Apologies if this has been done before

[Citizen]

and I bet it has, but I have the Celestron 6SE which I've been running off mains supply in the back garden (not even tried the batteries and have heard that it's a waste of time anyway). I'm off into the countryside to try some dark sky observing pretty soon. What is the best portable power source, or well recommended one anyway? Had a look in Maplin and they had 3 or 4 types going right up to £60 or so.....

Needs a 12v supply with 3 pin plug preferably

Thanks for any advice in advance

[Ali C]

Hi Citizen

I bought the 5 in 1 power station from Maplin and works a treat with my Celestron 127 Mak. Its comes with a power outlet cable with a jack that fits the mount perfectly, so no need to buy one of those. ( they are about £15 )

[Citizen]

Cheers Ali. I saw the 5 in 1. Will go back and check that one out more closely then. I assume you will get a good 4 hours or so out of it on one charge?

[Daveb3650]

Have you got a B & M Bargains store near you....they have a power tank for £29.99 [it ws £24.99 before x-mas and it sneaked up a fiver] Still good tho

[Ali C]

last clear night down south was about -7 so only managed to stay out for a couple of hours ( I know big wussy ). Previous threads would suggest 7- 10 hours use is realistic. Just to B I M You do have to charge it for 36 hours before the first use. I'm happy with it though.

[Tribal-Wolf]

I've had a few of the cheapo ones and they don't last, usually the chargers go first and any replacement chargers don't seem to last. I ended up buying a decent one in the end from Halfords because it was recommended from my old motor trade pals.