Battery pack ideas

-=CROMAN=-
Tenured Chicago Astronomer

Posts: 683

Battery pack ideas Dec 9, 2011 17:01:35 GMT -6

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Post by -=CROMAN=- on Dec 9, 2011 17:01:35 GMT -6

I am researching homemade battery packs to power my worm drive on the c8. It requires 120vac and draws 3 watts.

I'm thinking a deep cycle marine battery, battery box with 12vdc outlets and a 100 watt inverter.

I'll most likely hookup a netbook computer to it so the chicks think im cool. I think the 100 watt inverter is probably just about right.

Recommendations anyone?

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@iskywatch

erikruud
Tenured Chicago Astronomer

Posts: 538

Battery pack ideas Dec 9, 2011 18:59:00 GMT -6

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Post by erikruud on Dec 9, 2011 18:59:00 GMT -6

Get an inverter that can be connected directly to the battery. we found out while getting ready for the holiday lights parade that most inverters only deliver their rated power when directly connected to the battery.

Walmart has a nice 400watt inverter by Schumacher for $39.99. It connects directly to the battery and has a digital read out to monitor the load and the battery status.

erikruud
Tenured Chicago Astronomer

Posts: 538

Battery pack ideas Dec 9, 2011 19:06:02 GMT -6

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Post by erikruud on Dec 9, 2011 19:06:02 GMT -6

Here is the one I liked.
www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher-XI41DU-Power-Inverter/15140200

It has the added bonus of a USB port to charge phones, tablets, cameras, etc.

the instruction manual is here: www.batterychargers.com/Documents/0099001090WB-02.pdf

Last Edit: Dec 9, 2011 19:07:54 GMT -6 by erikruud

erikruud Tenured Chicago Astronomer Posts: 538	Battery pack ideas Dec 9, 2011 19:10:12 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by erikruud on Dec 9, 2011 19:10:12 GMT -6 Oh wait, keep in mind that laptops tend to only like inverters that provide a pure sine wave. They tend to cost more. I found it was more efficient to get a car adapter designed for my laptop.

erikruud Tenured Chicago Astronomer Posts: 538	Battery pack ideas Dec 9, 2011 19:41:03 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by erikruud on Dec 9, 2011 19:41:03 GMT -6 It's primarily aimed at RV owners, but there is lot of good information at "The Twelve Volt Side of Life"

Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe
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Battery pack ideas Dec 9, 2011 20:29:20 GMT -6

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Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Dec 9, 2011 20:29:20 GMT -6

I like this Stanley one...

www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-300-Amp-Jump-Starter/14560015

The 300 Amp Battery Jump Starter has 600 Peak amps, 12V SLA Battery and 12V and USB Outlet. It also has a power/charge indicator and a reverse polarity alarm with a CEC approved charger built in. Comes with heavy duty metal clamps and #6 AWG cables and has an impact resistant injection molded body.

300-amps of instant starting power
600 peak amps / 12V & USB outlet
High powered LED light that rotates 270 degrees
Power/Charge indicator and reverse polarity alarm

But, I am about a click away from ordering this Celestron Powerpack...

www.telescopes.com/telescope-accessories/power-supplies/celestronpowertank12vpowersupply7amphour.cfm

DESCRIPTION

The Celestron PowerTank portable power source is a must-have accessory for any astronomer. Best used with the larger NexStar GPS, Advanced Series, and CGE series telescopes, it also will work with Meade telescopes when used with an adapter. The PowerTank 7 contains a rechargeable, 7-ampere-hour battery to ensure you have a LONG time to view with your telescope! Plug the PowerTank into your car's cigarette lighter socket or a regular AC house current outlet to recharge.
If you're taking your telescope into the dark, check out the Celestron PowerTank. It provides power for all your celestial adventures and a flashlight to help you find your way home again.

7-ampere-hour battery
Two 12V output cigarette lighter ports
3V, 6V, and 9V outputs for accessories
Built-in flashlight with red filter cap
Energy efficient LED spotlight
Booster terminal on rear side
Cigarette lighter charging adapter
AC adapter for charging
Built-in circuit breaker for safety

With promos and awards...I can knock the Celestron down to about $49.00

I like the big light in front of the Celestron and C.A. Patrick has one of these....but I like the massive amp storage/power in case of a need for a jump on a cold astronomer's evening.

