Power for EQ6 mount

[Marko of Oz]

Hi everyone,
can I use a 12v dc power supply like this one http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/46075fcd020ae160273fc0a87f9c0684/Product/View/M9927 from DickSmith instead of the 8 D size batteries on a Skywatcher EQ6 mount.
Seems like a better idea than spending $80 on 8 rechargables. But I don't wanna blow it to bits. :scared:

thanks

Mark

[Astroman]

I wouldn't use it, it wont have the power to run the mount. It does have 12v but the Amps are too low, you need something that can deliver at least 4 amps to the mount all the time. Otherwise it will be flashing like crazy at you and may stall depending on its load. Mine under slew of both motors draws just over 1.5A without load, just over 2A fully loaded. It spikes to just over three when switching direction on the motors due to back EMF generated by the steppers. So If you can get something with a bit of grunt, then you wont be worried about how much current the mount is drawing from your powersupply.

[RAJAH235]

Try this one instead...>
http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=GH1379&CATID=27&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=381
Bit more Ummmph.. n Lots cheaper..:D L.
ps. As long as the voltage out is correct & the unit has enough Amps avail, then your t'scope will be fine. It will only take as much current as needed. As Andrew said, you will overload that small unit.
pps. The more Amps avail. the better..

[bluescope]

I use the Dick Smith 3 amp regulated variable output power supply below on my EQ6 Pro with 10 inch Skywatcher Newt plus camera .... around 15kgs all up .... with no problems. I have an EQ5 as well which runs on 6 volts so I wanted the variable output model. There is another model M9940 which is 12 volts dedicated for about $5 less.

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/4611311b06bb12f22740c0a87f9c06c3/Product/View/M9941

Another thing about this power supply is the leads can be replaced should they get damaged and they have interchangeable connectors to suit different devices should you want to power something else.

[Marko of Oz]

I've looked at this one, thanks for confirming that it works.

cheers

[bluescope]

The other good thing about Dick Smith gear is if your not happy with it just take it back for a refund or try something else. After all Dick Smiths is just Woolworths. You must ofcourse keep your receipt and original packaging as I 'm sure you're aware.

[Astroman]

Just as a side note, please be very careful which way the leads go. You can very easily fry your mount if you get this wrong. The mount does not have any protective circuitry added.