Extreme cold temp powering solutions

Brett Joslin:
HI everyone, 

I'm curious about what people use for a power source to image in extreme cold temperatures?  

I live in an area that could see negative temperatures for example -15 F = -26 C.  I have been using an Jakery power bank and it won't last through the night even if I plug it in to a power source to charge through the night.   

I don't want to limit my imaging time if I can help it.  I Image in my backyard, have outdoor outlets, and would prefer to use them since it will be the more reliable/powerful source of energy.

Right now I need the following outputs: 

• USB-A Output: 5V, 2.4A (to power my dew heaters and iPad)
• Car Output: 12V, 10A (to power my ASI Air Pro and DSLR)

I have a basic setup right now and want to future proof my setup for when I upgrade to a larger system which will happen.

What do you use or suggest. 

Thank you!

Where ever possible always use AC power which from your statement you shouldn’t have a problem there. Run what you can with that. Particularly the mount. If you use a laptop (indoors or outdoors?) outdoors I’d suggest a makeshift box and I have in the past used heating pad on low to keep the laptop itself warm enough to stay functional! I’m no longer doing imaging out in the open now. I’m in my observatory but thats what I used to do and it did work well for me again use AC power!

Now to power your rig “less the mounts power” I use a Talant Cell 12v DC lithium rechargeable powersupply. They make many different size ones and I have 3 of them. For my main rig I power an asi071mc pro camera’s cooling source, 2 eaf’s, 290 mini guide camera, secondary mirror dew heater.  I’m using a 38amp hour supply from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/TalentCell-PB120B1-Rechargeable-38400mAh-142-08Wh/dp/B07H8F5HYJ/?pf_rd_r=P1MDCTYMV247M934KMYF&pf_rd_p=72148aa9-8c08-440b-8d2e-6a79acee3ae3&pd_rd_r=43f10b15-bbcc-489a-b497-cad89838de33&pd_rd_w=SoJRM&pd_rd_wg=yZjjR&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m
I do use a usb hub to power as much as possible that way and the rest with the 12v dc supply. I go multiple nights without having to recharge the battery. I don’t know how fast your AirPro and DSLR will drain the supply but I wouldn’t get anything less then the 38amp.

I’m in Michigan and so far this year (2022) I’ve recorded down to -9º f and in the past have been in the same temp range as you.

Depending on what you need cord wise Amazon has just about every combination that we need for AP.

Hope this helps!

Dale

Is something like a portable 12V battery pack not an option - using 12V car/deep cycle battery? This has cigarette outlet (for the mount) and USB outlets built in. I use one for portable power for just about everything when I travel - have adapted anderson plugs to charge the battery while I drive. Price is in AUD but you get the idea - many variants available.

https://www.outbackequipment.com.au/arkpak-da25-powerpack-3-12v-battery-box
DA25.webp

Christian Côté:
It will sound weird but i use to put my battery in a camping cooler. it make a great difference.

Ha simple but insulated.  I did something similar with just a plastic storage box hoping some of the gear would keep it a couple degrees warmer.

Scott Badger:
Fortunately, my site is at home and within reach of an extension cord, so I haven't had power issues. But even at steamy -5f to +5f temps I've had problems with cables cracking, especially the thicker ones on my AC adaptors. I've looked for cold weather options but haven't found anything, so lots of electrical tape.... 

Cheers,
Scott

I haven’t had a cable crack yet. They sure do feel like they could.  I want to avoid using my Jackery in cold weather unless I’m imaging somewhere without power.

So what do you buy dc to ac adaptor cables for your gear and just plug it into a power strip?   

I was just going to do that. I also have usb dew heaters so I would need something for those.  Arun H recommended a solution above not sure if that would plug directly into An AC outlet.

Scott Badger:
My camera (QHY268M) came with an AC adaptor which I plug into a port at the back of the RA axis to power the camera, filter wheel (plugged into a port on the camera), and my dew heater via two ports in the saddle (there's actually three, but the dew eater doesn't leave anything for the third). The saddle also has two powered USB ports which take care of my guide camera and focuser.  I don't remember if the mount came with an adaptor, or I had to get it separately, but in any case I have a second AC adaptor that powers just the mount. Both adaptors are plugged into a power strip which is plugged into an extension cord running from the house. Fortunately, my home site is such that I can't do much better elsewhere in this part of the country, so no need to be mobile except to be social, and I'm not very.....: )

Cheers,
Scott

Thank you. I would rather set up in the backyard myself.  I don’t have a large rig yet but I’m sure it’s not easy transporting everything. Kudos to those who do. Thanks for the info.

Scott Badger:
I've had problems with cables cracking

I'm in the UK so temps below -10C are infrequent especially in urban areas. I make up my own 12V leads using silicone 2 core cable. Lapp Olflex 0046001. (From Amazon UK) For mains I use 318-A / BS6004 Arctic Grade PVC cable, flexible to -20C, OK to use down to -30C. The silicone stuff is OK down to -50C with some specialist stuff OK to -90C.  Must be similar wherever you are situated.

I have an observatory with power outlets and use a Meanwell AC-DC power supply (12 V, 150 W) to power everything except the Raspberry Pi that runs off a Meanwell 5 V, 50 W(?) supply. All power cables have silicone insulation so they stay flexible however cold it gets. The only cable coming of the mount is an ethernet cable that connects the Pi to my home network (WiFi is unreliable in my observatory).
The only two items that are connected to a car battery are the winches that operate the roofs in my observatory.

Brett Joslin:

Christian Côté:
It will sound weird but i use to put my battery in a camping cooler. it make a great difference.

Ha simple but insulated.  I did something similar with just a plastic storage box hoping some of the gear would keep it a couple degrees warmer.

not weird. I built my own battery box using a Lithium battery housed inside a cooler with a handle and wheels. keeps it dry, warm and portable.