The Hot Seat - 240v power supply

RB (Andrew) · #1 01-03-2006, 04:04 AM

Well as promised here's some pics of my latest project, The Hot Seat.
A 240v power supply inverter unit which also doubles as a comfortable seat.
This unit can deliver power through 8 outlets capable of running an assortment of gadgets from laptop chargers, hair dryers, dew zappers, DSLR battery chargers and drive a goto mount and any imaging gear.
It uses a deep cycle 12v battery and has a 240v safety switch with an earth stake as well.

On the control panel there's a volt meter to keep an eye on the battery, and a low voltage alarm. It also has twin 12v cigarette outlets, a RED LED Torch so you don't accidentally trip over it in the dark,
and a nifty little feature - 2 RCA contacts which you can clip a car charger to so the 12v battery can recharge when not in use.

I took this up to Kulnura on Saturday night and we were able to run our gear all night long.

It's also very handy around the farm and a necessary item during blackouts.

Just a word or warning, if you use an 240v inverter out in the field, it's best to house it in some sort of box to prevent dew build up and avoid electricution. These inverters are capable of delivering lethal voltages.

iceman (Mike) · #2 01-03-2006, 06:02 AM

It's a great bit of gear Andrew, very impressive and loved it when I saw it on Saturday night.

You're going to be very popular to setup near at star parties.. and it won't just be because of your beer and pizza supply!

Congrats! You should patent it!

davidpretorius · #3 01-03-2006, 06:57 AM

beer and pizza, wow, that is a cool box to carry beer and pizza in. does it do anything else ie flashing lights etc

Orion · #4 01-03-2006, 07:12 AM

Great job Andrew. Also like the colour.

h0ughy (David) · #5 01-03-2006, 07:48 AM

Its the Tardis!!!

Nice andrew, How do you lift it?

iceman (Mike) · #6 01-03-2006, 08:23 AM

It's heavy! It's got a big truck battery in it.

But Andrew is a beefcake, so he lifts it with his pinky!

acropolite (Phil) · #7 01-03-2006, 08:37 AM

Well thought out Andrew, with the RCD for safety and an earth stake, you've thought of everything.

Dennis · #8 01-03-2006, 08:58 AM

Excellent project - thanks for the details. It is always great to see and read about the Do-It-Yourself efforts of others.

Cheers

Dennis

RB (Andrew) · #9 01-03-2006, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

Its the Tardis!!!

Nice andrew, How do you lift it?

Dave it's quite heavy, I plan to add some wheels and a handle to move it into place.
Maybe fill it with Helium too........

RB (Andrew) · #10 01-03-2006, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidpretorius

beer and pizza, wow, that is a cool box to carry beer and pizza in. does it do anything else ie flashing lights etc

I plan to add a Microwave since a certain member of our's likes his pizza HOT.
You'd think that with a forum name like his he'd prefer things cold.

h0ughy (David) · #11 01-03-2006, 09:41 AM

what sized battery did you use? AH rating

cjmarsh81 · #12 01-03-2006, 10:49 AM

Very nice. Must be a bugga to lug it around. Perhaps put wheels and motor on it and it can drive itself back into the garage?
Why did you use RCA sockets for power? Wouldn't DC sockets have been easier. RCA's are normally for audio stuff. Just watch no little ones try to plug any audio equipment into it.

GrampianStars (Rob) · #13 01-03-2006, 11:00 AM

why not go R/C & add a Wireless Camera

It'll drive itself back to the car then

Looks to be a cool beast

RB (Andrew) · #14 01-03-2006, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

what sized battery did you use? AH rating

Dave on the farm here I need a large battery, I'm using a 112 AH rated battery with 930 CCA (cold cranking amps).
Although there's no need to go that high for normal astro use.
If you use a lower rated battery it should be a bit lighter too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjmarsh81

Why did you use RCA sockets for power? Wouldn't DC sockets have been easier. RCA's are normally for audio stuff. Just watch no little ones try to plug any audio equipment into it.

I gave that a lot of thought. I was initially gonna use DC banana sockets but the ones I had didn't fully expose the terminal when you unscrew them and hence makes it difficult to clip the clamps onto.
This way the clamps stay one very well, as you can see in the photo below.

If someone does try and plug audio equipment in there then the music will be very monotonous and anyone lugging around audio equipment at observing nights must be

than I am......

Thanks for your nice comments too, everyone.
Ed I like the colour too, it matches my LX200.

Phil I was relieved at reading your reply to another thread confirming what needs to be done about earthing the inverter.

PS I like the idea of putting wheels and R/C on it, that way it can deliver it's own Pizza......

ving (David) · #15 01-03-2006, 12:50 PM

haha! thats way cool!

good work andrew

cjmarsh81 · #16 01-03-2006, 09:00 PM

I didn't realise they were just clamp points. I think a motor is actually a practical idea. Have a push button you can press to make it go forward and drive it into the garage.

RAJAH235 · #17 01-03-2006, 09:32 PM

Nice....You gonna 'heat' the 'Hot Seat' for those really cold nights?

L.

RB (Andrew) · #18 01-03-2006, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAJAH235

Nice....You gonna 'heat' the 'Hot Seat' for those really cold nights?

L.

What a great Idea Raj....

davidpretorius · #19 02-03-2006, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocket Boy

I plan to add a Microwave since a certain member of our's likes his pizza HOT.
You'd think that with a forum name like his he'd prefer things cold.

yes that is because he is a big nancy girl!

(the above post was reread, and i thought about it twice before posting and therefore nearly wrote the same thing twice)

cahullian · #20 03-03-2006, 02:00 PM

Really nice set up Andrew. I was there when you were using the hairdryer at 4 am lol. All the other (bludgers,skivers) people were long gone by then.
What time did you and H call it a night?
Gazz