8 replies to this topic

[BlueFang]

Finally got some time to try to figure out a solution to the cable madness for a mobile astrophotography off-the-shelf Sky-Watcher EQ-6 Mount... 

 

My goal was to make it so I only had 2 cables to connect from my laptop / observation station.

 

• 120v power
• CAT 5 - USB over CAT 5 cable

 

This is a design I have been working on during my week of vacation. My first test print is is printing now - though the print time is pretty crazy @ 55 hours.

Items inside the box.

 

Everything else should be self contained within the mount and with short connections to the telescope. The final design requires 2 power connections - one for the 12v power supply and another for a small power strip inside the box.

 

The contents inside the box include:

• 30A  12v DC Power Supply (can operate at 12-13.8v)
• RIGRunner 4004U Anderson Powerpole distribution station - powers the Sky-Watcher Mount and Dew Heater (and maybe the Moonlite Focuser?)
• USB 50m Cat 5 extender receiver
• Moonlite Focuser controller (is the only thing that is velcro'd on for easy hand control)
• Thousand Oaks Optical Dew Heater Controller
• Anker 7 Port USB Hub

 

Items that will be controlled by USB:

• Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ 6 GT
• ASI1600mm-c imaging camera
• ASI-120mm-s guiding camera
• ZWO EFW Filter Wheel
• Moonlite Focuser

 

All USB items are connected via a USB hub in the box. USB to mount is via a 50m USB over CAT-5 cable run - which allows a lot of flexibility for laptop station placement. This is a mobile station.

 

 

[H-Alfa]

Hi

Nice project! Seems very compact and easy to use.

I made something similar that shared in the following thread:
https://r.tapatalk.c...link_source=app

In the original article I putted information about calculating cable gauges and other important calculations needed for a project like yours. Maybe can be useful for you (if you didn't already calculated).

Enviado desde mi VOG-L29 mediante Tapatalk

Edited by H-Alfa, 22 October 2020 - 03:49 AM.

[WadeH237]

This looks great!

 

My only concern would be that the power supply can get adequate ventilation for cooling.

[ryanha]

Mind blown. That is awesome. 

 

 

--Ryan

[MJB87]

Here is another option to deal with cables. I just found this and purchased it -- not yet installed. Not cheap but it provides a single small-box hub for

 

- Dew heater power for two zones (it is also a dew heater controller)

- USB 3.0 hub including 5V power supply for four connections

- 12v DC power for four connections

 

Seems like a nice item.

[Maxtrixbass]

Very timely. I am starting today to find a way to get things under control. Very nice ideas here.

[alphatripleplus]

 Not cheap but it provides a single small-box hub for

 

 

 I agree with your price observation.

[BlueFang]

Here is another option to deal with cables. I just found this and purchased it -- not yet installed. Not cheap but it provides a single small-box hub for

 

- Dew heater power for two zones (it is also a dew heater controller)

- USB 3.0 hub including 5V power supply for four connections

- 12v DC power for four connections

 

Seems like a nice item.

 

That is a cool little box. If only it had 6 USB outlets instead of 4 - as I currently have 5 items that need USB. I see they also have a 6 port hub - but whoa - the two together is ~$500

 

I also haven't been able to find a USB-3 over CAT5 solution - my USB over CAT5 works great, but is only USB2.

[Starblind]

There are several USB - CAT5 or Cat 6 extenders available (google it) but the cost is frightening!  Unless you are considering selling a kidney I'd stick with 2.0 over Cat5.

 

Bob.