interesting ideas, but i don't think either will work out for me. i don't think i'd be comfortable running a heater in the truck, no matter how safe they are these days, not to mention the cost of fuel/electricity. i thought about using a space heater on the open cases once inside, but that could be just as bad as just turning the stuff on, since it would warm up very fast.
the plastic bag idea is very interesting, but it just won't work in this case. the controller is just too big, and given that i'm having problems with the laser at above freezing temperatures, the condensation from freezing isn't even an issue yet.
and for the hazer, i think i need to keep it from freezing at all, which could result in cracked tubing.
i think i have no choice but to bring the hazer and laser inside, which isn't a huge issue since i could carry those things in just a few minutes. but bringing in the controller would probably be at least a fifteen minute ordeal, using the lift, rolling down an ice coated sidewalk, and dealing with going up a step to get in the front door.
i think i have an idea though. it takes me an hour and a half to two hours to get to chicago, so that's at least two and a half hours from when i leave home to when the controller gets turned on. if i were to cut a hole on either side of the controller case, i could attach a hose to the truck heating system that would thaw it out while i drive. that might be a bit weird, but it just might be my best bet.
of course i'm still open to other options, if there are any.