MY power supply went puff

[Nicho]

My Power supply for my 314+ died lastnight .Would anyone know if i can use one of this in an emergency ? http://www.firstligh...ron-mounts.html

I'm fairly sure i can but just need some resurrance that the camera wont go puff too !

Many thanks Nick

[andrewluck]

Here's a recommendation from Atik. http://www.atik-cameras.com/forum/index.php?topic=283.0

2.1mm, centre positive, 12V; looks OK to me. Measure before connecting the camera.

Andrew

[kirkster501]

12v is 12v is 12v. I am an ex-sparky, trust me The camera will only take the current it needs. It is worse to *under* specify the current than over-specify it. You *can't* actually over-specify the current by the rating of the power supply; the camera will only draw what it needs. Just ensure it is 12v and you will be fine. I have loads of such old adapters from various pieces of electro gear over the years. Most are 12v but some are 9V.

[Lonestar70]

Nicho,

The link you gave is for a 'Skywatcher Power supply cable with a cigar lighter plug.

This has the correct 2.1mm Centre positive plug for your Atik but it will require a power tank (battery) to supply the power, or a Mains powered regulated 12v DC power supply.

If you don't want, or have not got, a battery/DC power supply... FO also do a mains powered supply for the Atik: -

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/power/atik-power-supply-unit-psu.html

Beware of any cheap mains 'PLUG TOP' type power adaptors... a lot of them are not stabilised and can output a substantially higher voltage than 12v if used at a lower current than it's label says it is rated for.

For a £1000.00 + camera, it is better to spend a little more on a properly regulated (stabilised) power supply than risking any of the cheap units.

Hope you get it sorted out.

Best regards.

[kirkster501]

If you have several bits of kit requiring 12v (i.e. mount, camera etc) and you are near the mains you may be better off getting a proper 12V DC power supply from Maplins or FLO and running your gear off that. Put it in a well ventilted box to keep it from getting damp.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/power/maplins-xm21x-7a-138v-regulated-mains-power-supply.html

Sandy is right. Those plugtop things are cheap as chips and many times are unregulated. Not worth the risk. Use a proper 12V one or buy a decent PSU as per the link.

[Nicho]

Thanks very much for your inputs Sandy and Kirkster501

I was mainly looking very short term as i had a power tank spare which i normally use for my dew heaters. The cigar cable which atik supplied isnt the stated 1.8 meters its more like 0.8 meters that was why i was looking at using the other cable as my pier is a lot taller than 0.8 meters .

Im looking at both the atik power supply and the maplins one ,which both of you have linked.

Kirkster501 when you say well ventited box are we talking a plastic box with a few holes in it ? or somthing a little more sturdy ?

Many thanks

Nick

[andrewluck]

Also consider the Stontronics T4587ST available from here: http://www.rapidonline.com/Electrical-Power/Stontronics-12V-DC-90W-Desktop-switch-mode-PSU-400574.

[kirkster501]

Kirkster501 when you say well ventited box are we talking a plastic box with a few holes in it ? or somthing a little more sturdy ?

If using the PSU outdoors it needs to be inside a dry box with ventilation so yes, a small plastic box with ventilation holes would be ideal. Better still, build a dedicated box with socket outputs on it for your gear with the PSU inside. You should also connect mains operated outdoor stuff - like the PSU in this case - to an indoors RCD unit on a plug socket inside the house. Something like one of these.

[Cath]

Becareful!

'12V' is not always 12V.

Some '12V' psu's are unregulated, which means some will easily produce 17V or more depending on load (current being drawn). I have several like this.

If the camera is not designed to allow for a higher voltage input it will be more than your old psu going 'puff''.

[michael8554]

Did your power supply die on its own or did a short in your camera kill it? I would check the resistance between the pos and neg terminals of the camera's socket for a short before you try the new PSU.

[Nicho]

Many thx for all your help I have opted for http://www.firstlightoptics.com/atik-cameras/atik-power-supply-unit-psu.html which seems to work well and looks and feels well built ,but have had no first light with it as yet ,as its been either cloud or bright moon