Main question is what type of Cables and all do i actually need and could i power via Main or Battery if it's only in my backyard
What is a Good Way to Power it from backyard?
I usually run an extension cord from my house, in which I plug a 12v power supply to feed my rig, when the night is over I unplug and bring it back inside.
It get tedious overtime, but have worked fine for me so far. I'll add an outlet on my pier when I get to make one.
Battery also works, I've done it a few time to make sure everything works before travelling. But you need to charge it every so often depending on its capacity.
Whatever you choose, avoid cigar ligher plug at all cost, the connection isn't great.
It get tedious overtime, but have worked fine for me so far. I'll add an outlet on my pier when I get to make one.
Battery also works, I've done it a few time to make sure everything works before travelling. But you need to charge it every so often depending on its capacity.
Whatever you choose, avoid cigar ligher plug at all cost, the connection isn't great.
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I agree with the above. If you only image, or mostly image, from your backyard, power everything with a convenient source - probably mains power. I always power my system the same way I would when going to a dark site. This ensures that I have all the parts and connections correct and ready to go. Less chance of forgetting something.
CS,
Ron
CS,
Ron
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Extension cord to a regulated power supply like the below:
https://powerwerx.com/variable-power-supply-digital-meters-30amp?srsltid=AfmBOoqiAEwHDvyhFV5Y-7PnTDHzI_tE5Pjt8myLAyLI6lxXI3zwvLngXPs&gQT=1
connected to a Rigrunner distribution strip
https://powerwerx.com/west-mountain-radio-rigrunner-4008
If doing remote, all connections remain the same except a LiFePO4 battery is connected to the input of the Rigrunner.
https://powerwerx.com/variable-power-supply-digital-meters-30amp?srsltid=AfmBOoqiAEwHDvyhFV5Y-7PnTDHzI_tE5Pjt8myLAyLI6lxXI3zwvLngXPs&gQT=1
connected to a Rigrunner distribution strip
https://powerwerx.com/west-mountain-radio-rigrunner-4008
If doing remote, all connections remain the same except a LiFePO4 battery is connected to the input of the Rigrunner.
For Home observatory setup, I use a regular Mains supply through direct or Extension cord depending on the setup on Tripod or Pier. My custom made Pier has a built in power connection anyway
For outside/remote Observations am currently exploring a Battery pack which can give upto 5 -6 hrs of power for the setup
For outside/remote Observations am currently exploring a Battery pack which can give upto 5 -6 hrs of power for the setup
I use an Anker Solix C1000 power station.
it works perfectly, has never failed on me, and even has an LED strip for when I'm fumbling in the dark and I need light.
I've observed, approximately 4/5 hours of use causes the battery to drain by 30 percent, so it can last a full night and a half, or probably two, powering my AVX mount, 2600mm-p, EFW, ASIair, asi174 mini.
it works perfectly, has never failed on me, and even has an LED strip for when I'm fumbling in the dark and I need light.
I've observed, approximately 4/5 hours of use causes the battery to drain by 30 percent, so it can last a full night and a half, or probably two, powering my AVX mount, 2600mm-p, EFW, ASIair, asi174 mini.
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hi
In astrophotography, we generally work with low voltage, and the main power source is DC.
We also work with low wattage consumption.
If you give me more information about the equipment (power consumption), distances between the main power supply and the equipment, and environmental conditions, I can calculate the power consumption, AWG cables, and other information related to your power setup.
This is my recommendation as a marine electronics technician.
CS
Brian
In astrophotography, we generally work with low voltage, and the main power source is DC.
We also work with low wattage consumption.
If you give me more information about the equipment (power consumption), distances between the main power supply and the equipment, and environmental conditions, I can calculate the power consumption, AWG cables, and other information related to your power setup.
This is my recommendation as a marine electronics technician.
CS
Brian
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Thanks all i will look at it all!
you people help alot for a beginner like me just trying to fuirge out this stuff!
you people help alot for a beginner like me just trying to fuirge out this stuff!
I use USB C to 5.5x2.5/5.5x2.1 adapters like this:
https://a.co/d/dUIlDzm
And 27000mAh power banks. I had those because they are the max capacity you can fly with. Have been using one for ASIAir and one for mount + dew heater.
https://a.co/d/dUIlDzm
And 27000mAh power banks. I had those because they are the max capacity you can fly with. Have been using one for ASIAir and one for mount + dew heater.
