Inspiration and/or examples of placing powersupply and Melee - Forums

Topic starter

Dec 20, 2024

Hey

at the moment I have my PegasusAstro Powerbox and Melee astrocomputer mounted on top of my scope.

I am considering moving them down to the mount/tripod in some way.
It would help on weight distribution and hopefully help improving my guiding even further.

I am interested in seeing how you all have equipment like this mounted elsewhere. Maybe on the tripod or similar.

Please post images etc. for inspiration.

Thank you in advance.

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Dan R

Dec 21, 2024

Hi Christian,

I also have a Mele mini-PC and a Pegasus Powerbox, I spent quite some time trying to find the best configuration of these!

What I did in the end was purchase two losmandy plates and a couple of risers to make a 'cage' that the mini-pc and powerbox could sit within.
I went with this choice as I thought it'd be good at helping me to swap out scopes in the future, I currently only have a William Optics Zenithstar 73 however this is sat on top of the cage and so if I ever get a different scope then theoretically I could just unmount the Zenithstar from the cage and mount the new scope - whilst keeping the Mele and powerbox in the same place.

I found that I could put some adhesive velcro straps on the underside of the top losmandy plate that has helped with cable management as I can effectively 'stick' cables to it using smaller velcro cable-ties. In general though, the cables are a bit of a mess, I don't understand why every piece of astrophotography equipment needs to come with a 2m long cable! Especially when most of these devices sit relatively close to one another.
I tried to cut down on messy cables by purchasing right-angle adapters or just cables of the correct length needed, for example, I found a company here in the UK where I'm based, that sell dew heater bands to your exact length requirements (both the heating element and the cable) as well as the end connector (DC plug, USB or other) - this has made a big difference in keeping things tidy.

Here's a few images of my set-up:

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Dan Brown

Dec 22, 2024

This is how I set up my GTX110. I have a Quieter 3, Optec focus control box, usb hub, and home made power distribution box all mounted to an aluminum bracket. I designed it to place the added weight as close to the RA axis as possible. No clearance issues with the mount. The only drawback is that it isn't an off the shelf solution.
Dan

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Tony Gondola

Frequent contributor

Dec 22, 2024

I still use a laptop that sits on a small table under the mount. There are two cables that hang down from the but only one of those moves with the OTA. I can connect to the laptop remotely with the cover closed, something it took me awhile to discover! I know this isn't supposed to be ideal but honestly, it's worked great and I really see no need to change it. If I went with a fanless dedicated PC I think I would still mount it to a tripod leg or the RA body and not to the OTA.

Christian Bennich

Topic starter

Dec 22, 2024

Dan R:
Hi Christian,

I also have a Mele mini-PC and a Pegasus Powerbox, I spent quite some time trying to find the best configuration of these!

What I did in the end was purchase two losmandy plates and a couple of risers to make a 'cage' that the mini-pc and powerbox could sit within.
I went with this choice as I thought it'd be good at helping me to swap out scopes in the future, I currently only have a William Optics Zenithstar 73 however this is sat on top of the cage and so if I ever get a different scope then theoretically I could just unmount the Zenithstar from the cage and mount the new scope - whilst keeping the Mele and powerbox in the same place.

I found that I could put some adhesive velcro straps on the underside of the top losmandy plate that has helped with cable management as I can effectively 'stick' cables to it using smaller velcro cable-ties. In general though, the cables are a bit of a mess, I don't understand why every piece of astrophotography equipment needs to come with a 2m long cable! Especially when most of these devices sit relatively close to one another.
I tried to cut down on messy cables by purchasing right-angle adapters or just cables of the correct length needed, for example, I found a company here in the UK where I'm based, that sell dew heater bands to your exact length requirements (both the heating element and the cable) as well as the end connector (DC plug, USB or other) - this has made a big difference in keeping things tidy.

Here's a few images of my set-up:

I tried the same solution, but I think that my OTA (Skywatcher 200) is a bit high on the mount with this solution.

I want to try and get the weight either off the mount or at least closer to the center of gravity.

But it’s a nice solution making it easy to switch scopes.

Christian Bennich

Topic starter

Dec 22, 2024

Dan Brown:

This is how I set up my GTX110. I have a Quieter 3, Optec focus control box, usb hub, and home made power distribution box all mounted to an aluminum bracket. I designed it to place the added weight as close to the RA axis as possible. No clearance issues with the mount. The only drawback is that it isn't an off the shelf solution.
Dan

Nice solution Dan.
I am considering making a plate that could be mounted between the legs of the tripod, where I could then have then Melee and the powersupply.

Thank you for sharing your solution.

Dan Brown

Dec 22, 2024

Tony Gondola:
I still use a laptop that sits on a small table under the mount. There are two cables that hang down from the but only one of those moves with the OTA. I can connect to the laptop remotely with the cover closed, something it took me awhile to discover! I know this isn't supposed to be ideal but honestly, it's worked great and I really see no need to change it. If I went with a fanless dedicated PC I think I would still mount it to a tripod leg or the RA body and not to the OTA.

