Center positive jack plug.

[doug]

     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.

[The Thing]

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.

[mickw]

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

And something like this -
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

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

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.

Get a polarity checker

Mac DUNC (something about me and names  ), does this work with different sized plugs ?
It's surprisingly cheap as well 

[Ian]

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.

[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. 

[Fay]

you are not just a pretty face, Mick!

[mickw]

Supposing I'm wrong 

Still always got my looks to fall back on 

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.......

[Mike]

Doug,

Whatever you do - make sure you get the connections the right way round!!

[Ian]

Doug,

I'm not sure it's been mentioned, but please make sure you get the connections the right way around...

[doug]

     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 ...... 

[Mac]

I 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

[Ian]

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.

[Mike]

I'd just like to reiterate...

Whatever you do - make sure you get the connections the right way round!!

[Ian]

and while you're at it, try and ensure that you don't get the connections the wrong way around.

[Rocket Pooch]

Doug, don't get it the wrong way round ....