16 replies to this topic

[Magnum45hp]

Would there be a problem with cord wrap on the S30 in the case of using a power pack for long sessions ?  Especially when using the Plan Mode where it would be turning in a lot of directions.  Don't want to find out the hard way.

 

Thanks  Frank

[bradhaak]

Yes, it’s a problem. A few S50 users have had the Seestar’s USB port destroyed by a cable pulling it loose.

 

a solution like this can help. It will also hold your battery in place while the S30 is tipped over and spinning in EQ mode.

 

[WillR]

I use simple a simple velcro attachment and a short cord. I have several of these batteries with the Velcro attached and also use them on my dob for the cooling fan and dew strip. Foolproof and cost nothing since I have plenty of Velcro.

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[bradhaak]

Same idea - make the battery move with the Seestar. Also, you can use a short cable and not worry about tripping over it or snagging it. I don't like sticking things to my scopes, but it works.

[Magnum45hp]

Thank you all.  I had the idea of velcro. Being new with it I did not know if the problem existed. Maybe cord wrap needs to added to the AP....

[LDW47]

I was out last nite for 6 hrs. imaging all over the sky.  My power pack and 7-8 ft cable was dangling suppling my SeeStar, no tangling as usual.

 

 

 

[former lurker]

Yes, velcro! My power packs have short cables as part of the battery. I velcro the battery just above the power button. It also helps with balance in eq mode. A small velcro patch will do just fine. You don't need much.

[Tom Masterson]

I picked up a pack of "Magnetic USB Charging Cables" from Amazon that work great if you don't want to strap a battey pack to your rig, or if you run off a power tank, or larger LifePo power system that sits on the ground. They come with adapters for type 3, Micro, and Lightning plugs. While you can still get cord wrap, there's no chance of putting stress on the plug - the end will just pull loose because it's just a magnet that holds the two pieces together. I like that they swivel because the plug on my tablet is on the bottom, and when reading, I often want to rest it on my lap and am afraid of stressing the cord or plug with the normal cord. Note: These are NOT data cords. The cord end is lit, so if it drops you can find it in the dark. The end adapter covers the illuminated end when attached so it souldn't bother anything while in use. Only drawback is the little magnetic adapter stays in the device's socket, and needs to be removed in order to use a regular data cord. Nothing to grab ahold of to remove it, so it's takes some fingernail work to remove. No real big deal really, as you just click it to the cord and it's ready to use next time. I use one on with the phone mount when riding my Can-Am Spyder. No plugging and unplugging the charge cord every time I stop and want to leave the bike. I use one for charging my phone before going to bed. "Click" and the cord magnets snap together and they come apart with a gentle tug. Never knew how handy some little thing could be until I bought a pack for my astro stuff.

 

[WillR]

I picked up a pack of "Magnetic USB Charging Cables" from Amazon that work great if you don't want to strap a battey pack to your rig, or if you run off a power tank, or larger LifePo power system that sits on the ground. They come with adapters for type 3, Micro, and Lightning plugs. While you can still get cord wrap, there's no chance of putting stress on the plug - the end will just pull loose because it's just a magnet that holds the two pieces together. I like that they swivel because the plug on my tablet is on the bottom, and when reading, I often want to rest it on my lap and am afraid of stressing the cord or plug with the normal cord. Note: These are NOT data cords. The cord end is lit, so if it drops you can find it in the dark. The end adapter covers the illuminated end when attached so it souldn't bother anything while in use. Only drawback is the little magnetic adapter stays in the device's socket, and needs to be removed in order to use a regular data cord. Nothing to grab ahold of to remove it, so it's takes some fingernail work to remove. No real big deal really, as you just click it to the cord and it's ready to use next time. I use one on with the phone mount when riding my Can-Am Spyder. No plugging and unplugging the charge cord every time I stop and want to leave the bike. I use one for charging my phone before going to bed. "Click" and the cord magnets snap together and they come apart with a gentle tug. Never knew how handy some little thing could be until I bought a pack for my astro stuff.

 

magneticChargingCord.jpg

I didn’t know these existed. Cool idea but I think I’ll stick with the Velcro and short cable for this particular application.

 

My old Mac Air has the magnetic charging cable. I find a simple plug in connection simple and better as long as you don’t knock your laptop off the table.

[CraigR]

Plan mode with multiple targets: If you leave a gap (the smallest one possible is fine) between targets in your plan, the Seestar will return to home and close the arm at the completion of each target. Then it will start up again for the next target. So the cord won't wrap round and round through the night. It will always "unwind" as it returns to home.

 

Magnetic cables: A friend tried this and woke up to discover his S50 was dead after just normal movement caused the magnet to let go in the middle of the night and his battery died.

 

I've been running for 3+ months 24/7 at a remote observatory and haven't had problems. I have a 10' cable connected to power at the base of my pier and it has not been a problem.

[LDW47]

I just ordered a mount on power pack braket for my S30 similar to my 50 on the right, that will eliminate my 8' cord, even though I never had a tangle in it. Just progress, I guess.

 

 

[Astro_In_Tampa]

Because I’m at 27 deg latitude and the scope is laying almost vertical, I wanted a counterweight to help keep it from potentially tipping over. I also use a 50mAh power pack for extended sessions, and I’m concerned about the cable getting wrapped around and jamming the gears.

 

i think I found a solution to both problems with the same fix. I bought a small fanny pack that I’ve attached to the front of the scope. It sits high enough to leave plenty of cord length, and the battery acts as a counter weight. 

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[WillR]

Because I’m at 27 deg latitude and the scope is laying almost vertical, I wanted a counterweight to help keep it from potentially tipping over. I also use a 50mAh power pack for extended sessions, and I’m concerned about the cable getting wrapped around and jamming the gears.

 

i think I found a solution to both problems with the same fix. I bought a small fanny pack that I’ve attached to the front of the scope. It sits high enough to leave plenty of cord length, and the battery acts as a counter weight. 

I think you mean laying almost horizontal.

[CraigR]

I think you mean laying almost horizontal.

No, he meant *lying* almost horizontal. :-)

[CraigR]

These guys make a nice balance arm that lets you mount your wedge offset from the tripod mounting bold to move the center of gravity of the tilted Seestar over the tripod.

[bradhaak]

These guys make a nice balance arm that lets you mount your wedge offset from the tripod mounting bold to move the center of gravity of the tilted Seestar over the tripod.

My concern with that one is that a single piece of relatively thin unbraced aluminum s still going to have some flex.

 

To remain stable for a tracking telescope, we're talking about a required accuracy of arc seconds. That means any flex is unacceptable. If it had some kind of box section or was thicker, I'd probably trust it.

Edited by bradhaak, 31 March 2025 - 06:41 PM.

[Astro_In_Tampa]

I think you mean laying almost horizontal.

I do mean horizontal, yes. Stepped on it there for sure.