I see a few advantages to mounting the computer on the telescope. First, shorter usb wires. Second, if you have a through the mount cabling system, and can work with wifi, you should be able to forgo wires between the mount and scope that could snag. Last, and more important if you are a traveler like me, it is a tidier setup.
Dan

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Christian Bennich

Topic starter

Dec 22, 2024

Dan Brown:
Tony Gondola:
I still use a laptop that sits on a small table under the mount. There are two cables that hang down from the but only one of those moves with the OTA. I can connect to the laptop remotely with the cover closed, something it took me awhile to discover! I know this isn't supposed to be ideal but honestly, it's worked great and I really see no need to change it. If I went with a fanless dedicated PC I think I would still mount it to a tripod leg or the RA body and not to the OTA.

I see a few advantages to mounting the computer on the telescope. First, shorter usb wires. Second, if you have a through the mount cabling system, and can work with wifi, you should be able to forgo wires between the mount and scope that could snag. Last, and more important if you are a traveler like me, it is a tidier setup.
Dan

I would tend to agree, however by having slightly longer cables, at least in my more permanent backyard, setup I can easily run the cables very close the mount and tape them directly to the scope, making sure that nothing is hanging loose in the wrong places when my scope moves.

In a travelling scenario, I can absolutely see the benefit of the opposite.

Tony Gondola

Frequent contributor

Dec 22, 2024

I do control the sessions over my home network via wi-fi to the rig. I don't use extra long USB cables, just the ones that came with the hardware so that's a non-issue. I usually shoot one subject per night so it's easy to verify that the one cable is free. I know it's common practice to OTA mount fanless. It is neater for sure but I can think of a couple of reasons not to do it:

Because the PC is independent of the OTA, it's easy to switch rigs.
The CG of the OTA can be kept as low as possible, this is just as important as weight.
Weight of the OTA is kept as low as possible.
Waste heat from the PC is further away from the optics and less likely to cause issues that sometimes can be really hard to recognize.

A normal run for me is to let the rig run all night. In the morning I take my sky flats and nip outside to retrieve the laptop. I like that because it's all ready to go. It's nice to watch a quick stack run while eating breakfast for a quick look at the night's data.

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John Hayes

Frequent contributor

Dec 22, 2024

Dan Brown:

This is how I set up my GTX110. I have a Quieter 3, Optec focus control box, usb hub, and home made power distribution box all mounted to an aluminum bracket. I designed it to place the added weight as close to the RA axis as possible. No clearance issues with the mount. The only drawback is that it isn't an off the shelf solution.
Dan

This is a superb solution Dan! It is very similar to what I did with my C14 years ago and it’s an excellent way to distribute the mass to maximize mechanical stability. VERY nicely done!

John

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Dan Brown

Dec 22, 2024

John Hayes:
Dan Brown:

This is how I set up my GTX110. I have a Quieter 3, Optec focus control box, usb hub, and home made power distribution box all mounted to an aluminum bracket. I designed it to place the added weight as close to the RA axis as possible. No clearance issues with the mount. The only drawback is that it isn't an off the shelf solution.
Dan

This is a superb solution Dan! It is very similar to what I did with my C14 years ago and it’s an excellent way to distribute the mass to maximize mechanical stability. VERY nicely done!

John

Thank you for the kind words John. I made a similar setup for my Epsilon.
Dan

Rodolphe Goldsztejn

Dec 23, 2024

I basically tie a NUC together with a Pegasus UPB using a Velcro strap.
I then tie both at the top of the OTA, close to the RA axis, using a Velcro again, but with a soft plastic mat between the devices and the OTA to prevent any slippage during the night. The mat also helps with tension and doesn’t damage the OTA.
Swapping OTAs into the mount is then done in 5 minutes, just the time to reconnect everything. I also have dedicated dew heaters which stay permanently on each OTA.
With the Celestron 8, I use a similar strategy by placing the NUC and the UPB on both sides of the OTA, close to the dovetail, tied up against the OTA with Velcro and a plastic mat for each. It helps balance the setup, and it still allows attaching a small refractor on top for guiding.
I have been running like this for the last 5-6 years without any issue.
I believe it’s simple, easy to setup, and cheap at the same time.
My 2 cents.

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Stefan Kellner

Dec 23, 2024

Hi,

i created a simple plate and base for the Pegasus and the Mele Quieter that makes it easy to switch the setup between telescopes with only two screws. I created base plates for each scope.

https://www.printables.com/model/999294-computer-and-powerbox-plate-for-telescopes-easy-to

I will also share the Fusion360 files on printables. I´m using it with a 90mm refractor, a Sharpstar 15028 HNT, and an EgdeHD 800. As sometimes I had connection problems with the Mele, I also added a small Wifi Router on top of the Mele.

I'm connecting the Mele via Wifi and log on via Remote Desktop. I have two cables from the AM5 to the rig: USB and Power.