An important decision to make is how you want to do your power distribution. Most of your devices will be 12V. You could just take an extension cord with multiple sockets and stick power adapters in for each of your devices (they usually come with one). This makes cable management very complex. Another option is to take a solid power adapter (e.g. 100-300W) to go from mains to 12V and use a power distribution box to connect all 12V devices. You stick this box on the scope and all cabling is a lot easier. Pegasus Astro makes some great products for this, but something like an ASIAir also works as a power distribution box. These boxes come with added benefit that they usually also work as a USB-hub and dew heater power supply.
If you're interested in an example, you can see my original setup here. And in case you want to travel with it, you swap out the 100-300W power adapter for an equally proportioned power station and everything else can stay the same.
If you're interested in an example, you can see my original setup here. And in case you want to travel with it, you swap out the 100-300W power adapter for an equally proportioned power station and everything else can stay the same.
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For my backyard setup, I run off a portable battery, in my case it's a Jackery. Useful to have since it also makes your rig more portable if that is important to you. I think I'm using the Jackery 500.
-Sean
-Sean
Arun H:
Extension cord to a regulated power supply like the below:
https://powerwerx.com/variable-power-supply-digital-meters-30amp?srsltid=AfmBOoqiAEwHDvyhFV5Y-7PnTDHzI_tE5Pjt8myLAyLI6lxXI3zwvLngXPs&gQT=1
connected to a Rigrunner distribution strip
https://powerwerx.com/west-mountain-radio-rigrunner-4008
If doing remote, all connections remain the same except a LiFePO4 battery is connected to the input of the Rigrunner.
Thats a super serious power setup. Have you noticed any performance increase or dependability?
Everything is connection via an normal current outlet from the house in the backyard….and i use the power supplies provided by the manufacturers. Never had issues. I do have a spare 12V power supply in case one fails.
I did run my smaller rig on a battery supply once when i was abroad in Austria, LiOn battery. Worked fine also. that included the mount, the camera, USB dew heaters and the laptop.
I did run my smaller rig on a battery supply once when i was abroad in Austria, LiOn battery. Worked fine also. that included the mount, the camera, USB dew heaters and the laptop.
AstroÅmazer:
I use USB C to 5.5x2.5/5.5x2.1 adapters like this:
https://a.co/d/dUIlDzm
And 27000mAh power banks. I had those because they are the max capacity you can fly with. Have been using one for ASIAir and one for mount + dew heater.
I also use portable power banks in the limit of what is allowed by airlines (meaning of maximum capacity of 100Wh)
And I use them all the time, not only when I travel but also in my backyard, because they are very convenient: they are small and easy to install, so I do not need to run cables through my garden.
For my setup, one such power bank lasts for about 4-5 hours. But they exist in higher capacities as well.
I put a link in this forum post: https://www.astrobin.com/forum/post/176399/
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AstroÅmazer:
I use USB C to 5.5x2.5/5.5x2.1 adapters like this:
https://a.co/d/dUIlDzm
And 27000mAh power banks. I had those because they are the max capacity you can fly with. Have been using one for ASIAir and one for mount + dew heater.
I also use portable power banks in the limit of what is allowed by airlines (meaning of maximum capacity of 100Wh)
And I use them all the time, not only when I travel but also in my backyard, because they are very convenient: they are small and easy to install, so I do not need to run cables through my garden.
For my setup, one such power bank lasts for about 4-5 hours. But they exist in higher capacities as well.
I put a link in this forum post: https://www.astrobin.com/forum/post/176399/
I never bothered to get a Jackery/Anker Solix because I had 2 27000mAh power banks. They are that number because the nominal voltage for them is 3.7V so to stay under 100Wh...
AstroÅmazer:AstroÅmazer:
I use USB C to 5.5x2.5/5.5x2.1 adapters like this:
https://a.co/d/dUIlDzm
And 27000mAh power banks. I had those because they are the max capacity you can fly with. Have been using one for ASIAir and one for mount + dew heater.
I also use portable power banks in the limit of what is allowed by airlines (meaning of maximum capacity of 100Wh)
And I use them all the time, not only when I travel but also in my backyard, because they are very convenient: they are small and easy to install, so I do not need to run cables through my garden.
For my setup, one such power bank lasts for about 4-5 hours. But they exist in higher capacities as well.
I put a link in this forum post: https://www.astrobin.com/forum/post/176399/
I never bothered to get a Jackery/Anker Solix because I had 2 27000mAh power banks. They are that number because the nominal voltage for them is 3.7V so to stay under 100Wh...
I don't have a Jackery/Anker Solix either.
I have this one: https://amzn.eu/d/alTbMMr
AstroÅmazer:AstroÅmazer:
I use USB C to 5.5x2.5/5.5x2.1 adapters like this:
https://a.co/d/dUIlDzm
And 27000mAh power banks. I had those because they are the max capacity you can fly with. Have been using one for ASIAir and one for mount + dew heater.
