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AZ GTi power supply battery and lead.


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I have bought a Skywatcher AZ GTi mount. Looking for advice as to what small power supply batteries and leads are needed/available please.

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I have this 

TalentCell - it lasts an age before needing a recharge
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0713T4XT9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07B4FH27V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also use the cable to power both an Asiair 1st generation and the AZ GTI from the battery.

Got the idea for the battery from @ScouseSpaceCadet who maybe able to advise further.

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I have the same mount. Don't run the mount from internal AA batteries, it will perform far more reliably from an external rechargeable portable power tank such as this, https://www.firstlightoptics.com/batteries-powerpacks/skywatcher-powertank-7ah.html and comes with the correct connections and leads to get you going.

Edited by rob_r
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I'm using this one from Tracer: https://www.tracerpower.com/12v-8ah-lithium-polymer-battery-pack.html

It's rugged and really well made. I'm really happy I chose this! I think FLO used to sell these.

I chose the 12V 8ah version because it is <100W and can therefore be transported in the cabin of an airplane (cf. the documentation provided by Tracer, it's really well explained). It's also relatively small and lightweight, so it pairs well with the travel-friendly AZ-GTi :) 

I'm not sure how long a full battery lasts, but it has always been enough for 1 night. I've been using it with the AZ-GTi, an ASIAIR Pro, 2 dew heaters and a cooled ZWO camera. If you know the power consumption of your equipment, you can calculate how long the battery will last using the table provided by Tracer. The run time is always at the max amperage of course.

image.png.409239af36681573d49aad94b3d138ce.png

They also sell LiFePo batteries, that have a longer lifespan than classic LiPo batteries. They're a bit bulkier though.

Hope that helps!

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5 hours ago, Grumpy Martian said:

I have bought a Skywatcher AZ GTi mount. Looking for advice as to what small power supply batteries and leads are needed/available please.

The Talentcell battery Dean describes is commonly used to power smaller mounts. It outputs more than enough and lasts for months between charges.

For about a year I used a cheap cable similar to Dean's, but I have just bought a Lynx Astro cable.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TalentCell-Rechargeable-6000mAh-12000mAh-Lithium/dp/B0713T4XT9

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/lynx-astro-cables/lynx-astro-silicone-power-cable-21mm-dc-jack-to-21mm-dc-jack.html

The battery is kept in a molle bag & fastened to a tripod leg via a couple of velcro straps. The bag has an internal nylon pocket that fits the battery perfectly.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07G5BTG28?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

The bag is also large enough to safely secure the cable when not in use.

If the mount isn't fitted with an ADM saddle, please consider emptying your wallet further. The difference in performance is worth it.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-replacement-saddles/adm-dual-dovetail-adaptor-for-az-gti.html

 

1657690468_IMG_20210330_124555705_HDR2.thumb.jpg.51dd17366c9f33eb1646d274d1488b3b.jpg

 

Edited by ScouseSpaceCadet
Pic
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+1 for the talent cell battery pack, I followed the advice of @ScouseSpaceCadet but I use the 3000mah one and I've used my mount numerous times and keeps power running perfectly only charged the unit twice since December, though I suspect I only needed to charge it once so far, really does well holding power for days and weeks 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072HR211P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_N3M9HWPEAD1CM33T78Z4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The extra USB port I use to plug my dew heater band in also whilst using the mount. 

I only use a cheap power cable that came with something I had and like ScouseSpaceCadet I use something to put my battery pack in whilst outside, it's an old  dslr lens case with zip, keeps it all dew free. 

Edited by LeeHore7
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On 31/03/2021 at 14:15, PeterW said:

Found  usb to 12v jobbie and run the mount on a 2.4A output from a USB phone backup battery. 

PEter

Goodness, I didn’t know that would have enough power! Mind you I have no problem with AA rechargeables.

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The USB converter thingy had a Max output 800mA at 12V, so within the 2.4A quoted output of USB batteries. Seems to handle slewing fine (I don’t use max speed though) and an external handset (as wifi is unreliable with so many flats about).

Peter

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  • 1 month later...
On 30/03/2021 at 12:33, ScouseSpaceCadet said:

The Talentcell battery Dean describes is commonly used to power smaller mounts. It outputs more than enough and lasts for months between charges.

For about a year I used a cheap cable similar to Dean's, but I have just bought a Lynx Astro cable.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TalentCell-Rechargeable-6000mAh-12000mAh-Lithium/dp/B0713T4XT9

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/lynx-astro-cables/lynx-astro-silicone-power-cable-21mm-dc-jack-to-21mm-dc-jack.html

The battery is kept in a molle bag & fastened to a tripod leg via a couple of velcro straps. The bag has an internal nylon pocket that fits the battery perfectly.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07G5BTG28?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

The bag is also large enough to safely secure the cable when not in use.

If the mount isn't fitted with an ADM saddle, please consider emptying your wallet further. The difference in performance is worth it.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-replacement-saddles/adm-dual-dovetail-adaptor-for-az-gti.html

 

1657690468_IMG_20210330_124555705_HDR2.thumb.jpg.51dd17366c9f33eb1646d274d1488b3b.jpg

 

Could I ask what counterweight and shaft you have in the picture?

Also +1 for the Talentcell.

Edited by ST_Steve
Forgot to add a note
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9 hours ago, ST_Steve said:

Could I ask what counterweight and shaft you have in the picture?

