Will this power my motors?

[Peter Reader]

Hi all!

Have an EQ5 with motors. Batteries are running low I think and want to image tonight. Just found part of a battery charger for my RC aircraft lipo batteries. Has the same output connector as the motor battery pack and I plan to use it with an extension lead from the mains. Can anyone confirm if this will work? DOn't want to damage my motors...

INformation:

INPUT: 100-240V 50/60Hz 0.7A

OUTPUT: +12V 1.5A

Thanks

Pete

[Bizibilder]

I Think the EQ5 motors are 6v - you had better check! That is the "ordinary" RA and Dec motors. I Think the goto/synscan (or whatever its called!) version is 12V. My other concern is that the mount may well draw around 2A when slewing so you may not have enough power.

[malc-c]

The supply required (well for the sysnscan unit) is 12v but 2amp - when slewing both axis they draw around 1.96 Amps. You will get voltage drop from your 1.5amp supply which will cause problems

[Peter Reader]

OK I won't risk it. I'll keep buying batteries I think as a powertank is too expensive for me. Cheers anyway.

[malc-c]

Under voltage is "safer" than over voltage... so I don't think that you would do any real damage, it would be like running on flat batteries.

Have a look at Maplins, they do powertanks for starting cards which are between £30 and £50... alternatively, if you want to run off of mains then look at purchasing a suitable power block - 12v @2 Amp with I beleive a 2.1mm centre positive connector. - I actually use one that was left over from when I had a Netgear switch go belly up... I never throw things like that away as you never know when they come in handy