Mains power supply for NEQ6?

[Gasman]

I have mains voltage wired into my observatory and wondering whats the best way to power the NEQ6? Is there a dedicated mains power supply available for this mount please?

Thanks

Steve

[Parus major]

Accessories @ Modern Astronomy

You want the 5A one.

[Sp@ce_d]

I use one of these.. High Power Multi-Voltage Desktop Power Supply : Multi Voltage Power Supplies : Maplin Electronics

Hmm looks like they're on special too less than half price..

[FrankieValley]

I've got the Maplins psu mentioned. If you get this one 'glue' the 2.1mm tip onto the lead, otherwise it has a habit of working loose :-)

[Sp@ce_d]

I've got the Maplins psu mentioned. If you get this one 'glue' the 2.1mm tip onto the lead, otherwise it has a habit of working loose :-)

Ah yes.. good advice, got that T-shirt before I learnt to tape it on..

[Gina]

It says maximum current 4A. That should be alright if you don't power anything else off it. Set the voltage to 13.5, 12v is a bit low for the mount.

[Dave Smith]

I use one of these 13.8V Regulated Mains Power Units : Bench Power Supplies : Maplin Electronics , the 10A version. It is then capable of running the NEQ6 and camera and multiple dew heaters.

Dave

[malc-c]

I use the 5A version of the same PSU Dave links to. Runs my HEQ5 from the warm room without issues

[r3i]

If you want to pretty much future proof your power requirements I can recommend one of these: Ripmax - Power Supply 13.8v 20A 275W TwinOut (O-IP2002)

[dph1nm]

I use one of these

4A 13.8V Fixed output DC regulated power supply

which helpfully has a cigarette lighter socket (as well as terminals).

NigelM

[Gasman]

Thanks for the info guys. Haven`t got the mount yet but I assume the power socket is centre pin live? any built in protection if the polarity is the wrong way round at all?

Steve

[FrankieValley]

Tip positive and I wouldn't like to try it the wrong way. I had a board fail, but I reckon it was killed by low spikey voltage as the psu was faulty :-( It wasn't the psu I linked to at Maplins by the way. That one is still working after 3yrs in the cold, damp, frosty.... yes, yes against health & safety and I'll electrocute myself one day (it's in the bottom of a plastic tub, so some protection from dew)..... ok in an obsy though :-)

[Parus major]

Thanks for the info guys. Haven`t got the mount yet but I assume the power socket is centre pin live? any built in protection if the polarity is the wrong way round at all?

Steve

It's turned into a bit of a competition on who's got the most l33t power solution. If you haven't bought the mount yet then you might as well keep it proven and simple....

Sky-Watcher telescope mounts.

If you buy the mount from there you get a free mains adapter. Proven, cheap and simple.

[Gasman]

Just a thought, if Skywatcher recommend a 12v supply would any warranty still be ok if you supply it with 13.8V and something stops working? I know its only 1.8v difference and obviously it must work ok as a few of you use 13.8v? my point is you are giving it 1.8/R more amps than Skywatcher recommend!.

Steve

[Earl]

I use 12v 5amp PSU for CCD security systems from ebay at around £11.99

[FrankieValley]

Just a thought, if Skywatcher recommend a 12v supply would any warranty still be ok if you supply it with 13.8V and something stops working? I know its only 1.8v difference and obviously it must work ok as a few of you use 13.8v? my point is you are giving it 1.8/R more amps than Skywatcher recommend!.

Steve

Hi,

Good question - the Synscan manual states "11-15v DC, 2amp, tip positive". I ran my EQ6 at 13.5v for a year or more, but then I got worried about my carbon footprint and backed down to 12v ;-)

[malc-c]

Just a thought, if Skywatcher recommend a 12v supply would any warranty still be ok if you supply it with 13.8V and something stops working? I know its only 1.8v difference and obviously it must work ok as a few of you use 13.8v? my point is you are giving it 1.8/R more amps than Skywatcher recommend!.

Steve

Current will be reduced with a higher voltage (Volts / resistance= current). Assuming the load is resistive it will draw less current at 13.8v than at 12v.

Also current is not "provided" it's drawn, so when something is rated at 5A constant, it will allow a load to draw 5A at the supply voltage.

[faulksy]

also to give you an idea that 13.8v is ok measure a fully charged power tank/car battery at the terminals that will read close to 13v any way

[Gina]

As I understand it, 13.8v is supposed to be the fully charged voltage of a 12v lead acid battery.

[Gasman]

Thanks again for the info I wasn't aware of the 11-15v range should have waited til I get the mount really ;-)

Steve

[Tinker1947]

The 13.8V is the Voltage Amateur Radio rigs run at, its good for 12volt Mounts though.

[Gina]

I decided to go for the Maplin 13.8v bench PSU - 7A version (rated at 5A continuous) and have ordered it. I thought I'd go for the better quality one with a transformer rather than the cheaper switch mode. I already have a plug to fit the mount and nice thick twin cable (figure 8) that just barely goes into the plug with a tight fit.

[Gasman]

Looks a nice one that Gina have you tried it yet?

Steve

[Gina]

Coming tomorrow. Would have been delivered today but I was out. Soldered plug onto cable today so I'm ready to test when it comes

[themos]

I've been using the Maplin XM21X unit (5A continuous, 7A at 50% duty cycle, 9A surge) for about a year now and it's great. It usually powers the mount, a dew strap and a camera.