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Power cable for astro-cameras

ZWO ASI533MC Pro Equipment CMOS
7 replies•413 views
Daniele Borsari avatar
Daniele Borsari avatar
Hi,

I bought my first dedicated astronomy camera (ZWO ASI533MC Pro) one month ago and I did two imaging sessions since then.
I don't use the original ZWO power supply, but I use one from Amazon, which has a cable with an angled connector.

I find that the angled connector works well when the camera is parallel to the ground, but this never happens while doing astrophotography and when I point to the Zenith the cable is not going in a straight way to the power supply.

I have this question: what kind of connector between angled and straight do you use/prefer with your astro-camera?



Daniele
Benny Colyn avatar
Benny Colyn avatar
Angled is nice (more compact), but combine it with a form of strain relief (zip ties, velcro, 3d print) so tension on the cable doesn't pull on the connector.
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Davy Viaene avatar
Davy Viaene avatar
Maybe not the answer that you are looking for but use cables in silicone, plastic cables become hard with low temperatures and pull on your setup what gives more guiding errors.
tjm8874 avatar
tjm8874 avatar
Cables should go to center of telescope, then loosely tied to mount (where not moving), then outside power supply and PC.
no tension anytime
https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/117470-telescope-cable-management/
Daniele Borsari avatar
Daniele Borsari avatar
@tjm8874 I saw your post on Star grazers lounge, did you use angled or straight cables?
tjm8874 avatar
tjm8874 avatar
Daniele Borsari:
did you use angled or straight cables?

generally...
Camera side : Angled is better for short cable loop = less wind blow, less chance for hitting something.
Power Supply or PC/ASIAir side : I don't care angled or straight
Bill McLaughlin avatar
Bill McLaughlin avatar
Straight and I make my own because the ones you can buy are often crap and I have had them come apart. Plugs from Mouser, Silicon Wire that is not stiff, and some good adhesive heat shrink. They will be the right length for your setup, last forever, and have decent solder/crimp joints.
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Bill Powers avatar
Bill Powers avatar
I generally use straight connectors with heavy duty size 14 AWG wires.
Well Written