· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Equipment Discussions >> Mounts Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 Karr24 member Reged: 12/12/12 Loc: NPR, Florida Atlas mount AC/DC converter question       #5580724 - 12/20/12 01:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I need to get a AC to DC adapter so I can use the mount in the back yard. $1,500 dollars you would think it would come with one. It says the Orion 2 Amp AC-to-12V DC Power Adapter is rated at 12v 2amps. Any reason this wouldn't work? Only $10 bucks and I can have it in two days. http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Buyouts-Switching-Supply-Adapter/dp/B0066AZBP2/... Post Extras:       Pauls72 sage Reged: 10/28/07 Loc: LaPorte, IN Re: Atlas mount AC/DC converter question [Re: Karr24]       #5580909 - 12/20/12 03:30 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That should work just fine. It needs to have a Positive(+) tip/center pin. If they don't state anything, they are normally that way. Post Extras:       gonzosc1 super member Reged: 11/08/12 Loc: South Carolina Re: Atlas mount AC/DC converter question [Re: Pauls72]       #5580986 - 12/20/12 04:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Orion also sells a 5 amp model. nice to have the extra push if needed... Post Extras:       neotesla Pooh-Bah Reged: 11/18/10 Loc: Canada Re: Atlas mount AC/DC converter question [Re: gonzosc1]       #5581118 - 12/20/12 05:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   If there is a Radio Shack near you try that as well. They have a number of those with multi tip adapters. Post Extras:       EFT Vendor - Deep Space Products Reged: 05/07/07 Loc: Phoenix, AZ Re: Atlas mount AC/DC converter question [Re: Karr24]       #5582245 - 12/21/12 10:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   2 amps is the minimum. I would suggest 3-5 amps. Most of these mounts do strange things when the power is insufficient. Post Extras:       Skylook123 Postmaster Reged: 04/30/05 Loc: Tucson, AZ Re: Atlas mount AC/DC converter question [Re: EFT]       #5582921 - 12/21/12 05:50 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ed is correct. Two amps is really walking the fence on the Synta mounts during fast slews (I use my Atlas often for satellite tracking), especially if you are at all out of perfect balance. As Gonzo mentions, Orion has a 5 amp converter. I've been using it for about two years, always stays outdoors in the weather, with no problems: Orion 5 amp converter The converter, of course, only provides the current demanded. Post Extras:       Karr24 member Reged: 12/12/12 Loc: NPR, Florida Re: Atlas mount AC/DC converter question [Re: Skylook123]       #5584559 - 12/22/12 07:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks guys. Going to go ahead and order the 5 Amp AC-to-12V DC Power Adapter. Just wanted to make sure so I dont blow up a 1,500 mount on my first light. Post Extras:       Pat at home sage Reged: 03/16/07 Loc: Campbellton, New Brunswick, Ca... Re: Atlas mount AC/DC converter question [Re: Karr24]       #5585330 - 12/23/12 10:22 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I might have missed something but why do you want an AC/DC converter as opposed to a 12 volt power tank (car jump starter or RV battery)? The ac/dc unit would not protect your EQ electronics from surges and spikes and might not be as smooth in its DC as a battery. I have an EQ6 and at the time I already had a 5 amp AC to DC power supply but dealing with an extension cord was a hassle as was the inline surge protector (as in a computer back-up power box) so I just went to an auto parts store and got a 80 ah jump starter for about 50 bucks. Post Extras:       mclewis1 Thread Killer Reged: 02/25/06 Loc: New Brunswick, Canada Re: Atlas mount AC/DC converter question [Re: Pat at home]       #5585394 - 12/23/12 11:07 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A reasonable quality and properly designed regulated 12v power supply certainly does not pass surges or most voltage spikes. You power company usually takes care of any serious voltage spikes (although in some rural areas there are certainly times when that doesn't occur). A DC battery is certainly a flat voltage source but the tiny amount of ripple and noise on good power supplies poses no risk to any electronic gear. Batteries vary the voltage as the battery is depleted. If you deplete a battery down too far (usually down below 11-10.5v) you'll start to get strange problems with many mounts. You need to correctly size a battery to match your power needs (mount, dew strips, cameras, etc.) and you need to treat the battery with care (don't deplete it too far, recharge after every use or two, etc.). Both technologies have their good and bad points, and anyone making the choice should be aware of those differences. I agree there are times when a battery is a good and convenient choice but no one should be afraid of using a good AC 12v power supply with their scope/mount. Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 25 registered and 23 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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