Bought a used EQ6 and have a few questions

[themaninthesuitcase]

I bought a used EQ6 at the weekend as my first mount as I want to image so have thrown my self in at the deep end somewhat.  I have a few questions if some of you would be so kind.

Are there any internal cables I need to worry about when rotating on either axis?  Having looked at the design externally it looks to be okay but I'd rather check than assume.

I have been powering the mount to test at home via a battery booster that's pretty much had it.  I will, initially anyway, be imaging and observing at home so logic says go mains powered but then there's a lot to be said for battery power as it means 1 power rig not 2 when I later want to head out.  

I've been looking at this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290980410231?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 but they also do a single output version (without the display) and a variable voltage (5-15V) version.

The power lamp is flashing on the mount, does this mean low power?  And if so will the damage the mount in anyway if operated (with no OTA attached).

[Gina]

These mounts need a minimum of 12.4v and yes, the light flashes at 12v.  A regulated 13.8v PSU is the best thing to use and is what I use.  I use a separate supply for the mount and run everything else off another.  I would think the twin output model you mention would be a good bet but no guarantees as I don't know it.  I use the Maplin 13.8v 7A regulated power supply (also sold be FLO) as do many others on here.

[themaninthesuitcase]

Thanks Gina I will check out the Maplins option also.

Would I be best making a power cable from psu direct to mount or add a cigar socket. The later seems to have 2 advantages: the cigar plug is fused and it gives a trip release if some one kicks the lead by mistake.

[sloz1664]

Personally I don't like the cigar socket adaptors they can be unreliable.

I use the XLR 3-pin sockets

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/05192-2x-XLR-Plug-3-Pin-Male-Audio-Inline-Microphone-Connectors-/290971677075?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Cables_Leads_Connectors&hash=item43bf437193

cheers

Steve

[Gina]

I agree with Steve.  I use XLR connectors too.

[themaninthesuitcase]

Do you use the standard pin layout on the XLR so pin 1 is 0v/Ground and Pin 2 is 12v leaving pin 3 unconnected?

[Gina]

As I recall - Pin 1 - 0v, Pin 2 - 12v and Pin 3 - 5v but I check every time as I tend to get confused these days   That's when I use 5v.

[themaninthesuitcase]

Excellent, just need to check what gauge the wire I have is hopefully it's up to the job, the accessories are piling up already!

[themaninthesuitcase]

One last question on the power side, how do you connect at the supply end Y crimps or banana plugs?

[Gina]

The wires are wrapped round the terminal posts and clamped by the screw terminals.

[themaninthesuitcase]

The wires are wrapped round the terminal posts and clamped by the screw terminals.

Are you not worried about shorts?  Saying that I used to do exactly this when I was at school and failed to blow anything up doing it.

[themaninthesuitcase]

The Fusion dual power supply arrived today.  I did toy with the single output model but I liked the idea of the display showing the draw.  It seems reasonably well made, touch plastic maybe but so long as I don't drop it I can't see that being an issue.  There is a fan that comes on when you switch it on so it doesn't seem to be a temperature controlled one.

Output wise I stuck a meter on both outputs and you get a steady 13.86V on both.  

I also got my 2.1mm plugs so I just need to order a new soldering iron as I remembered mines dead and I'll be good to go.  I've ordered some banana plugs too but they've not arrived  but aren't 100% needed anyway as I could use the screw clamps.

I've noticed the cable I got with the mount (an astronomer one I believe) has a ferrite choke on it just before the plug, is it worth me cutting up a dead USB cable to pinch one or is it not really needed?

[themaninthesuitcase]

Well I've made a power cable this evening, FAR too long but I can shorten it but I can't make it longer.  The power supply is performing admirably, tracking draw is indicated at about 0.2 - 0.4A and slewing draws between 1.2 and 1.3A on average occasionally peaking up to about 1.7A.  I was a bit worried about the current side as I could only get cable rated to 2.5A but the 0.8A head room should be plenty I feel.

I will however have to raid the quality street for a bit of red cellophane to cover the display as it's a rather bright blue at the moment.