Portable power!

[Peter.M]

Hi guys,

After learning alot in the last few months about what I want to do with imaging, and what equipment I need to get this done I thought I was finally setup the way I wanted to be. My ambitions have now lead me to join the local astronomy society ( ASSA). The group have various meetings around at darker sites than my current location and I thought it would be nice to chat with some people who enjoy the hobby too.

This has lead me to what is hopefully my last purchase for a while. Today I picked up a 100 Ah deepcycle battery and a 16 Amp 6 stage charger to go with it. I now can run my mount, cameras, and laptop while at a remote site. I have plugged it all in and got my gear to power up so I am sure it all works, now I just have to see how long it can all last.

I hope to see all of you ASSA members out there soon at one of the meetings with all my gear.

[Adelastro1]

Welcome to ASSA!

[Geoff45]

Hi Peter
Just don't run the battery too low. You can get 100AH only if you kill it. I think the usual wisdom is not to go for more that 50% of the capacity, that is 50 aH.
Geoff

[Peter.M]

I have read online various figures on discharge and agree with you. I also read approximate values for my equipments draw. I have

netbook 1.5 amps
mount 2 amps
Qhy9 1.5 amps
guider 0.5 amps

So my system should draw around say 6 amps to be on the safe side. Obviously this means I can run my system for 8 hours before I reach the 50% mark on the battery.

Let me tell you, if I have 8 hours of clear sky in Adelaide at the moment I would be jumping for joy. I blame Paul Haese, purchasing all these cameras and such.