12v supply to SW HEQ5 pro mount

[LightBucket]

42 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

Exactly, however it transpires the OP's problem occurs when tracking, not slewing, at which time the mount draws significantly less.

Hmmmmm

[julian489289]

It was last weekend, being the first use of the year as to when I noticed this and the red LED began blinking slowly at 12.2v I think??

 

[julian489289]

UPDATE

I was concerned to think the battery was already on its way out so put it under test within the power box.

I switched on the box and only had the voltmeter on (very minimal load) no other load connected;

• 15.30 hrs showed 13.4v & left in this configuration.  By 21.30 hrs dropped to 12.8v.  I assume this is just the battery stabilising after a full charge??  By 07.30 hrs following morning voltage was 12.7v.  No issues.  LED on mount full red.
• At 07.30 hrs, I now connected my two dew heaters on medium setting.  By 13.00 hrs voltage was 12.2v so turned up to full heating & by 22.30 hrs voltage was 11.6v.  If due heater turned off at this time, voltage increased to 12.1v.  Turned dew heater back on and set to medium setting.  Led on mount full red.
• Left running overnight and at 11.00 hrs this morning, voltage was 11.4v and led on mount flashing.

So to me the battery appears to be OK and the mount LED only showed at 11.4v.  Would welcome your comments though??

Not sure as to what caused the flashing LED that prompted this post now.  I will check on the next imaging session and update you guys further.  

 

[parallaxerr]

That kinda ties in with @LightBucket's post stating his NEQ6 is good down to 11.5V. I can only assume you had voltage sag to below 11.5V when the issue arose. Being outside in the cold won't help matters.

[emyliano2000]

I am following Julian's posts on the DIY battery with great interest as I would like to make one similar to his and I'm also considering getting a step-up converter for the mount.

Emil

[julian489289]

The battery appears to be OK now and is holding charge just fine at around 12.7v.

I have just ordered a 400w 12v boost module from Ebay and await delivery;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-400W-CNC-Digital-DC-DC-Boost-Module-Constant-Voltage-Constant-Current-F7/222258255032?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I will let you know how I get on Emil.

[emyliano2000]

 

10 hours ago, julian489289 said:

I will let you know how I get on Emil.

Thanks. I actually ordered what I think I need for my field battery following most of the things that you used on yours and while waiting for everything else I started with what already arrived in the post. I got a 115Ah deep cycle battery as I would like to run my laptop from it too. Already had a cigarette lighter charger for the laptop. To keep a steady 12v for the mount I bought this https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0191D4REG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. A friend of mine is using a similar one and he gave me the link a few days ago. I hope it works.

I installed the battery in the box and put thermal insulation all around and on the lid to keep it nice and warm.

[MarkyD]

I run my NEQ6 at 14.5V from a 12.8V PS using a boost convertor.  I used to get the flashing LED syndrome before this when using the standard wall PS.  I also installed a screwlock power connector on the mount so it doesn't fall out

[Merlin66]

The 12v to 15v car convertor is definitely the way to go...

[emyliano2000]

 

9 hours ago, MarkyD said:

14.5V

 

9 hours ago, Merlin66 said:

The 12v to 15v car convertor is definitely the way to go.

Could you please post a link to what I would need in case my buck converter doesn't work.

This is what I got so far.

Thanks

Emil

[emyliano2000]

 

Could you please tell me how many meters of cable you used to make it.

[emyliano2000]

On 04/10/2017 at 12:32, julian489289 said:

The battery

Could you please tell me how many meters of cable you used?

I bought 15m of 25A rated cable and 10m of 16.5A raterd cable and I don't know if it's enough.

[Merlin66]

https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/15-24v-laptop-car-adapter-85a-with-9-charging-tips-a33hu

Not exactly the same as my old one, but very similar.

 

[julian489289]

On 10/5/2017 at 17:38, emyliano2000 said:

 

 

Could you please post a link to what I would need in case my buck converter doesn't work.

This is what I got so far.

Thanks

Emil

You look well on the way Emil with all that you have bought so far.  I look forward to watching the build progress.  

I had seen that boost convertor on Amazon but as it was rated at 5A I decided not to go for it and went for the 8A one that I posted the link to.  However, I am still waiting for delivery of it.  However, I would not expect more than 5A to be drawn from the battery so it should be more than enough for you.

The power box for me has worked just fine until this last blip which needs the boost convertor but other than that has served me well.

[Merlin66]

A 5A convertor is more than sufficient for the SW mounts. They only take around 2.2A max.

All the other equipment fed from my 12V 10amp supply is still at 12V, the convertor only feeds the mount.

 

[julian489289]

18 hours ago, Merlin66 said:

A 5A convertor is more than sufficient for the SW mounts. They only take around 2.2A max.

All the other equipment fed from my 12V 10amp supply is still at 12V, the convertor only feeds the mount.

 

Ahh, I wish I had known that info before then I would have had my convertor by now rather than waiting to come from China!! 

[MarkyD]

On 09/10/2017 at 16:56, julian489289 said:

Ahh, I wish I had known that info before then I would have had my convertor by now rather than waiting to come from China!! 

This is the one I use

https://www.technobotsonline.com/pololu-adjustabe-step-up-9-30v-5a-max-input-current-2.9v-to-vout-input.html

[emyliano2000]

Part 2 of my diy field battery done.

[emyliano2000]

a friend of mine drew the circuit scheme for the box.

[julian489289]

Really sweet mate.

Just ordered that voltage current meter/display for my box.  Going to use the current voltmeter already in use to monitor the output of the boost convertor (when it arrives!!)

[Merlin66]

I use a 180A TURNIGY Power meter (https://www.ebay.com.au/i/152348206804?chn=ps&dispItem=1) to monitor the current, and voltage at my pier.

I also have a power convertor (similar to the one used on the mount) which gives 6.5v for the powered USB hub.

 

[emyliano2000]

4 hours ago, julian489289 said:

Really sweet mate.

Just ordered that voltage current meter/display for my box.  Going to use the current voltmeter already in use to monitor the output of the boost convertor (when it arrives!!)

That's exactly why I bought the small voltmeter, to monitor the output of the 12v regulator.

[julian489289]

Just completed my modification to ensure that one socket which powers the mount supplies 14.5v and the rest 12v.

Rather pleased with the result.  Also replaced all wiring inside with silicone coated 20a wire.

[emyliano2000]

On 21/10/2017 at 16:28, julian489289 said:

Just completed my modification to ensure that one socket which powers the mount supplies 14.5v and the rest 12v.

Rather pleased with the result.  Also replaced all wiring inside with silicone coated 20a wire.

Looking good. I think I should've went for a higher regulator. Mine is 12v. 

Anyway my friend helped me out today and my battery is almost complete. The main power switch was broken and I had to connect them directly through the fused cable. I'll have to get a new switch that powers off everything.

 

[julian489289]

Emil, nice neat work dude.  Mine gets a bit crowded with wiring as the box is a little too narrow to take the battery and other gubbings side by side