voltage converter for SBIG US power supply

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

I have a SBIG ST8XE which I purchased from a US seller on Astromart, and so consequently the camera was supplied with a US power adapter (pictured). Is it safe to plug this directly into a stepdown transformer, such as this ?

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

An alternative I am also considering is to use one of these power supplies instead. According to the SBIG manual, this power supply can provide the current required by the camera on each voltage.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Richard,
In my "box" I have a 240/110v transformer which I used in Canada to power all my Oz stuff.
Weighs a bit, I think it is rated for >500W.
If you're interested for the cost of postage it's yours.
Let me know.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Originally Posted by Merlin66

Richard,
In my "box" I have a 240/110v transformer which I used in Canada to power all my Oz stuff.
Weighs a bit, I think it is rated for >500W.
If you're interested for the cost of postage it's yours.
Let me know.

That would be a 110v > 240 > Step Up up transformer wouldn't it ?
Aus is 240v (like us ) but Canada is 110v like the US.

Not sure what voltage the SBIG requires but any power supply that can deliver the required DC voltage at sufficient amps will do the job.

So if it needs 12volts and 2 amps just source a 240 vac driven PS from somewhere with the right specs. I use an old laptop 12volt to run the mount, just strapped onto the side of the pier. I have a 7.2 volt unit from something that will power the Canon one day when I get round to making an adapter for it.

[lazjen (Chris)]

I wish there was a 12V DC direct adapter for this camera so it could run it straight off a battery. Haven't found anything so far...

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

The transformer works both ways:240>110 or 110>240 volt.
The American low voltage transformer could be plugged into it.

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

So I take it that the 60 Hz vs 50 Hz mains supply discrepancy will not be a factor here if I use a stepdown transformer.....?

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Doesn't seem to be a big deal with these transformers......

[rally]

Richard,

If you want to make up your own, here is a link to the DC/DC converter that will do the job.

http://www.digikey.com.au/product-de...274-ND/4477532

The advantage of of a DC/DC converter is that you can be more easily field portable - as you have discovered SBIGs design called for a power supply that had -12v, +12v +5v DC power rails

Basically you'll need a small jiffy box, some wiring, preferably an input fuse and either a series of output sockets or just cut off the cable from your USA 110v adapter and use the plug and wiring from that
A few capacitors are usually useful but not always essential on this type of converter. See the PDF.

The 5pin DIN plugs (plus shell earth) are a commonly available connector you can get locally from AZtronics or JayCar

I can help if you need it.

Rally

[LewisM]

The SBIG DC (run from cigarette plug) adapter IS available, and costs around $90 US by memory. Will try to see if I can find the website again. It is NOT an SBIG product any more (USED to be)