[Startrek (Martin)]

Hi Rene,
From your description I’m assuming your mount location is a fair distance from 230V mains (GPO or Power point ) ??

In regard to using an old garden light transformer for your Astro rig , I’d guess it was originally designed for static load ( lighting ) not transient load ( motors ) plus most mounts are fussy and require reliable stable voltage from a modern solid state power supply. Personally I wouldn’t use it.

Most rigs with all accessories only require a 12v 5amp rated power supply, so that Stellarmate 12v 10amp power supply is more than adequate to power most rigs. The Stellarmate 12v 10amp I saw on their website has a mains plug ( input ) and a twin 12v 10amp cable with unknown length ( output ) with a connector.

At my Obs down south my EQ8-R pro mount with 10” Carbon newt , filter wheel , guide camera , imaging camera , Kendrick dew controller and heaters , active 4 port hub, Laptop , led light panel and so on , draws less than 5amps at 12v. But my power point ( GPO ) is located in the Obs so my 12v cables to mount and accessories are short ( up to 5m ) so voltage drop is negligible.

It’s a different story if your mains ( GPO or power point ) is located a fair distance away from rig. You may have to run heavy duty 12v cables to your rig to minimise voltage drop or alternatively install a permanent GPO closer to your mount or the cheapest way , just run an extension lead out each night.
For a rough estimate you run up to 15m using 12v 5.0mm2 twin cable ( heavy duty ) for a total load of 5 amps ( which is most rigs ) and still keep within voltage drop limits.

Can you further describe your location of mount and mains location etc…

Martin