I'm undecided...

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patrickm
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Posts: 1,621

Battery pack ideas Dec 9, 2011 22:39:54 GMT -6 via the ProBoards App

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Post by patrickm on Dec 9, 2011 22:39:54 GMT -6

I asked for the bigger PowerTank for a bd present. The smaller one will jump a weak battery. The big one will fire the former space shuttle, and has AM/FM radio. MUCH heavier though. That said, I've never come close to running it down. I did exhaust the smaller one once.

@pkmonaghan

Paulie pchris00
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Battery pack ideas Jan 5, 2012 15:09:35 GMT -6

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Post by Paulie pchris00 on Jan 5, 2012 15:09:35 GMT -6

I was looking around in the Valpo Kmart Tuesday, and believe I saw this power unit for $80.

www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02871987000P?mv=rr

I'm definitely in the market for a power source, but wasn't ready to jump at that moment. I didn't fully investigate, so possibly the tag had been switched. I just looked around online to see what kind of deals are out there on the Die Hard line. I noticed the unit above had some bad reviews. Since I'm mostly wanting a power source to run my laptop, not jump start my car, should I be worried about the bad reviews? And if I can believe the good reviews, purportedly by mechanics who use them often, and keep them properly charged, then it shouldn't be a problem. I already have a power inverter that runs off my 12v cigarette lighter in my car, but...

For $5 more online, this unit has AC plugs.

www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_082W656598840001P?mv=rr

Rumor has it that the Portage Super Kmart store is going out of business soon. I might wait and see what kind of liquidation mark downs they have, but I figure a lot of their automotive merchandise will sell quickly. Worth a look, I think.

Last Edit: Jan 5, 2012 15:20:54 GMT -6 by Paulie pchris00

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magic612
Full Chicago Astronomer

Posts: 381

Battery pack ideas Jan 6, 2012 11:17:55 GMT -6

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Post by magic612 on Jan 6, 2012 11:17:55 GMT -6

Using a battery with an inverter to then power the 120VDC C8 makes sense. To use the same battery (12V) to invert it to 120VAC then back to 12VDC (or somewhere in there) is wasting energy, methinks. I guess it depends on the voltage requirements of the netbook - I know some of those run at 14.8V or so with Li-Ion batteries and such. So maybe you'll need that.

Just keep in mind that 100W inverter isn't all that much. Volts x Amps = Watts. You need to figure how much amperage you will be pulling - and then add some on for safety's sake. I don't think the C8 will pull all that much, but it doesn't hurt to check either. 100W / 120V = 0.8 amps. A marine battery won't break a sweat on that, but the inverter might wind up sucking wind if you add much of anything (SCT's can require dew heaters - a 100W inverter won't handle that, most likely).

I have a 700W inverter I bought on sale a while back for about $40 I think. I used it for 4 days at Prairie Skies Star Party running a GOTO CG-5 mount, laptop and charging my cell phone occasionally. Better to have extra capacity on the inverter.

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erikruud Tenured Chicago Astronomer Posts: 538	Battery pack ideas Jan 6, 2012 11:44:25 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by erikruud on Jan 6, 2012 11:44:25 GMT -6 Dave is correct again. DC to AC to DC wastes a lot of electrons. Find a car adapter for your laptop and connect it to the battery. Mine goes from 12v in to 20v out. it's much more efficient and wastes fewer electrons.

ih8usrnames
New Member

Posts: 2

Battery pack ideas Jan 18, 2012 20:56:59 GMT -6

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Post by ih8usrnames on Jan 18, 2012 20:56:59 GMT -6

I just ordered some of my battery makin' bits.

I will be using 3 6v 14ah batteries to supply 18v to my LX200. I am also buying a 12v 18ah battery to power my laptop, dew heaters, CCD, and other devices. I fear the 12v 18ah battery might be a little weak but I can always buy another one and wire them in parallel and get 36ah.

headdunce
Full Chicago Astronomer

Posts: 308

Battery pack ideas Jan 18, 2012 21:48:33 GMT -6

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Post by headdunce on Jan 18, 2012 21:48:33 GMT -6

I like the deep cycle boat/RV battery idea. Or if they're too big, a motorcycle battery. ...I've got 6 batteries on winter storage mode on battery tenders in the garage right now.

