Power..

[dbowie]

Has anyone invested in one of these Celestron Power Packs and can review or offer some similar options..I quite like the concept. Obviously they can't be imported from Agena US due to import restrictions but near $100 dearer thru local AU suppliers..

http://agenaastro.com/celestron-power-tank-lithium-power-supply-18771.html

[multiweb]

I actually bough two Celestron power packs in 2007 (the older models). In my very short experience with both of them I'd advise to avoid them like the plague. Best spend your money on a AGM battery. I bought one right after, 75Ah in 2008 and I'm still using it today.

[dbowie]

Yea I thought as much regards the old models, I use one of these SSB's which doubles as my Triumph battery. Its really light, charges super quick and easily lasts all night on my Heq5Pro and of course nice price...


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LFP14H-BS-SSB-LITHIUM-BATTERY-FOR-2004-2014-TRIUMPH-THRUXTON-865-YTX12BS-/232344538970?hash=item3618d04f5a:g: 65oAAOSwpRRWnHid

[multiweb]

I opened the power tanks when they failed and I was surprised to see exposed wire connections twisted together, not even crimped, no electrical tape either. Really dodgy work.

[dbowie]

I see Nat Geo site has 7ah free deli $149..not going near it..

[Wavytone]

One idea I find amusing is the iOptron battery-as-counterweight, fits on a 20 or 28mm shaft. Perfect place for one or even two wired in parallel.

[Larryp]

Buy a battery on Ebay-much cheaper

[Shano592]

I have had the same Supercheap Standard Duty Lead Acid battery since 2010. Constant charging and regular topups with demineralised water, have kept it going right to today. Cost me about $60 in 2010. Full-sized.

It has powered the LX200, plus all accessories including dew heaters, a laptop and camera and even a 12-volt hair dryer. It has also kept my phone or tablet charging, via added usb ports.

I saw and appropriated @Inmykombi's idea of mounting cigarette lighter plugs on to the battery, with an inline off switch. That one modification makes everything very fast and tidy. Next will be a battery housing box, as the cold does get to them, for certain.

Lately, I have added a small ride-on mower battery for the dew zappers. This one set me back $110, and barely even runs down from full, even on the coldest of nights. Still a hefty battery - certainly more than the little house alarm-style batteries that the power tanks and jump starters have in them.