How do you manage your cables?

Mostly with spiral wrap. I found the smaller diameter works best because it is very flexible yet controls the various cables and power cords for me.

I’ve seen folks try and use the stiff wrap that is meant for hydraulics and failed. because it causes to much strain on the wiring.

I typically buy the 33 foot length so I have plenty to use and work with. Where I need it stiffer I simply do double. Where I need to attach rings for support clips (I use harness snaps) I use some larger and stiffer to anchor my rings (I use key ring assortments)

And always, ALWAYS, run the mount through the furthest gyrations imaginable to test your configurations. If you miss something you can wind up with damaged connectors or worse, damaged sockets on your components. Our mounts can swing some very wide swings and entangle your wiring and looms.

If you don’t find them first, they will likely find you when you least want a tangle.

In addition, I have my system reduced to a single USB cable and a single 12VDC power wire from ground control (And a single power supply, 12 VDC- 25 amp capacity). I use a powered USB hub on my telescope and bring all the USB cables to it for the single cable to my laptop. My power array branches to each need with the device’s connector wired into the main feed wire. I’ve replaced original USB cables with ones better suited for the length needed to keep them shorter for the need.

Using the powered USB hub supplies the power to things that use USB 5 VDC as their power sources. (My rotator, and Guide Scope for examples.)

Ultimately, you have to outsmart the gremlins.

I had an extensive library of example pictures, but Cloudy Nights stole them when they abruptly banned me while I was in Japan.

Honestly, I don’t, but mine is a medium weight OTA riding on an EQ-6 which is pretty heavy. I have a camera power cable from the PS that’s strapped to the mount. I also have two red ZWO cables strapped together that run down from the center of the dec saddle to the Mele that sits on a low table next to the mount. Everything has a long loop and is free to run as the OTA (6” Newt) moves. I used to run the OTA through all the positions to make sure there are no snags but anymore, I just know how they should run. I’ve not had any problems with doing this. I’m not suggesting that managing cables isn’t a good thing to do. Just that in my case, it’s not turned out to be a big concern.

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I guess I have no talent in cable management.

Seung-Jun Kim · Jun 7, 2026, 08:11 AM

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I guess I have no talent in cable management.

Now that’s an everyday, working man’s rig!

A good cable labeling system is important as John and others have said. I tend to use heat shrink labeling tubing if I am making my own power cables since it can not come off. For other cables, there is nothing better than the Brady System (both labeler and labels) that is used by many professional wiring people. Not cheap but solid and professional.

Making you own power cables is the way to go. I use silicone insulated wire which can be had on Amazon in almost any gauge. You can then calculate what you need by length, gauge, and power drop using one of many online calculators. Factory made cables can be OK if they do not need to be flexible but be sure to test them! I have run across a small percentage that were both cross wired or had no connection. I prefer my own home made cables with good strain relief, flexible wire and high quality plugs.

Also note that some DC connectors are not all that compatible with each other as the style of internal connections vary so be sure to look at what you are plugging it into before picking a cable/connector. I actually had an on board power connector on an older camera physically melt due to a wimpy connection! Fortunately no damage was done to the camera electronics.

Bill,

Those are both really good suggestions! I’ve personally settled on PowerPole connectors for my power cables mainly because they are so easy to make and readily available at the observatory. The one thing I’ll add is that if you make your own connectors, be sure to use the correct tools! The PowerPole system has a crimp tool that if properly used produces the perfect connection. When I buy a power brick (I prefer MeanWell), I simply cut off whatever connector comes with the supply and attach my own PowerPole connector. I try to do the same for all of my other equipment as well—cameras, FW, and other stuff. That way everything is compatible.

John