Also +1 for the Talentcell.

The Star Adventurer 1kg counter weight kit with an m8x15mm (m12 reduces to m8) thread reducer.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-star-adventurer/skywatcher-star-adventurer-counterweight-kit.html

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thread-Reducer-Thread-Repair-Inserts-A4-Stainless-Steel-Blind-Ended-5-Pack-/224062432022?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

 

Edited by ScouseSpaceCadet
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On 30/03/2021 at 12:49, AstroNebulee said:

+1 for the talent cell battery pack, I followed the advice of @ScouseSpaceCadet but I use the 3000mah one and I've used my mount numerous times and keeps power running perfectly only charged the unit twice since December, though I suspect I only needed to charge it once so far, really does well holding power for days and weeks 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072HR211P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_N3M9HWPEAD1CM33T78Z4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The extra USB port I use to plug my dew heater band in also whilst using the mount. 

I only use a cheap power cable that came with something I had and like ScouseSpaceCadet I use something to put my battery pack in whilst outside, it's an old  dslr lens case with zip, keeps it all dew free. 

The talent battery pack looks great and a +1 for USB dew bands, perfect for small portable set ups, I love mine.

Alan

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  • 2 years later...

Hi folks, apologies if I am running afoul of any moderation rules by responding to a post that has been inactive this long. I just wanted to say a big thanks to @ScouseSpaceCadet for the information here - your neat solution has prompted me to follow a similar route for powering my new AZ GTi (and, yes, I also ordered the ADM saddle on your advice!). As this was the best source of information I found on the topic from a google search, I thought I would weigh in with the approach I have taken - order placed today, will keep updated with once it all arrives.

I have opted for the slightly newer chemistry version of the battery. There is a seller that is a bit cheaper on Amazon for the same product, however that certainly comes with an EU plug on the charging brick. The one I have purchased does not specify, but is sent from UK, so I thought I would chance it and hopefully will receive a UK plug: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CGMTDC5Y/ref=pe_27063361_485629781_TE_item

I am also shamelessly stealing the molle pouch idea for holding the battery in use - will secure either similarly using velcro straps to tripod legs, or if it proves to be too heavy for that, use the D-ring to hang it from the leg spreader on a carabiner. This was the best match I could find size-wise for the above TalentCell still leaving room to store the cable. There may be cheaper, better options, but being childish, the unfortunately translated (presumably?!) company name and badge swung it for me: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CM91N3ZV/ref=pe_27063361_485629781_TE_item_image?th=1

Finally, I have opted for the Lynx Astro cable linked in earlier posts as it seems to be a quality piece of kit.

Will update on the plug type once it arrives, and sort some images in the hope they can be as much help to someone as this thread has been to me!

Ryan

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15 hours ago, Oortraged said:

Hi folks, apologies if I am running afoul of any moderation rules by responding to a post that has been inactive this long. I just wanted to say a big thanks to @ScouseSpaceCadet for the information here - your neat solution has prompted me to follow a similar route for powering my new AZ GTi (and, yes, I also ordered the ADM saddle on your advice!). As this was the best source of information I found on the topic from a google search, I thought I would weigh in with the approach I have taken - order placed today, will keep updated with once it all arrives.

I have opted for the slightly newer chemistry version of the battery. There is a seller that is a bit cheaper on Amazon for the same product, however that certainly comes with an EU plug on the charging brick. The one I have purchased does not specify, but is sent from UK, so I thought I would chance it and hopefully will receive a UK plug: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CGMTDC5Y/ref=pe_27063361_485629781_TE_item

I am also shamelessly stealing the molle pouch idea for holding the battery in use - will secure either similarly using velcro straps to tripod legs, or if it proves to be too heavy for that, use the D-ring to hang it from the leg spreader on a carabiner. This was the best match I could find size-wise for the above TalentCell still leaving room to store the cable. There may be cheaper, better options, but being childish, the unfortunately translated (presumably?!) company name and badge swung it for me: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CM91N3ZV/ref=pe_27063361_485629781_TE_item_image?th=1

Finally, I have opted for the Lynx Astro cable linked in earlier posts as it seems to be a quality piece of kit.

Will update on the plug type once it arrives, and sort some images in the hope they can be as much help to someone as this thread has been to me!

Ryan

Thanks Ryan. Happy to help. The pictured AZGTI and the same battery are still occasionally used although my astronomy has taken a different path lately.

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Power pack and molle pouch arrived today! Really impressed with the build quality of the battery shroud and the enclosed extras (incidentally, it did come with a UK plug attached, and there was a bonus 12v car accessory socket charger included for the power pack).

I tested it out today with the included cable as I don't have the Lynx Astro one just yet. When I did so, I attached it to the pier with velcro straps as the cable was very short. I then did a test fit of my intended position, on the tripod leg spreader. I've included a 'belt and bracers' approach, carabiner and length of paracord to the leg spreader. I figure the velcro loops could get a bit fiddly with cold hands - the power pack I've gone for is quite a bit heavier than the one @ScouseSpaceCadet has used, so better safe than sorry!

Since testing both configurations though, I have to admit that mounting it on the pier would be my preference. However, I feel I am missing something obvious that would make this a bad idea, but I can't come up with what that something might be!

20240311_175332.jpg

Screenshot_20240311_192745_WhatsApp.jpg

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