I also use portable power banks in the limit of what is allowed by airlines (meaning of maximum capacity of 100Wh)
And I use them all the time, not only when I travel but also in my backyard, because they are very convenient: they are small and easy to install, so I do not need to run cables through my garden.
For my setup, one such power bank lasts for about 4-5 hours. But they exist in higher capacities as well.
I put a link in this forum post: https://www.astrobin.com/forum/post/176399/
I never bothered to get a Jackery/Anker Solix because I had 2 27000mAh power banks. They are that number because the nominal voltage for them is 3.7V so to stay under 100Wh...
I don't have a Jackery/Anker Solix either.
I have this one: https://amzn.eu/d/alTbMMr
Mine are an older version of this:
https://a.co/d/7IYhu4Y
With 100W max output
Clayton Ostler:
Thats a super serious power setup. Have you noticed any performance increase or dependability?
Dependability mainly. The powerpole conenctors on the Rigrunner are very secure. And given the investment in my equipment, a regulated power supply is a small investment.
I have an outdoor outlet and use a cord to supply power. A slightly more robust way to to include a battery like a Jackery or Goal Zero. My Goal Zero will run things most of the night and can be recharged while driving or via solar.
If you use an extension cord (as I do), please ensure that you buy one only as long as you need and choose a wire gauge that is as heavy as possible. If it's too long and/or the gauge is too large(wire diameter is larger the smaller the gauge number), you can have enough voltage drop to cause issues. I ran a 50 foot extension cord from my ROR observatory to my other setup and buried the extension cord just under the sod(I know that's not the best, but I got tired of disconnecting every time I cut the lawn). I had a problem in the past when I used a cheaper (smaller wire/higher gauge) extension cord.
Helpful
If you use an extension cord (as I do), please ensure that you buy one only as long as you need and choose a wire gauge that is as heavy as possible. If it's too long and/or the gauge is too large(wire diameter is larger the smaller the gauge number), you can have enough voltage drop to cause issues. I ran a 50 foot extension cord from my ROR observatory to my other setup and buried the extension cord just under the sod(I know that's not the best, but I got tired of disconnecting every time I cut the lawn). I had a problem in the past when I used a cheaper (smaller wire/higher gauge) extension cord.
Burying a cable that is not rated for burial could lead to fire, rot, and water intrusion problems. Maybe even rodent issues.
Well Written
Ian Clements:If you use an extension cord (as I do), please ensure that you buy one only as long as you need and choose a wire gauge that is as heavy as possible. If it's too long and/or the gauge is too large(wire diameter is larger the smaller the gauge number), you can have enough voltage drop to cause issues. I ran a 50 foot extension cord from my ROR observatory to my other setup and buried the extension cord just under the sod(I know that's not the best, but I got tired of disconnecting every time I cut the lawn). I had a problem in the past when I used a cheaper (smaller wire/higher gauge) extension cord.
Burying a cable that is not rated for burial could lead to fire, rot, and water intrusion problems. Maybe even rodent issues.
I know. That's why I said it wasn't a great idea. I planned on it being a temporary solution only. I figured it was safer than grass overgrowing it or me hitting it with the lawn tractor. I plan to buy proper cable this year.
Thanks all i will read up on all of the posts and see which option is Available to me!
Alrighty Thanks Folks, you've all been a good Help!
good luck with imaging to ya'll
good luck with imaging to ya'll
All of my rigs have just 2 connections to external world - Anderson Powerpole 30A (red) connectors for 12V and Ethernet cable. Rest of wiring is done inside the rig, which also has Orange Pi 5 computer to run all software.
When I image from my home observatory, I plug the Powerpoles to a 110v->12v power supply and connect ethernet to a router, connected to my home network.
When I image remotely, I plug Powerpoles to 12V battery and ethernet to a router I carry with me.
I normally image with 2 rigs remotely, so having router in the field makes things much simpler. My router can be powered from 12v too.
For 110v->12v power supplies I use old PC power supplies, which I have plenty. They can easily push 20A if needed.
When I image from my home observatory, I plug the Powerpoles to a 110v->12v power supply and connect ethernet to a router, connected to my home network.
When I image remotely, I plug Powerpoles to 12V battery and ethernet to a router I carry with me.
I normally image with 2 rigs remotely, so having router in the field makes things much simpler. My router can be powered from 12v too.
For 110v->12v power supplies I use old PC power supplies, which I have plenty. They can easily push 20A if needed.
Helpful Concise