Eyepieces

[cyborg421]

Now I've decided on a Skywatcher 10" Dob with synscan, now onto eyepieces. Is it best to go for a complete set or buy individually?

What brands would you recommend to buy as a set and what to buy singly?

Also what practical difference is there between a 2A 12V power supply and a 4A 12V supply on a Dob. I understand voltage and current, I need to know the difference it will make to the scope.

Sorry if I'm annoying everyone with a my torrents of questions but I need to ask the experts!

Simon

[Chris H]

Probably best to buy ep's singly rather than as a set. There are a number of good makes but the best for an F4.7 dob like yours in my opinion would be Televue. They are not cheap but the views are great.

Sorry can't help with the battery.

[brantuk]

Most scopes draw just under 2A of power from the battery - you also need to have excess capacity for dew heaters and fans )if used). I use a 12v 17ah field battery which is more than enough to cope with a full nights observing. Maplins is a good source. Or a better option is a leisure battery from a camping and caravanning shop - they seem to go on forever if kept properly charged

[cyborg421]

What do you use to connect battery to scope?

Simon

[Revs]

This I think..

Cables, Leads and Controllers - SkyTron Power Supply Cable for Skywatcher & Celestron Mounts

[cyborg421]

Thanks for that. Do you need a fuse with the ring tongues?

Simon

[brantuk]

Usually the scope will come with a power cable. So do the powerpacks but it's a tad short for astronomy.

[cyborg421]

Does the power cable that comes with the scope have a fuse in?

The cig cable will be fused from the link here

Cables, Leads and Controllers - SkyTron Power Supply Cable for Skywatcher & Celestron Mounts

but if you use a battery with the ring end cable there will be no fuse. I don't want to damage the telescope.

Simon

[brantuk]

The ring end ones are usually for use with specialised power supplies (e.g. in a home observatory) with stated internal fuse ratings. The Cigar one will be fine with something like this:

5in1 Jumpstarter with Digital Air Compressor : InCar Battery Chargers and Compressors : Maplin

I have a similar power pack from Maplins (listed below on that page) and it's fine - the thing is they have it on offer and it's a bargain compared with astronomy badged power packs which are essentially the same.

[cyborg421]

Brant,

Ahhhh... I understand now. You buy a power pack with cigarette holder sockets and add the cig lighter lead. It comes to £45 with the lead. Oh well I lose 10Ah. Hopefully in the initial stages I won't come to regret that too much.

Simon