+Derbyshire Dave Posted October 5, 2019 Share Posted October 5, 2019 Not sure whether this is the correct area to post this, so mods please move if applicable. I have one powertank, which supplies my HEQ5 and my camera, ZWO 183MM Pro cooler. When I was at Kelling I tries to also power two dew bands. The total current drawn caused the 12V to drop, and the HEQ5 power light flashed, and it no longer controlled properly. Interesting the guiding graph was still fine! So I obviously need another powertank. I like to have the option to be portable, so this is instead of getting a new mains supply. The Skywatcher 7A supply.. https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-7-amp-power-tank.html is very nice, but I really don't need that big torch. Just wondering if there might be cheaper alternatives.. Thanks Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bottletopburly Posted October 5, 2019 Share Posted October 5, 2019 you could make one and house in a plastic tool box https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/288564-portable-12v-power-box/ +Derbyshire Dave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+bryand Posted October 5, 2019 Share Posted October 5, 2019 I gave up on a 7 amp supply and made myself one based on a 22 amp/hr AGM battery: ... using eBay and Maplin components (that's how long ago it was!) BAZ and +Derbyshire Dave 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Derbyshire Dave Posted October 6, 2019 Author Share Posted October 6, 2019 Thank you both, much appreciated. I really want something off the shelf if anyone can suggest anything. Want to keep extra cabling etc to a minimum in the dark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Bino-viewer Posted October 6, 2019 Share Posted October 6, 2019 (edited) I'd bite the bullet and get a Lithium Polymer or Lithium Iron Phosphate cell. They are a more modern, lightweight and robust powerpack. I would stay clear of any Lead acid type batteries. Celestron do the new Li-Fe-PO4 in 2 sizes. I have one of these. They fit easily to a tripod and have a built in red / white light if required. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/batteries-powerpacks/celestron-lithium-lifepo4-powertank.html Tracer have been around for a good few years and have stood the test of time. There are lots of different sizes for your needs. A bit pricy but an excellent cell. I have three of them. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/batteries-powerpacks/tracer-12v-16ah-lifepo4-battery-pack.html Although expensive you can often get a good (10 - 20%) discount on these cells at Astro trade shows, and it is the International Astronomy show next month......(i'm going on the Friday) There a plenty of reviews of the above on FLOs site. One possible negative is there are not quite so many individual outputs with these cells so best to research and see what requirements you need. Edited October 6, 2019 by Bino-viewer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Bino-viewer Posted October 6, 2019 Share Posted October 6, 2019 Edit to above : I have the bigger version of the Celestron, not the smaller version. The bigger version has more output options as well. It will keep you going all night, no problem. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/batteries-powerpacks/celestron-lithium-lifepo4-powertank-pro.html +RonC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alec Posted October 6, 2019 Share Posted October 6, 2019 Hi Dave I'm using this to power my mount 12 volt, asi air 5 volt, controlling main camera, guide camera, and mount, super compact, and on a test left the mount turned on a good 12 hrs tracking and still plenty of power left in it. I've since added another 5volt power bank and just use the main TalentCell for the mount. Its so small its just attached to one of the tripod legs. https://www.amazon.co.uk/TalentCell-Rechargeable-11000mAh-20000mAh-Portable/dp/B06Y5G3C8Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Derbyshire Dave Posted October 6, 2019 Author Share Posted October 6, 2019 Rob, Alec. Thank you. I hadn't really considered the more modern batteries. Look great, but might need to bite the bullet and go that way. Serious money though. My setup is normally mains powered, but I have a single car jump start which is BIG but has 17AHr capacity. The issue with the heaters only became apparent at Kelling. First job tomorrow is to do some current measurements and some calculations, then weigh up some options. Thank you for you help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Bino-viewer Posted October 6, 2019 Share Posted October 6, 2019 Another option that removes the need for all those outputs on the cell itself it to buy any of the cells i referred to in my above post, AND THEN get some sort of powerbox type unit that has every output option you will ever need. Like this one : https://www.altairastro.com/Pegasus-Pocket-Powerbox.html (Apologies : its not my intention to try and burn a hole in your wallet ! ?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAZ Posted October 6, 2019 Share Posted October 6, 2019 Steady on Rob, my eyes are still watering! ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bottletopburly Posted October 7, 2019 Share Posted October 7, 2019 (edited) If you look on what the postman brought on sgl , a chap bought a golf buggy battery 22ah £139 a quick google brings up some good alternative available in lithium too . Edited October 7, 2019 by Bottletopburly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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