External Power Source

[tnorthy92]

Any advice for external power source for EQ3 or EQ5?

[ubermick]

Well, there's the Skywatcher branded giant flashlight thingy, or you can build your own behemoth that'll run your mount AND your laptop (and maybe jumpstart yer car as well)

DIY Telescope Field Battery

[old_eyes]

Have no experience with EQ3s but for EQ5 type, any solid 12V supply will work. If I have aqccess to mains power I use something like this: 12V 5A Car Socket Power Supply : 12V Car Accessory Power Supplies : Maplin Electronics. Mine is a little different, but is quite old. If not near a mains power supply (or if you are worried about electrical noise) then there are battery systems like this http://www.maplin.co.uk/5-in-1-jump-starter-with-digital-air-compressor-388125. This is a 17Ah battery that will do most mounts for a long viewing session. If you are doing imaging or using dew heaters, the power requirements can be larger. In which case check out 'batteries' in the DIY section for a wide range of solutions for powering a scope.

Don't forget you will need the right connecter cable.

old_eyes