Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Technical => Topic started by: Tony G on Nov 29, 2005, 19:32:54

Title: Power supply
Post by: Tony G on Nov 29, 2005, 19:32:54
Hi all,
can someone recommend a power supply for a HEQ5 mount. When purchased it came with a power station which only lasts for about 3 hours before it is totally drained, but at DSC i saw a lot of car batteries around which I assume was power supplies for various mounts etc. Can someone point me in the right direction as to what is required to power my mount and other accessories and what bits and pieces are needed.

thanks

Tony G
Title: Power supply
Post by: Rocket Pooch on Nov 30, 2005, 15:03:29
Nope, mine was a battery from a Citroen 2CV, oddly the HEQ5 has more power than a 2CV.
Title: Power supply
Post by: Mike on Nov 30, 2005, 18:19:49
LOL!!

Tony, I use either a 55Ah or a 110Ah leisure battery, which will last for several nights easily. (£55 and £75 respectively)

Alternativly, I also have a 12v 6A power supply I got from Halfords. It is designed to convert mains to 12v witrh a cigarette lighter socket to run 12v devices whislt at home.

But, any power device that is 12V to 13.8V and a minimum of 5A will be fine (they say 2A but I found that wasnt enough).
Title: Power supply
Post by: Ian on Nov 30, 2005, 21:53:12
is there a requirement for the psu to be regulated? Not a problem running from a battery, but an unregulated mains wall-wart could kill the kit if it's not protected. This is certainly the case for my Vixen.
Title: Power supply
Post by: Whitters on Dec 01, 2005, 22:12:29
Like Mike I use 110Ahr Car battery, with the cigerette lighter bits. I use Arctic rated cable(it stays bendy when all others are snappy) I also use 17Ahr 'Power Station' used to jump start your car, a lighter option than the 110Ahr.