Field Power Supply

All,

I was wondering if people could share what they are using for power while at dark sites may even pics if you have them?

I'm thinking of using two small deep cycle batteries, 1 to power my scope and dew heater and 1 to power my laptop and any other small accessories.

I just got a Celestron 925 edge hd cgem


Thanks for the help!

Yes you can Dave. I would suggest you power your dew heater independently from your mount. Dew heaters cycle on and off to maintain optimal/controlled temperature. The power fluctuation during the cycling can affect anything else connected to the same source. I use a Radio Shack 3 Amp Power Supply unit to keep power constant to my mount since I'm shooting long exposure photography.

I shoot my astrophotography using with a Losmandy G-11 and usually two scopes with dew straps and a Thousand Oaks Dew Heater. I travel to darker skies so I bring back ups of almost everything to avoid a wasted night.

Here's what I use from dark until first light:
• 2 Marine(wet) Batteries(bring two when powering laptop and mount). Long life and plenty of juice.
• Jump Start Power Pack with cigarette plug outlets
• 1 Black and Decker and 1 Vector Power Inverter
• Radio Shack 3 Amp Power supply (single cigarette plug)

Mount Hook-up: Mount > 3 Amp Power Supply > Power Inverter > Marine Battery #1
Lap Top Hook-up: Lap Top > Power Inverter > Marine Battery #2
Dew Heater Hook-up: Heater straps > Heater Controller > Jump Start Power Pack

I've never had a loss of power with this set up. The Jump start unit is the most disposable item. If you use it regularly (2-4 times monthly), it'll likely last you 2-3 years. They are known for not lasting long due to their wall-style charger. You can pick one up at WalMart for $50-$70. I'd go with the 500 amp but if you were to use it for a single heater strap, you might get by with a 300. For $20 difference I'd personally go 500. I also buy my marine batteries at Walmart.

Steve,

Thank you for sharing....it is greatly appreciated!

I can't wait to get my setup powered and running!

You're welcome, good luck and clear skies.

night hound, 2 marine batteries sounds pretty extreme for a mount and laptop, how many Amp Hours does your battery hold?

Steve:
Do you find that using an invertor uses up more power? Why not plug in directly to the battery via cigarette plug outlets? I don't know the answers so just asking, not questioning your choice of power supply.

calypsob wrote in post #15720113
night hound, 2 marine batteries sounds pretty extreme for a mount and laptop, how many Amp Hours does your battery hold?

Mine are 75ah. It may sound extreme but I load up over 250 pounds of gear and travel to dark skies 45-60 minutes away so I'm using extra caution to avoid a lot of effort wasted. With so few nights a month available I choose to be over powered to eliminate the possibility of power loss. Having extra power can be helpful if a friend becomes in need as well. The main reason I run two batteries though is to keep my mount on a single dedicated power source. The 14V Power Supply keeps voltage steady but as a precaution I like the laptop and dew heater to be powered separate.

Monique10 wrote in post #15880082
Steve:
Do you find that using an invertor uses up more power? Why not plug in directly to the battery via cigarette plug outlets? I don't know the answers so just asking, not questioning your choice of power supply.

I don't find any additional power usage from the inverter nor have I heard anyone with complaints about that. I use the inverter because it gives me a standard wall-like plug outlet(3 prong) for my 14V Power Supply. My mount requires between 12 and 18 volts for optimal operation. Since I don't max out the mount's weight capacity I don't feel the need for 18 volts. The Power Supply gives me a cigarette plug for the mount power cord but most importantly provides constant 18V of power for smooth operation. Over the years my struggle to achieve accurate tracking from my mounts has conditioned me to find the things that I can control that are an issue and check them off the list. Everything from power to upgrading gears and refining adjustment to the best lubricant for the gears, dew control, etc. After that it all comes down to balance and alignment and/or guiding to get the exposure lengths I'm after...and of course clear and steady skies. Still working on a way to control the latter.