I'm assuming your C8 is a DC motor, I'd be shocked otherwise (but heck if I know.) And if it is DC, you can avoid the DC to AC inverter (which all suck) with the proper plugs.

I know one of my motorcycle batteries I'm going to replace this spring, so you're more than welcome to experiment with it if you want. It doesn't hold much of a charge, but works in the short.

Last Edit: Jan 18, 2012 21:51:05 GMT -6 by headdunce

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RobbW
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To Preserve & Promote our Dark Night Skies

Posts: 591

Battery pack ideas Jan 18, 2012 22:54:46 GMT -6

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Post by RobbW on Jan 18, 2012 22:54:46 GMT -6

I use a 32AH deep cycle battery I picked up from Batteries Plus. I also nabbed a battery case from the same store. Picked up some lighted rocker switches, cigarette adapter outlets, and fuses from Radio Shack. Hooked everything up and I'm good to go. I can power my entire setup all night long without any worry of running it down. I also got a battery tender/charger that allows me to leave the battery plugged in when I'm not using it, and it keeps the charge topped off without any worry of overcharging or damaging the battery. Pretty pleased with it.

www.OneDarkSky.com

I pledge reverence to the stars and to all the wonders of the universe
and to the firmament in which they shine, One Dark Sky overhead,
clearly visible, unspoiled, and accessible to all. -RobbW

Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe Administrator Administrator/Chief Astronomer Astronomer for: After School Matters - Chicago Park District - 606 Trail Posts: 7,621	Battery pack ideas Jan 18, 2012 23:10:41 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jan 18, 2012 23:10:41 GMT -6 I have seen Robb's power pack and really dig it. It's smart looking and versatile. But...it needs an 8-Track player and beverage holder.
	Chicago Astronomer Joe Founder, Administrator and Chief Astronomer After School Matters Astronomy Instructor - Gallery 37 Resident Astronomer Chicago Park District Nature Oasis/Night Out in the Parks/ 606 Trail JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador Telescope/Observatory Docent Facilitator (RET) Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

RobbW Tenured Chicago Astronomer To Preserve & Promote our Dark Night Skies Posts: 591	Battery pack ideas Jan 19, 2012 11:58:49 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by RobbW on Jan 19, 2012 11:58:49 GMT -6 Jeez, Joe. it's never enough for you ,is it? Maybe if you'd ever wander out by us in the suburbs, you could give us first-hand pointers for all the add-ons and accessories you'd like to see us install on our rigs!
	www.OneDarkSky.com I pledge reverence to the stars and to all the wonders of the universe and to the firmament in which they shine, One Dark Sky overhead, clearly visible, unspoiled, and accessible to all. -RobbW

erikruud Tenured Chicago Astronomer Posts: 538	Battery pack ideas Jan 19, 2012 16:31:22 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by erikruud on Jan 19, 2012 16:31:22 GMT -6 Don't challenge him like that Robb, my mini dob couldn't handle all the finder scopes. Besides, you already have your iPod sound track, so we don't need no stinkin' 8 tracks.

ih8usrnames
New Member

Posts: 2

Battery pack ideas Jan 19, 2012 21:38:13 GMT -6

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Post by ih8usrnames on Jan 19, 2012 21:38:13 GMT -6

I would do deep cycle except for the cost and weight, I am on the 3rd floor walk up and I think my wife is growing weary of the "just one more thing" comments before a purchase.

I know I will not get the runtime as a deep cycle but if I can get two nights of use without recharging and I am fine.

patrickm
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Posts: 1,621

Battery pack ideas Jan 20, 2012 1:08:45 GMT -6 via the ProBoards App

Quote

Post by patrickm on Jan 20, 2012 1:08:45 GMT -6

Jan 18, 2012 23:10:41 GMT -6 Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe said:

I have seen Robb's power pack and really dig it.

It's smart looking and versatile.

But...it needs an 8-Track player and beverage holder.

Bet it also only has one finder scope, too.

