, they can say "well, we listed it" It's like a rug i bought a while ago, that had joke warnings on it such as "CAUTION: May be hot when coffee, or other hot liquid spilled upon this mat." If you want proof that cold doesnt hurt computers go here

Super cooled comp.

Clear Skies,
Buldric

[dmill1220]

Thanks Buldric,

From What I see they only cooled the CPU, the problem I see is when the whole system is brought back to room temps, there must be condensation, that cooled overclocked computer was cooled in a special manner with special containment,

My gut tells me that my el cheapo laptop would dew up inside quite dramatically as soon as I brought it inside, Thanks But I think Ill stay safe with my enclosure.

Dennis

[ozzmoziz]

i had my laptop dell d600 at something like -5 temps and it still had no problems. i mean the cpu temp was at 6 c lol.. but now id rather just bring everything inside and just leave scope outside and do it from inside much warmer for me,,,!

[dmill1220]

Ok Guys I suppose I am being a little #### rentitive!

You guys are more than likely correct, I worry too much maybe thats why I am almost completely bald, LOL

Dennis

[Buldric]

no such thing as too much precaution.

I never suggested that you shouldn't make the precautions you are, I in fact endorsed them, sorry if this was misconstrued in some way =p

cold doesnt hurt computers

This is in reference to the warning, for the toughbook-30 specifically. It doesn't have dew problems, as it is made water tight.(ftw) And if you look at the cooled cpu, you can see ice crystals formed across a significant portion of the board.