So I’m setting up Astroberry on a Raspberry Pi 3B+ And looking at power it and the rest of my accessories with a 12V battery. I need to power the mount, the pi, a usb hub (with guide camera, focuser, mount and SLR attached), focuser motor and possibly a dew heater down the track.
I was looking for an appropriate powered USB3 Hub and since Startech seem to be recommended, was looking at this one
https://www.startech.com/au/Cards-Ad...hub~ST53004U1C
Q1. This got me thinking - it has a 2.4A charge port. Could I use this port to power the Pi and save having an extra power adapter straight from the battery to the Pi (which I haven’t got yet)? I’m not sure if plugging the hub into the Pi, and then the Pi back into the Hub will create any kind of feedback loop issue. The charge port is supposed to be powered independent of it’s data ports, so that would suggest it is isolated so should be OK, shouldn’t it?
Q2. That hub also comes with an AC to 12V 2A DC adaptor to run it, but I can just make up an appropriate DC plug and connect straight to my battery to power it, can’t I? Maybe I need to throw a voltage regulator in-line is all, in case the hub is expecting a regulated 12V input.
Q3. I’m also a little concerned how these hubs handle the weather, and if moisture could be an issue, but I guess it’s no worse than the Pi itself, so some measures are needs to protect your electronic gear from the elements. What have others done regarding weatherproofing their electronics?
Thanks.
Russell.