Blogs

Power To Go!

These past few months I've been looking forward to attending more of the public and private observing events that the RASC Winnipeg Centre puts on.  Unfortunately, I really don't want to bring my old EQ3 mount, and would much prefer to bring my new Atlas EQ-G mount, which I purchased in February 2009.  However this type of mount of this nature, if fully robotic, and unfortunately needs access to power.  A problem which is not easily solved unless there is an A/C outlet nearby, or at the very least a 12V supply.

Last Thursday, based on the feedback of some of the other members of the RASC Winnipeg Centre, I went down to The Battery Man, and picked up a 55 amp-hour AGM deep cycle battery.  When I got home (very late) that evening, I hooked up the battery to the Battery Tender that I also purchased.  Friday morning the battery was still charging, and by Friday Afternoon the battery was fully charged.

I spent some time shopping on the weekend for parts to 'store' and 'wire' the battery, so that I can effectively have an all-purpose Power Box, but ended up just dealing with the wiring, which to date, has resulted in permanently wiring up the 'charging adapter' (which is quick-releasable from the battery tender), and permanently wiring a 12V auto-style adapter.

Last night, in the ever-present twilight, I decided to get the scope out and test it using the 12V supply, even though I have a 120V supply hooked up right beside my normal observing spot.  Between the mosquitos, the need to polar align, and the twilight and my being very tired, I was only out for about 40 minutes, but I must say that the 12V supply worked spot on.

Next on the list, adapt the battery (and an optional twin) into a Power Box, with an AC inverter, multiple 12V adapters, and maybe even some 9V hookups for items like my focusers.