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Power supply for astro imaging

Equipment Power Supply
11 replies•308 views
Richard Gifford avatar
Richard Gifford avatar
Hi all, I'm looking for  suggestions regarding a good quality power supply for my astro imaging equipment.

I've realised that if I had a power supply failure due to high voltage output (which I have happened in the past with different equipment), there is a risk of damage to some expensive equipment.

I need a power supply with 13.5 volts at 10 amps.  It needs to be over voltage protected.

My mount, asiair plus and camera cost a total around £7000 and I don't want to risk damage from a cheap power supply failing.

Appreciate any suggestions of a high quality product.

I currently use a switch mode power supply, am not sure if a linear model would be safer or not.

I don't want to use batteries as have mains available where I image.
Rick Krejci avatar
Rick Krejci avatar
I use and have trusted Pyramid power supplies for years.    I have the 12 amp 13.8 V linear one and it works great.
Well Written
Tim Ray avatar
Tim Ray avatar
I use a 3D printer power supply from amazon. Clean - 3D mother boards vs Mounting MB's (same need for clean power), high current - easily handle 10amps. These PS's power heated build plates on 3D printers vs A much lighter load on a scope rig at high slews and high current settings. 

Cheap - Amazon
I installed mine inside a plastic tool box. The tool box gives ample room for cables and other gadgets when not in use….

CS Tim
Médéric Hébert avatar
Médéric Hébert avatar
I run all my power through a Pegasus upbv3, worse that can happen is the upbv3 will shut off the power to the other devices. I had it happen before when trying to use a faulty power supply (15v instead of claimed 12v). Everything survived.
Arun H avatar
Arun H avatar
https://powerwerx.com/ss30dv-desktop-dc-power-supply-powerpole

if you are concerned about 13.8 vs 14.1V, you can use this one which allows you to select the voltage:

https://powerwerx.com/variable-power-supply-digital-meters-30amp
Bill McLaughlin avatar
Bill McLaughlin avatar
Arun H:
https://powerwerx.com/ss30dv-desktop-dc-power-supply-powerpole

if you are concerned about 13.8 vs 14.1V, you can use this one which allows you to select the voltage:

https://powerwerx.com/variable-power-supply-digital-meters-30amp

+1 on these. I have a couple of the adjustable voltage ones. The only downside is that you have to be sure to not bump the voltage knob and change it to something higher or lower than desired. I made new knobs for that adjustment that can be locked in place. I machined mine but one could probably also 3D print one.
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Richard Gifford avatar
Richard Gifford avatar
Médéric Hébert:
I run all my power through a Pegasus upbv3, worse that can happen is the upbv3 will shut off the power to the other devices. I had it happen before when trying to use a faulty power supply (15v instead of claimed 12v). Everything survived.



Just looking at this, it looks like may be what I'm looking for.  Expensive but compared to the cost of replacing everything if my current psu fails, not so bad
Médéric Hébert avatar
Médéric Hébert avatar
Richard Gifford:
Médéric Hébert:
I run all my power through a Pegasus upbv3, worse that can happen is the upbv3 will shut off the power to the other devices. I had it happen before when trying to use a faulty power supply (15v instead of claimed 12v). Everything survived.



Just looking at this, it looks like may be what I'm looking for.  Expensive but compared to the cost of replacing everything if my current psu fails, not so bad

It also comes with other nice stuff, auto dew control on 3 port, switchable USB and power for when a device freeze. 2 variable outpout (3v-12v and 12v-24v). It is expensive, but I 100% get one again if I was starting over.
Brian Poole avatar
Brian Poole avatar
I run my dome controller with one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R5CHZAO

Voltage output is adjustable.  I can't remember what the range is on the voltage, but I'm pretty sure 13.5v wouldn't be an issue.

I also use a Pegasus Ultimate Powerbox v1 for my camera, focus motor controller, and temperature sensor.  I used to use it to power my computer, camera, and mount all at the same time though and that worked well.  If you want/need something that's scope mounted with all the extra features, I second the Pegasus Ultimate Powerbox.
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Dark Matters Astrophotography avatar
Dark Matters Astrophotography avatar
Arun H:
https://powerwerx.com/ss30dv-desktop-dc-power-supply-powerpole

if you are concerned about 13.8 vs 14.1V, you can use this one which allows you to select the voltage:

https://powerwerx.com/variable-power-supply-digital-meters-30amp



Came here to suggest these both. Excellent units!
Wei-Hao Wang avatar
Wei-Hao Wang avatar
I know this is what you are asking, but I still want to say: over the past 15 years, I simply use a Toyota hybrid to power all my astro rigs in the field.  Works perfectly.

https://app.astrobin.com/u/whwang?i=77566#gallery
Stephan Linhart avatar
Stephan Linhart avatar
I am now using those :
MeanWell HLG-185H-12A 156W 12V 13A

for a while and I have to say they tick all the boxes. You can crank the Voltage up to13.8V and limit the current if wished.
It is IP67 and can safely lay in the grass, it will not get very warm and has a very „clean“ voltage. 
The best is, it is cheap. But you have to add the connection of choice on both ends yourself. Which is OK in my case.
https://www.amazon.de/Amazon-Parent-MeanWell-Serie-HLG-185/dp/B01LWXUAC2?th=1
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