Nah, then ....... can anybody advise me where I can get a center positive jack-plug type connector for my new Skywatcher scope which will then hopefully connect onto a 12v battery, so that I can use it instead of eight 1.5v drycell batteries?? Perhaps I can connect the laptop to the battery as well, and look REALLY posh, just like Fay.
Any help gratefully needed.
Doug.
Made my own with bits from Maplin.
Get a polarity checker. [url]http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=32161&title=Polarity%20Checker[url] Saved my Scope several times.
Assuming your new mount, my HEQ5 and my ETX are all the same power socket, you'll need one of these -
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=5439 (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=5439)
And something like this -
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_191696_langId_-1_categoryId_165562 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_191696_langId_-1_categoryId_165562)
or this -
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1061 (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1061)
Plus some flex, something like this -
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=83
And if you want to be flash and hook up your laptop (thanks Mark) -
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=44736 (http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=44736)
If you have an ETX connector, it should work with the Skywatcher thingy.
If you're not in a hurry, I can put this together for you.
QuoteGet a polarity checker
Mac DUNC (something about me and names :(), does this work with different sized plugs ?
It's surprisingly cheap as well :o
well it's only a box with some sockets and leds. I've got one too, it's good for a double check. Most kit seems to be centre positive, but then one will come along and screw it all up for you.
I would have thought modern astronomy or astronomiser would have ready made cables if you don't fancy your chances with a soldering iron Doug.
Thanks for all your help, chaps. I went to Maplins; they were very helpful but the assistant there measured the jackplug that I took down there with a micrometer and said that the center "hole" was 2.5. I have made up the cable, plug and battery connectors and it seems to fit but have yet to try it on a 12V battery.
Having said all that, I went back and bought a 2.1 plug ........ just in case the 2.5 plug is incorrect. Once again, thanks to all. Doug. :)
you are not just a pretty face, Mick! ;)
Supposing I'm wrong :oops:
Still always got my looks to fall back on :cheesy:
Doug, I think my 2.5 plug may have been worn, but it was giving a poor connection. 2.1 fits and seems to make a better connection.
Whatever you do - make sure you get the connections the right way round - sorry but it can't be said enough.......
Doug,
Whatever you do - make sure you get the connections the right way round!!
Doug,
I'm not sure it's been mentioned, but please make sure you get the connections the right way around...
:afro:
I have soldered the positive wire to the center part of the plug and the negative to the outside ....... :)
I HOPE I`ve got the connections the right way around ...... :oops:
QuoteI HOPE I`ve got the connections the right way around
Well if there is a lot of sparks and smoke, then its the wrong way round :cheesy:
you could always test it with your tongue. Might be best to get Rose to take a video so you can get £250 from you've been framed.
I'd just like to reiterate...
Whatever you do - make sure you get the connections the right way round!!
and while you're at it, try and ensure that you don't get the connections the wrong way around.
Doug, don't get it the wrong way round ....