Laptop and Celestron powertank

[Stephen Aish]

does anyone know what lead or connector i need to run my laptop from my powertank- none of the adapters and leads that came with it seem to work?

also - to run the 8se from the laptop can i get a new lead (scope to USB) or do i need a converter for RS232 to USB as i would rather not have adapters all over the place?

thanks!

Steve

[rusirius]

Steve, having the same problem myself with the lappy. I can't find an appropriate cable or even a DC plug with the appropriate size. I'm not sure whether they're all a standard size. The nearest I could fnd was a 6.0mm/3.1mm DC plug from Maplin, but this does not fit right. I think it should probably be something like 6.3mm/3.0mm.

On the control cable, we have a Skywatcher which I understand uses the same/similar Goto technology as the Celestron Nextstar. The Goto is controlled using a serial interface and hence a serial cable is required. Of course, most laptops these days come equipped with USB ports and NO serial ports so a USB to serial converter is required. There is no way around that I'm afraid. If there was a cable that could connect direct from USB to the controller, it would have to have a USB to serial converter built into it somewhere.

The cables themselves are not that expensive. Have a look here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/USB-RS232-Converter-Cable/dp/B00077DJIQ

I've used these for a few months with my Meade LX90 Autostar and more recently with the Skywatcher Synscan with no problems so far.

[ringz]

Steve,

Unless your laptop runs at 12 volts you are going to have to buy a DC to DC converter to get the voltage up to that required by the laptop.

You will need to get a laptop car adapter that is suitable for your particular laptop.

Something like this.

< http://www.amazon.co.uk/MY-Link-UNIVERSAL-DC-DC-LAPTOP-ADAPTOR/dp/B000YIXE92/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1210080422&sr=8-1 >

--

Martyn

[Stephen Aish]

many thanks for your help rusirius!

did i mention how fantastic this place is?

Steve

[Stephen Aish]

Steve,

Unless your laptop runs at 12 volts you are going to have to buy a DC to DC converter to get the voltage up to that required by the laptop.

You will need to get a laptop car adapter that is suitable for your particular laptop.

Something like this.

< http://www.amazon.co.uk/MY-Link-UNIVERSAL-DC-DC-LAPTOP-ADAPTOR/dp/B000YIXE92/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1210080422&sr=8-1 >

--

Martyn

thanks Martyn,

so much easier having it all off the powertank.

Steve

[Sparrow]

Hi Steve,

I presume you mean control your 8SE from the laptop As far as I'm aware there is no actual cable that goes direct from the scope to USB (daft I know - serial ports died out with the ark) - As far as I can see you have two options - get an adaptor Serial to USB or Maplins do a PCMCIA card that accepts serial connections - http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=rs232%20&source=15&SD=Y

I'm not sure whether the spec is right or not but it's a tidier option - Maplins may also be able to help with the right connector for your laptop power supply from the powertank.

[Stephen Aish]

thanks for your help Sparrow,

getting my purchase list ready

cheers

Steve