Power Output

mick pinner · #1 09-12-2005, 06:16 PM

can anyone tell me what voltage the Meade electric focuser uses.

gbeal · #2 09-12-2005, 07:51 PM

Mick,
no doubt you have looked at the Meade site, I did once I read your post.
Little if anything to be gleaned from this though.
I would guess at 12 volts, as an accessory they produce is the 12 volt cigarette lighter cord. I also believe the illuminated reticle eyepiece (the corded version) plugs straight into the control base as well.
BUT........ I recall the LX200 series liking 18 volts, so am stuck for an answer.
Maybe try the Mapug site???
Gary

mick pinner · #3 09-12-2005, 08:06 PM

they do run at 18 volt but l'm not sure of the accessory side of things, l was looking at powering my camera through the focuser input but need 12 volts.

Robby · #4 09-12-2005, 08:14 PM

If it is a variable speed focuser then the voltage will be variable. Probably from about 3-10V. If it is fixed speed it'll probably be 12, but could be 5V.
Cheers

anthony2302749 · #5 09-12-2005, 08:26 PM

Hi Mick

The LX200GPS uses a 12v DC supply therefore the Meade electric focuser uses a 12v DC. The LX200 Classic (pre GPS models) uses a 18v DC supply (The acceptable voltage range under-load is 12v to 18v) . The electronic focuser plug on this model may supplies 12v DC.

Anthony

anthony2302749 · #6 09-12-2005, 08:30 PM

Hi again Mick

It would be better if you used an external power supply to run yor camera then using the electonic focuser port. It would be a lot safer.

Anthony

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick pinner

they do run at 18 volt but l'm not sure of the accessory side of things, l was looking at powering my camera through the focuser input but need 12 volts.

mick pinner · #7 09-12-2005, 08:37 PM

i think you may be right Anthony, the scope is connected to mains power through a converter in the observatory so it would have been a lot simpler to connect to the control panel but maybe play it safe and go external.

gbeal · #8 10-12-2005, 06:50 AM

Again, some gossip.
I have read many times not to power the scope/mount and the camera with the same battery source. No idea why, and it hasn't affected me any, as the mount is 12 volts DC, and the camera via the AC.
May still be a good move to ask on the Mapug site though. Someone within that circle will know.