Powertank step by step

[spacebloke]

Arghhhh!!!!

Does anyone out there have a step by step guide for how to build one of these things?

I know I need:

This http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XV24-12V-88AH-LEISURE-BATTERY-HEAVY-DUTY-90-ah-amp-/251217840547?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item3a7dc009a3

And these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-Motorcycle-Cigarette-Socket-Mobile-phone-Sat-Nav-/330920745647?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item4d0c69daaf

I've looked around this and other sites but I can't find an actual guide for how to put one together step by step. I hear a lot about fuses, switches and various other electrical bits and bobs.

I wish there was a company out there that made them (hint hint) for people who know that a celestron or a skywatcher powertank isn't really the best investment, but because they aren't diy savvy they buy one (me included) just so they don't blow themselves (and their equipment) up.

Any help would be appreciated .

Stuart

[emadmoussa]

I want to know too. Will stick around

[JamesF]

There are a few in the DIY section I think. Whether the build descriptions are sufficient probably depends on how much hand-holding you need.

James

[Bizibilder]

These folk sell all the bits you need: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/towzatronics (usual disclaimer) and you should find: http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/57620-105ah-powertank/ will give you a head start.

[spacebloke]

Ok...... I've been doing some research and I'm gathering the parts I need. Thankyou Roger, those links have been helpful.

Here's where I am at the moment.

I've bought a 90ah leisure battery

I know I will need some of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproof-12V-Accessory-Power-Socket-Twist-lock-Plug-Marine-Quality-/300712398712?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item4603db0f78

And this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-WAY-STANDARD-BLADE-FUSE-BOX-WITH-WATERPROOF-COVER-12V-/270692338893?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f06854ccd

I'm not sure what Ah wire to get.

I know I need some crimp rings, but I'm not sure which size.

I think I need spade connectors to connect the wires to the fuse box.

I would like some kind of safety switch so I could cut the power if I needed too.

What Ah fuses I need to get.

Stuart

[Helen]

A less sophisticated version is here http://www.tayna.co.uk/Numax-Deluxe-Battery-Box-Accubox-P7784.html

Just put the battery in it and connect up, its only one output, but for a non-techie like me it works fine.

Helen

[spacebloke]

I wish I'd seen that before I bought the powertank.

Although, now i'm planning to get a ccd I think I'm gonna need 3 or four outputs really.

Stuart

[Bizibilder]

If your mount draws 2A in fast slew then a 3A fuse will suffice for that output. If you have several outputs you can fuse each one accordingly. If you are going to run everything from one output (not the best idea and easily sorted with a multi-output DIY box) then a fuse just above the maximum current you intend to draw.

[lardy]

Hi Stuart,

A good place to source wire, crimps, fuse boxes, terminal posts .....http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu they dispatch quickly and the prices are good, have used them many time before and will carry on using them.

As for wiring diagrams for a power pack there was one posted in DIY astronomer with cable amperage, might be worth trawling through to find it.

My build has 5 fused and switched sockets and 1 live for the Ctek conditioner all built around a 100amp leisure battery in a Peli case ... "yet another power tank project" in DIY.

If your going down the CCD you might want more sockets ....CCD. Guider,Laptop,heaters,Mount, filter wheel

[spacebloke]

Cheers guys, this is the kind of advice I'm looking for.

To be honest I'd rather have multiple outlets.

Would this 6a cable be enough? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Twin-Core-6A-12V-Black-Red-DC-Power-Cable-per-2-metres-/300613333455?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item45fdf371cf

The cable connects to the battery via crimp ring terminals - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30-Red-Blue-Yellow-Ins-Crimp-Ring-Terminals-10mm-/300334813920?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item45ed5992e0

On the other end of the cable there are spade connector terminals - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-RED-Insulated-Female-Male-Spade-Connector-Terminals-4-8mm-/290627884354?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item43aac59542

Which connects to this fuse box - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-WAY-STANDARD-BLADE-FUSE-BOX-WITH-WATERPROOF-COVER-12V-/270692338893?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f06854ccd

Inside the fusebox go these fuses - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pack-of-10-5amp-Mini-Fuses-22mm-BS1361-/251284048360?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item3a81b249e8

On the other end of the fuse box goes more of the wire

And finally the wire is connected to the 12v sockets - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproof-12V-Accessory-Power-Socket-Twist-lock-Plug-Marine-Quality-/300712398712?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item4603db0f78

I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to check these links and lets me know if I'm on the right path .

Stuart

[lardy]

Fuses are the wrong type .... you need blade fuses, ... your battery has pillars http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/battconns/battclamps.php BT461 to attach the 10mm rings to the battery ..... drop me a PM

Mark