Kendrick question

Question: I've had a Kendrick VI for years now, with two 2" straps, one 1-1/4" and a telrad heater. During my last observing session I quickly found out, that despite the Kendrick's red light being on, my straps were as cold as ice. Here in Florida, dew is a constant killer for observing. I just hooked up the battery, after it's been on a trickle charge all day, and still no warmth. The light's on again, but nada...

Now, mind you, I have a GDT-11 digital multimeter, and "I believe" I have 8 amps on there. It has been so long since I've used the thing, I'm not sure if I'm reading it right. Could the Kendrick have something wrong with it, or is it more likely the battery? Can the battery have enough juice to turn the red light on, but not heat the strips (it's a 14amphr battery, gel cell)?

Cheers,

Guy

Since no one has replied, I'd say they are fine if the light is On. They are Not hand-warmers. I've no experinece with the Kendrick, but years ago S&T had DIY Dew Removal construction articles using small electronics resistors (such as available from Radio Shack) wired in a series string & placed around objectives or eyepieces; battery powered. Those small resistors cannot withstand any heat you could actually feel without failing. The purpose of dew removal systems is to maintain ambient temperature, not actually heat up the optics (that would create distorted images due to convection currents on the optical surface; which is why reflector owners use fans). Only surfaces Colder than the surrounding air will cause dew formation & that is what dew heaters are supposed to avoid instead of warming sufaces up higher than ambient temps. So, rather than feel them with your hands, observe if dew is forming or not to evaluate their effectiveness.