Dew Heater Power Source

[adamw]

Hi
I am looking at buying a mains to 12v power converter to run my hitec astro single channel dual port dew controller. I will be using  both ports with 2 astrozap dew heater tapes a  4” and  5”. Does anyone know what Amp output I need ? I was thinking 5A but I am not really sure.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-single-channel-dual-port-dew-controller.htm

[ChrisLX200]

Hi

I am looking at buying a mains to 12v power converter to run my hitec astro single channel dual port dew controller. I will be using  both ports with 2 astrozap dew heater tapes a  4” and  5”. Does anyone know what Amp output I need ? I was thinking 5A but I am not really sure.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-single-channel-dual-port-dew-controller.htm

5Amp would be plenty. I had to laugh at the description via the link you gave - "6A total combined output - fitted with a 5A fuse in the cigarette power plug".  You might get through a few fuses at max output

ChrisH

[adamw]

Thanks for that Chris, there is a 5A one on ebay for around £12 there is also a 3.3A do you think this would be more suitable if there is a 5A fuse in the cigarette plug?

[Guest]

Hi,

This is my DIY setup that works via the mains 12v power if it helps.

The 4" heater is only 6W, so at 12v thats only 0.5A

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/205426-hello-im-a-newbie/

[ChrisLX200]

Thanks for that Chris, there is a 5A one on ebay for around £12 there is also a 3.3A do you think this would be more suitable if there is a 5A fuse in the cigarette plug?

Even 3A is more than you will need, but that's not a problem. The objective is to keep the objective slightly warmer than ambient - that's all it needs to keep dew at bay and any warmer the image will start to deteriorate. It doesn't take much power to do that - provided you put the heat in the right place (i.e., conducted into the lens cell). So that's where you position the heating strap.

ChrisH

[FLO]

Hi

I am looking at buying a mains to 12v power converter to run my hitec astro single channel dual port dew controller. I will be using  both ports with 2 astrozap dew heater tapes a  4” and  5”. Does anyone know what Amp output I need ? I was thinking 5A but I am not really sure.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-single-channel-dual-port-dew-controller.htm

The single channel dual port controller is more than adequate  

[FLO]

PS: Sorry about the typo Chris

[Wyvern]

Thanks Claptnei,

That's a good power source idea that's gone in the projects book.!

Cheers,

Les