@pkmonaghan

RobbW Tenured Chicago Astronomer To Preserve & Promote our Dark Night Skies Posts: 591	Battery pack ideas Jan 20, 2012 10:36:11 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by RobbW on Jan 20, 2012 10:36:11 GMT -6 Yes, only one finder scope, but it does have a GLP pointer, as well. I mean, really, how many times does one NEED to find an object in a finder scope before actually viewing it in the main OTA, anyway?!?!
	www.OneDarkSky.com I pledge reverence to the stars and to all the wonders of the universe and to the firmament in which they shine, One Dark Sky overhead, clearly visible, unspoiled, and accessible to all. -RobbW

-=CROMAN=-
Tenured Chicago Astronomer

Posts: 683

Battery pack ideas Jun 21, 2012 14:58:34 GMT -6

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Post by -=CROMAN=- on Jun 21, 2012 14:58:34 GMT -6

Ok I need a little help here with an EXTREMELY simple circuit that causing me grief. I put a battery box together with one rocker switch and one 12v outlet...simple right? Problem is that the outlet has power no matter if the rocker is on or off! not good....

I have it wired as such:

(RED)Hot center from outlet spliced with another RED wire into HOT rocker terminal and FUSE to Positive on the battery

(BLACK) from outer terminal on outlet spliced with another BLACK wire into neutral Rocker terminal then on to Negative on Battery

Any ideas?

??

Last Edit: Jun 21, 2012 15:09:41 GMT -6 by -=CROMAN=-

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@iskywatch

Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe
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Battery pack ideas Jun 21, 2012 16:34:43 GMT -6

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Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jun 21, 2012 16:34:43 GMT -6

Rich,

Have you tried the center terminal for the black/red lead?

Logically, one would think that what you have there is the proper set-up for an controlled socket, but you never know.

Also, it may be a bum rocker switch?

Chicago Astronomer Joe
Founder, Administrator and Chief Astronomer

After School Matters
Astronomy Instructor - Gallery 37

Resident Astronomer
Chicago Park District
Nature Oasis/Night Out in the Parks/ 606 Trail

JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador

Telescope/Observatory Docent Facilitator (RET)
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

-=CROMAN=- Tenured Chicago Astronomer Posts: 683	Battery pack ideas Jun 21, 2012 17:10:20 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by -=CROMAN=- on Jun 21, 2012 17:10:20 GMT -6 Joe... that was it. in my rush to put to test it out i had a brain fart! the center was the winner but i think i shorted out the actual rocker light. either way im officially mobile! thanks for the slap in the head
	www.iskywatch.com @iskywatch

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Post by -=CROMAN=- on Dec 9, 2011 17:01:35 GMT -6

Post by erikruud on Dec 9, 2011 18:59:00 GMT -6

Post by erikruud on Dec 9, 2011 19:06:02 GMT -6

Post by erikruud on Dec 9, 2011 19:10:12 GMT -6

Post by erikruud on Dec 9, 2011 19:41:03 GMT -6

Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Dec 9, 2011 20:29:20 GMT -6

Post by patrickm on Dec 9, 2011 22:39:54 GMT -6

Post by Paulie pchris00 on Jan 5, 2012 15:09:35 GMT -6

Post by magic612 on Jan 6, 2012 11:17:55 GMT -6

Post by erikruud on Jan 6, 2012 11:44:25 GMT -6

Post by ih8usrnames on Jan 18, 2012 20:56:59 GMT -6

Post by headdunce on Jan 18, 2012 21:48:33 GMT -6

Post by RobbW on Jan 18, 2012 22:54:46 GMT -6

Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jan 18, 2012 23:10:41 GMT -6

Post by RobbW on Jan 19, 2012 11:58:49 GMT -6

Post by erikruud on Jan 19, 2012 16:31:22 GMT -6

Post by ih8usrnames on Jan 19, 2012 21:38:13 GMT -6

Post by patrickm on Jan 20, 2012 1:08:45 GMT -6

Post by RobbW on Jan 20, 2012 10:36:11 GMT -6

Post by -=CROMAN=- on Jun 21, 2012 14:58:34 GMT -6

Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jun 21, 2012 16:34:43 GMT -6

Post by -=CROMAN=- on Jun 21, 2012 17:10:20 GMT -6