DigiFire Controllers

[mick pinner]

what amp rating are you guys running with these heaters, my 240/12v converter doesn't seem to keep the power up because the low voltage light keeps coming on, but maybe l need a higher amp rating. thanks.

[mill]

Hi mick why dont you use one of those battery starters from supercheap auto?
I would think they work ok.

[JohnG]

Hi Mick

I am using a GME PSA126, 7amp Peak power supply with a Digifire 7 Controller. I use a length of 20amp automotive cable with female cig holder on the end, I run up to 3 heater strips with no dramas at all.

I use this power supply only with the Dew Heaters and Controller so as to prevent any type of groundloop with other 12 volt accessories.

Cheers

[mick pinner]

so it's no problem being 13.8v.

[JohnG]

In a word, no. Mine has been running like this for well over a year now.

Cheers

[mill]

Hmm at $149 it isnt too bad.
http://www.phonesplus.net.au/shop/index.asp?Cat1ID={560170C5-B484-4842-BB11-CAD90F488742}
But you can get the same from Dick Smith for $199 but then 25A
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.filereader?46fe062e082b941a273f c0a87f9c068c+EN/catalogpages/CTG0000630/2

[mick pinner]

one other question, when you move from input 1 to 2 is the 1st input light meant to stay on or is just input light 2 on.

[JohnG]

From memory, it depends on how you have it programed, mine stays on as I have 1 and 2 programed for my 2 refractors and 3 and 4 turned off.

Going off memory here, it is out in the Observatory, 15 K's away. :D

Cheers

[mill]

Just found another one at $69.95 from Jaycar.
13.8VDC 0 to 12 Amp Regulated Power Supply

High current general workshop power supply for equipment, component testing, etc.
* Banana style, binding posts
* LED power on indication
* Rear mounted M205 fuse

[ausastronomer]

Hi Mick,

I just wanted to add something to this thread.

I have the Digifire 7 controller running 4 dew heater strips on the Obsession 18. I am using a 17ah power supply which is also powering the argo navis, servocat and 4 cooling fans via the powered ground board. All devices are independently fused, in case of a ground loop. I am using one of the truss poles to get the power to the UCA and power the Digifire 7. The length of run causes a voltage drop from about 13 at the battery to just under 12 at the top of the truss pole. I continually get all lights flashing indicating "low voltage". However, it doesn't get to the stage where it drops too low and cuts off, it continues to supply power to the heater strips and works fine.

The Thousand Oaks controller is IMO a better option because you have the ability to manually disable the low voltage warning and cuttout. ie. It will still work even when the voltage drops down around 8 to 10 volts, it just doesn't get quite as warm.

Cheers,
John B

[Louwai]

Heaps to choose from here.

http://mobilepowersolutions.com.au/home.php

[mick pinner]

thanks guys, l got a 13.8v variable amp power supply and all works great.