EgdeHD:

Refractor:

CS,

Stefan

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Médéric Hébert

Dec 24, 2024 · Edited: Dec 24, 2024

Probably not the same type nor size of scope, but I simply use a flat aluminum bar to attach my power/USB hub and PC. My losmandy plate is long enough (for rigidity) to let me bolt the bar below were it sits in the saddle. (please don't look at my cable mess)

Shannon Foye

Dec 27, 2024

I had the PC and PowerBox on top of the OTA when I imaged from home (see first image). All of the other electronics were placed on the ground under the tripod.

When I prepared my gear for a remote observatory, I kept the Pegasus PowerBox on top of the OTA but I put the PC, three Powerwerx variable voltage power supplies, Digital Loggers Web Power Switch, ethernet switch, and two clear plastic storage boxes in a mini server cabinet. The cabinet has a ventilation fan that is controlled with the web power switch. The only thing that wouldn't fit in the mini server cabinet is the UPS. It is mounted on a bracket on the front of the pier.

I prepared the mini server cabinet for remote imaging but it would have been just as useful for imaging at home because I could have taken all electronics, power supplies, etc. outside in one trip. A handle bolted to the top of the cabinet like the one on top of my OTA would have made carrying the cabinet back and forth a breeze.

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Darryl Ackerman

Dec 27, 2024

Stefan Kellner:
Hi,

i created a simple plate and base for the Pegasus and the Mele Quieter that makes it easy to switch the setup between telescopes with only two screws. I created base plates for each scope.

https://www.printables.com/model/999294-computer-and-powerbox-plate-for-telescopes-easy-to

I will also share the Fusion360 files on printables. I´m using it with a 90mm refractor, a Sharpstar 15028 HNT, and an EgdeHD 800. As sometimes I had connection problems with the Mele, I also added a small Wifi Router on top of the Mele.

I'm connecting the Mele via Wifi and log on via Remote Desktop. I have two cables from the AM5 to the rig: USB and Power.

EgdeHD:

Refractor:

CS,

Stefan

Where did you get that power cable for the Mele? I'm using a 5.5x2.1 to type-c adapter. I'd much rather use that cable but couldn't find one...

Thanks,
Darryl

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Darryl Ackerman

Dec 27, 2024

I got some synta shoe adapters from Buckeye Stargazers and mount the power box and mele on top.

Rodolphe Goldsztejn

Dec 27, 2024

Darryl Ackerman:
Where did you get that power cable for the Mele? I'm using a 5.5x2.1 to type-c adapter. I'd much rather use that cable but couldn't find one...

I found one from Pegasus Astro:
SKU: PEG-CABL-21MUSBC
Your usual astro retailer should be able to order it from them.

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Stefan Kellner

Dec 27, 2024 · Edited: Dec 27, 2024

Darryl Ackerman:
Stefan Kellner:
Hi,

i created a simple plate and base for the Pegasus and the Mele Quieter that makes it easy to switch the setup between telescopes with only two screws. I created base plates for each scope.

https://www.printables.com/model/999294-computer-and-powerbox-plate-for-telescopes-easy-to

I will also share the Fusion360 files on printables. I´m using it with a 90mm refractor, a Sharpstar 15028 HNT, and an EgdeHD 800. As sometimes I had connection problems with the Mele, I also added a small Wifi Router on top of the Mele.

I'm connecting the Mele via Wifi and log on via Remote Desktop. I have two cables from the AM5 to the rig: USB and Power.

CS,

Stefan

Where did you get that power cable for the Mele? I'm using a 5.5x2.1 to type-c adapter. I'd much rather use that cable but couldn't find one...

Thanks,
Darryl

I cut the original cable and soldered on a plug.

DavesView

Dec 27, 2024

This is an FLT91 with a WO 50/200 uniguide scope. I use a Beelink Ryzen 7, Pegasus UPBv3 and have one power cable going to a Pegasus 20amp PS sitting on the tripod. The Beelink sits in a VESA bracket that I picked up on Amazon for about $20. I use the Pegasus mounting plate. It is very light weight, although could use a better screw slot layout. The whole rig weighs under 29 lbs. The mount is a WarpAstron WD-20. Other equipments are Pegasus rotator, ASI filter wheel, ASI focuser, ASI6200MM-P, etc. If I need wired internet, I run a temp Cat6 down to a router on the tripod. Normally I just run WiFi over an Araknis network.

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Christian Bennich

Topic starter

Dec 27, 2024

Thank you all!!!

anyone with solutions where things are mounted on the tripod legs or in other ways between the tripod legs?

Darryl Ackerman

Dec 27, 2024

Christian Bennich:
Thank you all!!!

anyone with solutions where things are mounted on the tripod legs or in other ways between the tripod legs?

Check out buckeye stargazers. He makes adapters to connect to your powerbox and mini-pc, then you choose the adapter that connects those to the tripod legs, finder shoe, etc...

https://buckeyestargazer.net/Shop.php

Julio Maset

Jan 16, 2025

I use the VESA plate enclosed with the Mele. I attached a small dovetail to connect to the tube. The advantage is the space among the Mele and the tube and the heat dissipation capacity of the VESA plate.