Dave EK Power?

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

Hi all,

Not getting anywhere with the Palm Astro group so I will ask here.

With the Dave EK DSC project, he states a 9v battery can be used, has anyone done it with this method and ifso how long does it last?

[Starkler (Geoff)]

I doubt a 9v battery will last long considering that the encoders powered by the box take a fair amount of current on their own.

I use a 2.2 A/h 12v gel cell inside the base of my dob.

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

Thats what I thought Geoff, but just had to make sure. I plan to use a 17 Ah Jump start pack to power the Dobs electronics.

[gbeal]

I started out with the 9 volter, but after it went flat I now use either a cluster of 1.2 volt NiCads, or the ordinary 12 volt pack that powers all my stuff. Don't quote me, but I recall them being quite tolerant of differing voltages.

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

I have been testing the board on 13v 7amp powersupply, seems to be okay with that. Thats what I am using currently to tun the fan, and motorised focuser on my dob. aswell as lighting for the observatory.

[Robby]

Forget the 9V dry cell.
The regulator on the board (thing with the metal tab) will get pretty hot at anything over 12V. Suggest you attach a small heatsink to it. You can get clip-on ones that will fit from Dick Smith or Jaycar.
Cheers