LED driver as 12v supply

[MarkInSpace (Mark)]

12v 4A waterproof LED drivers seem to look like a good option for telescope mount power.
Any thoughts?

[RyanJones]

At 4 amps I’d have to say probably not a great idea. I’d look at what your mount’s peak current draw is and exceed it by 25% as a safety margin. > 10A 12v laptop power supplies are cheap enough and give you a much greater margin so you don’t experience any unwanted gremlins from voltage drops.

[Startrek (Martin)]

Led drivers are usually “constant current “ power supplies specifically designed for LED type load
Most EQ mounts require stable voltage/s ( usually 12 to 14v DC ) where current varies greatly depending on the position of the mount , whether tracking or slewing, the amount of payload and inertia etc….
Stick to conventional Switchmode or AC /DC power adapters and your mount will be your friend for years
Most of these power supplies have internal fans which cool the electronics under varying load conditions
Can’t go past the Powertech 12V power adapters , I’ve got 3 x 7.5amp units running on two different rigs ( total of 6 ) for the past 5 years and not one failure yet
They make a 5amp unit as well
They are really robust and have an IP 42 rating.Mine have had dew all over them and no shorts or blow ups

https://www.bintel.com.au/product/powertech-12vdc-7-5a/

Leave led drivers for your Xmas lights not Astro mounts

Cheers
Martin

[MarkInSpace (Mark)]

Thanks for that tip, Martin!
I've just ordered 2 from bintel, I hope your commission is in the mail.
You think the led driver would be good for the camera?

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi Mark
Short answer no. As Martin said, they are usually constant current. To do that, they will vary the voltage up and down to maintain the required current.
For most most devices, you really want constant voltage.
Philip

[Bart]

Been using one of these for years. Runs everything, only one 240 plug required. I run one larger power supply to the mount to a splitter box and feed everything from that, mount, camera, filter wheel, focuser.



https://www.jaycar.com.au/13-8-volt-...upply/p/MP3097