Atik383L mono Issue

[sazam91]

Hey everyone,

I set out last night to fully test out my Atik 383L mono and EFW2 on my mount and experienced some issues. I was able to acquire some focus and frame shots and an image of NGC7000 which was riddled with tracking errors. I had left my camera turned on (cooler was running) while I was fixing my guiding issues and when I finally was able to get a 10 min frame, the image was all black. I stretched it and it was white. I noticed that my power tank's battery indicator was yellow and am wondering if low battery has anything to do with the result i got.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

-Sal

[NickK]

The batteries used in power packs (lead acid) usually drop the voltage as the charge drops - this means the camera, and the rest of the equipment, may not have been getting the correct voltage.

I'll use a 100 Ah battery to ensure that the voltage remains high, however if possible I'll use a big Maplins bench power supply that outputs 13.8V and can supply 7A easily.

[MikeM]

The 383 is quite finicky about its power. That could be your issue.

[sazam91]

Thanks for the reply!

What do you guys recommend I use as a portable supply? I may be moving my scope into my backyard and in that case, what do I need to do direct power from the house to the camera and filter wheel?

Thanks,
Sal

[chrisjbaileyuk]

I use a 13.8volt 7Amp Bench Power for camera, filter wheel, focuser and dew heat. Works a treat. the frames from the 383 are so much cleaner if fed a little more voltage than 12.

[sazam91]

Thanks guys,

I'm very new to all this and am confused as to what exactly I need to power my gear if i were to use power from the house. Can someone link to what I need to power the ccd and filter wheel?

Really appreciate it!

Sal

[sazam91]

Would this work?

http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-13-8-Volt-Cigarette-Lighter-Adapter/dp/B0002BA57A/ref=pd_sim_e_6

[NickK]

Would this work?

http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-13-8-Volt-Cigarette-Lighter-Adapter/dp/B0002BA57A/ref=pd_sim_e_6

13.8V is the perfect voltage - and the 10 amp rating means it has a massive reserve of power available (also good). I can run an EQ6, 383L, Titan, EFW2, dew heater with two straps all off my 13.8V 7 amp power supply!

I built my own battery box with push-twist-lock fast connectors. Inside I have the 12V 100Ah Bosch S5 car batter with battery charger and 13.8V PSU. Simply by changing the clips I can switch from fully mobile to being able to run off the PSU whilst at star parties.

[niteman1946]

I'm using this in my observatory.

http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-PS9KX-Supply-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B0002BA570/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1378760878&sr=1-1&keywords=pyramid+ps9

It's only pushing the Atik 383L+mono and EFW2.  Works great and cleaned up the low voltage noise.

Mark

[sazam91]

Thanks a lot for the help and replies!!

-Sal

[MikeM]

I use the same one as Mark. Works great.

[sazam91]

When using the Pyramid, can I plug a 4 port DC outlet to it to attach multiple items?

Such as: http://www.amazon.com/LENMAR-SPP-04-Power-Outlet-Socket/dp/B00009RUGY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1378790714&sr=8-8&keywords=dc+cigarette+plug

[sazam91]

Also, when using a deep marine cycle battery in the field, I believe it outputs 12v constantly. Should I be worried about any noise at that voltage?

I really appreciate all the help!