383L Maximum Voltage?

[joelshort]

What is the maximum voltage that the 383L can take?  13.8v?  15v?

[niteman1946]

Hi Joel,

I'm using a 13.8v RPS.  This did indeed improve the noise issues over the standard 12v power source.
I've not heard of anyone running above the 13.8v value.

Mark

[joelshort]

I should add that I am currently using the Atik AC (12v) power supply.  I plan to do some noise tests with the camera on AC 12v power vs. DC 13.8v power. 

Niteman, do you know the actual noise numbers (read noise etc) with the 13.8v power?

[joelshort]

Also, I'd really prefer to use AC power in my OBS.  If the noise level is lower at 13.8v it may be hard to find a 13+v AC power supply, but still less than 15v.  12v and 15v AC power supplies are easy to find, 13.8v AC power supplies are hard to find.

[niteman1946]

Sorry Joel, I do not know how to determine the noise value.  However, visually the increase in voltage reduced the noise (hot pixels) substantially.  If you're into reading long winded threads you might see this.
http://www.atik-cameras.com/forum/index.php?topic=518.15

Here is my power supply,
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-PS9KX-Supply-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B0002BA570

Mark

[Chris]

I don't see a problem getting 13.8V power supplies, they are used for running all sorts of equipment designed to run in cars on the bench, such as CB radios and a lot of modelling kit.
I got a 13.8V 100W mains PSU from Kings Lynn Models.  Maplin do something very similar to the Pyramid one in a variety of current ratings.

Model shops tend to be less expensive than astro shops, I found one that had two web sites, for models and telescopes and the model version had the same thing for less.

Chris

[joelshort]

Chris,
Just to be clear I'm not looking for an AC to DC power supply so that I can plug the cigarette lighter power cord into it, like the Pyramid.  I've already got one of those, but I'm trying to go to all AC power in my OBS.  I want a power supply that is AC (think laptop power supply) and plugs directly into the camera.  So far I've found lots of 12v and 15v AC power supplies, but none that are 13.8v and less than $90.  Or am I missing something?  If you could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.
joel

[Chris]

This is what I got
http://www.kingslynnmodelshop.co.uk/Batteries_and_Chargers-Power_Supplies/c66_77/p692/Fusion_PS100_Power_Supply/product_info.html
It comes with 4mm banana socket/clamps and I have a suitable socket wired on, it goes to a small power distribution box that supplies the camera, focuser and scope so far. £15.31

Here's one with a connector and cable but it might be a bit low in power.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/worldwide-travel-multi-voltage-power-supply-48908

Adding a ready made cable seems to treble the price.

These are UK sites but I'm sure that there are similar things in the USA.

Chris

[joelshort]

Well, this whole conversation is irrelevant now.  After reading many posts about how the noise of the 383L was reduced with a higher voltage input (13., I decided to test my noise levels using 12v versus 13.8v inputs.

What I found is that the 12v actually had slightly less noise than 13.8v!  This seems to be opposite from what others have experienced.

12 volt AC input:
Read noise = 9.84e-
Total system noise = 11.03e-

13.8v DC input:
Read noise = 10.55e-
Total system noise = 11.82e-

So, I can happily keep using my current 12v AC power supply and know that the noise level is not adversely affected by 12v vs. 13.8v.