240v mains power supply for dewshield controller?

[Pete Presland]

i have recently aquired an astrozap dew shield for the C9.25, i will adding a Astrozap Dual Channel Dew Heater Controller  http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/astrozap-dual-channel-dew-heater-controller.html as these come with a cigarette fitting does anybody on here now of a adapter to plug this into the mains.

i also have considered this HitecAstro four-channel, four-port Dew Controller http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-four-channel-four-port-dew-controller.html which states "Now includes two independent 2.1mm regulated power outputs to suit most Skywatcher and Celestron mounts" not sure if this makes any difference to powering it.

i know i could always get a Sky-Watcher 17Ah Rechargeable Power Tank, i just wondered whether there was a slightly cheaper option.

[Davey-T]

Cheapest and better to DIY it, lots of posts on here for making your own power pack, 17ah Lead acid battery isn't really enough for running dew heaters etc all night.

Dave

[Bizibilder]

Ignore those overpriced powertanks and get a decent 12v Leisure battery and charger.  If you must use the mains (which can be dangerous unless you know what you are doing) then one of these:  http://www.firstlightoptics.com/power/maplins-xm21x-7a-138v-regulated-mains-power-supply.html  will do the job for you.  It will be fine in the observatory - if you are worried then you could put a large plastic box over it to prevent dew forming but  you must leave sufficient gap to allow it to keep cool.

[Pete Presland]

would this do the job http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00159RAT4/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1/276-7872016-4331123?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_r=1CJ28P6YBPM1DZCXTT4D&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_i=B004S7EM7I or maybe this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-Automotive-RC89901-Powering-Adapter/dp/B000URDGQS/ref=pd_luc_sbs_02_04_t_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1 as it is only for the obsy.

[lad98]

I have the Maplins XM21X and made a lead long enough to reach my mount.

[dmahon]

You want a 12v 5a regulated supply, preferably a brick type one without ventilation slots.

2.1mm fits the skywatcher mount directly. Alternatively get a converter to cigarette socket.

[dmahon]

Eg

http://www.amazon.co.uk/5000mA-Fully-Regulated-Supply-Connection/dp/B007BN4X20/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394975535&sr=1-2&keywords=12v+5a+regulated+2.1mm

http://www.powerstream.com/cig-convert.htm

[Tinker1947]

I used to use a 12v 5amp regulated supply came off a Netgear Switch, the NEQ6 power light used to flicker when it slewed, changed to a FLO/Maplin 13.8v 5amp, nice steady power light and the GoTo went where it should, the Voltage is 11v - 15v get in the upper half if you want a reliable tracking mount.....

[Wetsparks]

Please, please, please, if you end up taking a 240 volt supply out into the garden for your power supply make dam sure it's protected by a 30ma RCD plug top. At least then, the slightest sniff of damp and the plug top will trip out

[Pete Presland]

Please, please, please, if you end up taking a 240 volt supply out into the garden for your power supply make dam sure it's protected by a 30ma RCD plug top. At least then, the slightest sniff of damp and the plug top will trip out

what an apt username you have to be commenting on electrical items and damp  i do have the whole obsy on a professionally installed RCD switch box

[datman]

You need a half decent 12V 5A switching power supply. There is one on Ebay for about £23 with a cigar socket, similar to the ones linked above.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-DC-5A-POWER-SUPPLY-CIGAR-SOCKET-power-12v-devices-at-home-110-240v-UK-US-/331113038621?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item4d17e0031d

You could buy a cheaper version with a 5.5x2.1 mm plug then you would have to replace the cigar socket with a 5.5 x 2.1 socket. Much neater.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200917215391?var=500156174411&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

The power for the heaters alone (i.e. not controlled) could be any 12v supply AC or DC.......but the controller you have bought almost certainly uses 5VDC which it gets from the 12VDC supply.

That's why I say "half decent". The controller should have its own regulating circuit for the 5V but you need to give it a chance :-)

I have a self built dew heater controller which is controlled by 4 X micro controllers.  All work happily with an £11 switched power supply.

If you're really worried buy a linear power supply like this http://www.rapidonline.com/electrical-power/rapid-4a-13-8v-fixed-output-dc-regulated-power-supply-linear-mode-77155/

The FLO power supply is most likely a linear one too but does not have the cigar socket.

Phew! Time for a lie down ;-)

13.8V is a fully charged car battery voltage so it will still work with your controller

[Pete Presland]

thank you for the links, the first one looks like it was made for the job, i think that will be the one to get!

[Pete Presland]

went for this one and it works a treat, thanks for all the advice!