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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Schumacher XP2260 6-in-1 Jump Starter to power mounts and other astro stuff

I have been using these smaller power packs that I have collected, using them to run the Losmandy mount with good success...

Light, I carry two for Chicago Astronomer Star Parties. I have also been using them to power the new CG-5 mount, but the go-tos are energy hogs and I can get about three hours (or less), on a full charge. It comes to a point that the energy drain is enough that the CG-5's computer just won't calculate anything and will displays error messages on the hand controller readout.

I need something more robust and versatile.

There is the usual solid stand-by of the Celestron Power pack...

This version even comes with jumper cables!

C.A. Patrick has a similar one and is happy with it's performance. I almost pulled the trigger several times for the same unit, but for one reason or the other did not. About a month ago, my car battery died and I needed a jump. A co-worker said he would give me jump, but would use this to do it with...

Hooked up the cables and with a single turn of the key...started the van with a completely drained battery. I was impressed...

Looking over the powerpack, I saw that it was more than just a jumper box, but also had several other options that could be of use out in the astro field...

It has two 12v cigarette power outlets and 2 AC outlets and a USB port - which are the items that caught my attention - apart from the jumper cable abilities. It also has the inflator/deflator pump and a 3 lamp LED light, but I don't see using those often.

So...I ordered it and it arrived in about a week...

It's hefty, weighing in at 26 lbs, but so far, in limited usage...works ok. Runs the Losmandy and CG-5 very well. I like the digital display of volts and watts, as the ability to use AC power in the field is very attractive. Reviews state that some are getting about four/five hours of television hooked up to one of these. Could prove useful during a black out as well for astro intents.

Let's see how well it performs in actual field use.

[-=CROMAN=-]

I like it. I was looking at that prior to getting a marine battery last year. in retrospect I should have went the Schumacher route as hauling around a battery is a bit strenuous.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Rich,

This way, I can plug in a fellow C.A.'s scope if need be and run two mounts.

I could even plug in an AC blender and make some margaritas for the crew!..,.

[scottmason]

So, is this basically a battery and inverter in one? Sounds heavy, but I wouldn't mind having that all in one unit, plus I wouldn't need to worry about tripping the power cord and having to start all over with alignment if that's the case.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Scott,

Yes.

AC and DC service from this unit.

It tips the scale at 26 pounds, but well worth the heft.

I used the unit last night for about two hours. There's a small button under the digital display to push and see what the batter is charged to. I only used 2 % of the fully charged battery - running the C11's mount.

Soon, I'll put a real load on the power pack and see how it does.

[Paulie pchris00]

I saw this at Walmart last year, and would have bought it, except for the one I looked at did not have the AC outlets. That was a deal breaker. I have an inverter I could have used with it, but I figured if I'm going to spend $100 or so on something that big and heavy, it's going to have ALL the features I want.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I showed Paulie, Jason and Rob this powerpack on our last session and it is a hefty piece of electrons to carry around.

But it does have the AC/DC & USB ports...so I'm ready.

I last charged it when I first created this thread, 13 May....and when I flicked on the available on-board power during the last session, it still had 13v of ready to be tapped power.

Let's see how well it performs over these next few months, but I keep it in the van at all times now.

[patrickm]

Scott, Celestron has a lighter, more portable version. Larger one even has radio. Weighs 20lbs less.

[dayzedankonfused]

i like that margarita idea...lol

[scottmason]

Patrick, got a link?

[patrickm]

This is the smaller one. www.celestron.com/astronomy/celestron-powertank-12v-power-supply.html