I use 2 x 7 ah gel batteries one for the heater and one for the lx90, I've had the latest set for two years. They are about the same price as 8 c cells.
Truf, What I said was, that the Jaycar converter will run your laptop at the req'd 18 volts. The power pack from supercheap,? more capacity is better. To check polarity of the plugs, use a digital multimeter. Appx $15. from Jaycar. L.
Thanks Rajah
Guess what? I think I've got my head around it all now. I'll repeat it back to you so you can check:<ol>
<li>Don't use a 12v power supply to run a laptop requiring 18v!
<li>Avoid running other accessories from the same power supply as the scope!
<li>A cigarette lighter adaptor is a good thing. It will run the scope for ages without flattening the car battery!
<li>The Supercheap models will be fine, but...
<li>Bigger is Better!</ol>
I think I'll just go for the 12AH model and see how it goes. If I find I need it I might go with the Jayco for the laptop as well down the track.
Ok, help me out here, im new to astronomy letalone electrical jargin.
Anyway i've got my LX90 arriving tomorrow, and i've got an orion dew zapper. What do i need to run both out the in field for say up to 15hours???? battery for each one? one chunky battery for both? I have no idea and will take what ever is thrown at me so please help. Thanks
PS. I've got the cigerette lighter plug thingy for both the scope & dew zapper. Will i have to get something rewired or are there "packs" that have these plugs on them?
Rohan, just saw this question. For 15 hrs field use I suggest a very long extension lead. Just not poss. with battery power.
The starter packs usually have 1 or 2 cig outlets as standard.
HTH. L.
ps. Bigger,(more capacity), is better.
noticed supercheap have a 20% off sale tomorrow. Will prob go get some batteries. If anyone can recommend models for 1) LX90 and 2) for dew zapper that would be great.
Take care if using a long extension lead. Any resistance in the lead will cause appreciable loss in voltage and electronic equipment doesn't like running on lower than specified voltages. Just 1 ohm of resistance in your extension lead will give 2 volts drop at 1 amp current (approx 15%). (Voltage drop=Resistance x Current) Running your toy for long periods on 10 volts may cause damage to the electronics. Resistance isn't so important at 240 Volts because the same 1 amp load only causes 2 volts drop and as a percentage it is less than 1%
Phil,Sorry. I had my tongue in my cheek when I suggested the looooong ext. lead,(240 volt). Rohan wanted 15 HOURS!!!! of use out of battery's?????Don't know if this was a mis print!!!
You simply can't get that much time/current, out of normal 12/24/45/60 a/h units. The t'scope & dew heater take too much current to run for that long. This has been gone over before. You may/???? get 1 amp for around 100 hrs out of a 100 a/h battery, BUT you will NOT get 100 AMPS for 1 hr. NOT POSSIBLE. L.
Rohan, get the 25 a/h or bigger. I think Paul & others use these. Check posts. L.
ps. Have a look at this for general idea.
Guys, it has been most helpful reading this thread. Great minds think alike. I am going out to buy a power pack tomorrow! I'll go the 17 ah pack after what I have read.
At the moment it will only be to power the LX200, but I am planning to attach a dew heater soon, which will need some power too. I never have sessions longer than 5-6 hours, so I think the 17ah version should cover all my needs.
Thanks guys, your help is much appreciated. Only reason i as after something for 15hr was i plan a few weekends away with the scope and won't be able to charge batteries, hence 3 nights @ 5hrs viewing. Oh well will just have to limit the time or chuck some size C batteries in for emergency's.
Will go to supercheap tomorrow to get a battery, BINTEL knocked me up a device that splits a cigerate plug into 2 so i can run the scope and battery. I'm assuming i only need the one battery if i'm getting 25ah. If lower then go for 2 correct?
Rohan, There are lots of things that I can suggest, like solar panels to trickle charge your batteries. Either the "C" size ni-mh or "17 a/h" gelcell. Of course they come at a price. Check the (www.jaycar.com.au), site for info.(POWER Section). A small unit will keep your "C" size peaked for emergency use. You'll also need a battery holder for the "C" size.
Solar panel #zm-9016. 12volt @1.2 watts. $39.95 in my old cataldog.
HTH. L.
ps. Just remembered, these are all 12 volt battery's we're talking about, right. So why not simply get a "BATTERY ISOLATOR"(# KA-1782 $49.95, in kit form), for the second battery & charge it via the car, while you drive. Same as the 4wheel/caravanners do!
Guys, I bought the Supercheap Auto 17ah power pack today. Turns out the plug into the scope is not the right size. I had to go back out and buy a Dick Smith piece to get a plug the right size....cost another $29. Beware of that hidden expense.
yeah which part was the wrong size. I've already got the 12v adaptor so i'd imagine that would fit, i mean a cigerete lighter is a cigerete lighter right. I went to get one but supercheap had sold out. Oh well not in any real rush.
Rod,
I assume you mean the DC plug that comes with the battery for recharging from car cigarette lighter?
If so just make sure the pin is centre positive otherwise you'll cook the electronics in your scope.
L.
