jadcx Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Hi I'm a long time reader but haven't been doing any observing for an almost equally long time - but now I'm back (with a shiny second hand ed80). I set up the other day during a brief break in the clouds, and was having a great time enjoying the new scope. Until I nudged the power connector and the mount reset. The problem is a particularly flaky 12v accessory socket that appears to nothing at all to aid retention of anything plugged in to it. I know that I could just change it for a better one, or change them all for marine type ones which lock in place. But astronomy is an outlet for so many otherwise unmet needs . So obviously, my answer is to build a power distribution box. But then it escalates. I mean, if I'm building it anyway, it seems sensible to make a proper job of it. So it should able to deal with all of the accessories, with expansion for more in the future. And I should probably use a better connector, like those Anderson PowerPoles. And I could put in some proper fusing and reverse polarity protection. And it should be modular, so that at home I can plug in the nice but heavy 12v power supply, and in the future, I could use a battery bank for mobile sessions. Of course the NEQ6 would be happier with slightly more than 12v, I can include a 13.8v regulator. And whilst I'm doing it, a power meter would be useful. So now it's turned into a hundred quid order for parts. My question is, is there a 'better' solution, or do most people build their own? Justin Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheila Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 i use one of these but they are not cheap but I feel at least I know its reliable and built by someone who knows electronics as I dont it has power supplies, usb, dew heaters stuff etc etc all on one box http://www.hitecastro.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48:mount-hub-pro&catid=36:mount-hub-pro&Itemid=54 think you can buy them from firstlightoptics but they are over £250, dunno if you can pick up a used one somewhere, then i plug in a marine 12v, battery (a big one) as i use CCD, Dew Heaters, computer etc Sheila Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadcx Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 i use one of these but they are not cheap but I feel at least I know its reliable and built by someone who knows electronics as I dont it has power supplies, usb, dew heaters stuff etc etc all on one box http://www.hitecastro.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48:mount-hub-pro&catid=36:mount-hub-pro&Itemid=54 think you can buy them from firstlightoptics but they are over £250, dunno if you can pick up a used one somewhere, then i plug in a marine 12v, battery (a big one) as i use CCD, Dew Heaters, computer etc Sheila Hi SheilaYes, that definitely ticks a lot of boxes, but probably a bit expensive right now. JustinSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bottletopburly Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Seen this a while back a SGL memmbers website (marci) https://dirtyastro.com/2016/11/26/project-battbox-diy-powertank/ any good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadcx Posted March 3, 2017 Author Share Posted March 3, 2017 Seen this a while back a SGL memmbers website (marci) https://dirtyastro.com/2016/11/26/project-battbox-diy-powertank/ any good Thanks - it's a good project but I think I'd prefer to keep the battery separate as when I'm at home it's not needed.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.thumb.jpeg.1194de6b4e2901d82fb5ffd3d212b526.jpeg)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now