Altenative power supply to synguider

[spacebloke]

Hi,

Can someone tell me if this would be suitable for use with a synguider?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Cigarette-Lighter-Power-Cord-Charger-Cable-1-2M-5-5MM-X-2-1MM-DC-PLUG-LED-/321045569659?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4abfcea07b

Cheers

Stuart

[Oddsocks]

HI Stuart,

According to the Sky-Watcher web-page (see below) the ebay item you linked to will be electrically correct, the only problem you may find is that the cord is a little too short.

These coiled leads never pull out straight, especially when cold, so the 1.2 mtr quoted will probably only stretch to about half that distance, say 600mm and if used on a Newtonian will probably pull on the guider during use or detach itself.

For around the same price, maybe a pound or two more, you could buy the car-socket connector, 2.1mm power tip and 2 or 3 mtrs of non-coiled cable from Maplins and make your own!

Regards,

William.

SYNGUIDER

The revolutionary, stand-alone auto guiding tool, SynGuider is born!

Equipped with Sony CCD image sensor and the real-time star image display screen, SynGuider can work independently without a computer or calibration software. You will be saving significant power while working in the stargazing field with a limited electricity power pack. The SynGuider is adaptable to main telescopes with T-ring (M42) and 1.25" eyepiece holder, and can control EQ mount with a standard auto guider interface.

SynGuider is ideal for Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) users, while saving you the trouble and need for a computer to control your imaging system. It will greatly improve your efficiency and productivity during astro-photography sessions. SynGuider will allow you to obtain pin-point stars during long exposure process to make your work simple and fun!

Main Features:

• Stand-alone unit, guiding the equatorial mount without a computer

• Sony CCD image sensor enabling the tracking of fainter stars

• LCD display of real-time star image

• Upgradable firmware

• Large chip coming with more area for locating and keeping guided star on chip

• Standard auto guiding port

• Adaptable by T-ring (M42) and 1.25” eyepiece holder

Package comes with:

• SynGuider auto guider

• Guiding handset and cable

• Serial cable

• 4xD 1.5v battery pack

• User manual (English)

Specifications

Image Sensor

Type: SONY ICX404AL CCD Sensor

Chip Size: 5.59mm(X) * 4.68mm(Y)

Number of Effective Pixels: 510(X) * 492(Y)

Unit Cell Size: 9.6um(X) * 7.5um(Y)

Power Supply

DC 6V ~ 14V, 250mA

Power Jack: 2.1mm, tip positive

Exposure Time

1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096 mS

Sensitivity

Typically, the SynGuider can capture and guide a star with up to the magnitude of 8 under the following conditions: regular 80mm aperture refractor, 2048ms exposure time, and good seeing conditions.

• Recommend for: ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
  

Design Elements Focal Length Eyepiece Barrels Apparent Field of View Eye-Relief

Standard accessories may vary.

Contact your local distributor for details

[Steve Ward]

You'll need one like this that knocks the 12v from the battery down to 6v for the Synguider or you'll be needing a new Synguider ..... .... and make sure it's a "Tip Positive" end-piece.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/universal-3a-dc-power-supply-228639

I've used similar with my small 7Ah Powertank for a couple of years now to good effect,

[dph1nm]

I found the Synguider very temperamental with 6v. I now use the 9v supply from a 7Ah battery and it works fine.

NigelM