Celestron Powertanks

[04Stefan07]

Was thinking of getting this, cheapest I have found it.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/celestron-telescope-power-tank.html

Under the accessories section where you can add the cable, will we have trouble with voltages using the power tank?

[traveller]

Have you factored in postage and shipping to Aust?
Most people tend to get a deep cycle 12v rechargeable battery. Sealed lead acid (SLA) or gel type. Search this site, there are plenty of how to's.
The amp hour rating is critical if you want to power other things off it (dew heater, camera etc).
Bo

[graham.hobart]

Stefan, I wouldn't bother with the power tank if you can help it.
Mine lasted less than three months before the charge started to die- and I looked after it well. I got the bigger voltage one and it still struggled with an EQ 6 and a CCD camera after 2-3 hours in the cold.
If you can afford (and carry it!) get a big as you can afford deep cycle or marine battery , I recently had mine running the eq 6, sony lap top, video camera for the night at an open night. Still plenty of charge left.
For longevity go the deep cycle
Just my tuppence
Graham;)

[04Stefan07]

Ok cool.

So exactly how does it all work cause atm I have 8 AA batteries in my scope.

What would I need, where can I get it and how much does it cost as well as being compatible with my equipment.

Celestron 130 SLT by the way I have.

[multiweb]

+1 Avoid those powertanks like the plague. Get a 75Ah 12V deep cycle battery (GEL/AGM) and you'll have plenty of power for years to come. Funny enough that's the first scope I bought too. I remember the 8xAA batteries :) I got a G11 eventually but I still image with that scope. Nice little newt.

[traveller]

Get yourself a deep cycle battery (SLA or gel) with high amp hour rating. Then get a pair of heavy duty alligator clips, with a multiple cigarette lighter 2v dc outlet. Buy a 12v cig lighter to 3.5mm jack outlet (tip positive), that will power your scope. Dew heaters (probably wont need it as you have a refractor with a dew shield) almost always have cig light plugs, which means they can be plugged into one of the other outlets.
Most of these can be found at Jaycar, they have friendly staff who can help you out.
:hi:
Bo

[casstony]

For light duty power consumption I find the jumpstart battery packs from super cheap auto convenient. All but the smallest have enough oomph to get your car going too if the battery is flat. Buy the size you want when it's on special - comes with carry handle and charger and lasts for 2 or 3 years.

[04Stefan07]

Thanks everyone!

[04Stefan07]

I am on a tight budget and found this.

http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Power-Supplies/56/catmenu.aspx

Theres a battery for 75, what else would I need and how do you connect it up? Is there a photo tutorial somewhere?

[Irish stargazer]

http://www.waeco.com.au/products5.asp?id=259&catId=57&subCatId=60&subCatId2=71

I have seen one of these used to power a servo cat on a big Dob along with cooling fan, heaters and Argo navis. Bit pricey though.

[Atlantis69]

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3594&keywords=compressor&form=KEYWORD

Somewhat similar sourced locally.

[seefer]

I don't think you can buy Celestron from OS anyway. Seems the company stops their suppliers exporting. Over here the prices are a rip-off compared to the US.