52 replies to this topic

[etsi]

How do you prevent cable twist on the Seestar S50 during rotation when using an external power bank? Any tips or setups that have worked well for you? To prevent any damage.

 

 

[mbits]

I use a long cable and a usb c magnetic adapter so it can just pull off. Then I tend to plan one area of the sky anyway.

[PFJs Customs]

Just 3D print the external battery holder for the Seestar. It rides on the telescope and rotates with it. Never have to worry about cord wrap being an issue with this!

[Jethro7]

Hello easier,

+1 for mbits, suggestion. The long cable and magnetic adaptor. Works great.

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro

[ItsCloudyAgain]

Yes, I've run into this issue as well, and as others pointed, the only options seem to be:

1. Using a long cable
2. 3D‑printed external battery holder, such as this one: https://www.printabl...wer-bank-holder

@etsi, I'm a 3D-printing enthusiast and I can print it for you for the cost of materials plus shipping if needed.

 

Even with a longer USB‑C cable, I've found my Seestar dangerously wrapped in it a couple of times by morning. I suspect this happens when you image two or more targets during the night, when the scope slews back and forth often.

[Rex_Wrx]

I have a 20ah power bank that will be attached and used. Should last all night.

[RedLionNJ]

How do you prevent cable twist on the Seestar S50 during rotation when using an external power bank? Any tips or setups that have worked well for you? To prevent any damage.

https://www.cloudyni...lse/?p=14116761

[rcwolpert]

I don’t connect the battery anymore until the Seestar has “Located Object”, and I do my imaging in the same general area of the sky. Before I “Close Arm” I remove the power supply connection and dew shield. This works for me since I’m in a condo and can’t do an overnight plan without the risk of my Seestar walking off.

[former lurker]

Velcro the power bank just above the power button. Quick, cheap, adapts to any battery and has never caused any problem. It helps balance the s50 as a great side effect.

[WillR]

I velcro the battery to the Seestar and use a very short chord. But I rarely use an external battery at all. I tend to image for 2-3 hours, and the battery isn’teven 1/2 drained in that time.

[sanford12]

I use a small power bank that gets the scope through most of the night then onboard battery takes over. It's velcroed on so no cord wrap. Also use a magnetic USB adapter, it's cheap insurance 

[CraigR]

Battery power supply sitting under the scope with the supplied cord works fine. If you're paranoid, get a 6' USB cable rated for fast charging. Magnetic connectors will release at unexpected times — avoid them.

 

If you're shooting multiple targets, return home before choosing your next target. In plan mode, leave the minimum 10-minute gap between targets so that the scope returns to home as it finishes each one.

 

The basis for this opinion is my own and a dozen others' experience operating completely remote at Starfront Observatories, where the Seestar is plugged in and turned on 24/7, operating in both alt-az and eq modes.

[etsi]

Using EQ mode will it work with a battery holder? Velcro can hold the weight?

[former lurker]

Velcro has never failed me in about a whole year. I use the 2" wide stuff.

And how would you fit a battery holder in the case with the Seestar? That's not an issue with velcro.

I use fuzzy side on the Seestar, hook side on the battery...

[sanford12]

Battery power supply sitting under the scope with the supplied cord works fine. If you're paranoid, get a 6' USB cable rated for fast charging. Magnetic connectors will release at unexpected times — avoid them.

 

 

Sorry but I call nonsense on the magnetic USB releasing. I had one the day after getting my scope in December. Never had it fall off. Plus if something does happen it will keep the Seestars USB input from being damaged. With a small lightweight battery pack velcroed to a scope it will go all night. There's no need for a cord hooked to a pack on the ground which has a lot more chance of something going wrong. There's lot worse things than your magnetic USB adapter coming loose. 

 

I've had my S50 more than once go around the long way in EQ mode.

[Digital Don]

Sorry but I call nonsense on the magnetic USB releasing. I had one the day after getting my scope in December. Never had it fall off. Plus if something does happen it will keep the Seestars USB input from being damaged. With a small lightweight battery pack velcroed to a scope it will go all night. There's no need for a cord hooked to a pack on the ground which has a lot more chance of something going wrong. There's lot worse things than your magnetic USB adapter coming loose. 

 

I've had my S50 more than once go around the long way in EQ mode.

I agree 100%.  I use a magnetic USB cable and have had zero issues with it. 

 

My only concern about attaching a battery directly to the Seestar would be in equatorial mode. Unless the additional off-axis weight was accounted for in the design, it's probably not a good idea.

 

Don

[former lurker]

In reality the battery velcroed to the s50 helps the balance in eq mode. Before I got a battery to mount on the s50 I velcroed a metal weight to the seestar to balance the scope in eq mode. A heavier battery would do a better job in my case. (Psst... The s50 is NOT balanced in the az axis...)

In alt-az mode balance doesn't matter.

[Starlancer]

DId ZWO not write software to keep cable wrap in mind?  This would be the proper solution, based on location and plate solving the device should be able to move in a direction to reduce cable wrap.

[CraigR]

Sorry but I call nonsense on the magnetic USB releasing. I had one the day after getting my scope in December. Never had it fall off. Plus if something does happen it will keep the Seestars USB input from being damaged. With a small lightweight battery pack velcroed to a scope it will go all night. There's no need for a cord hooked to a pack on the ground which has a lot more chance of something going wrong. There's lot worse things than your magnetic USB adapter coming loose. 

 

I've had my S50 more than once go around the long way in EQ mode.

Like I said, I'm basing my magnetic USB comments on the experiences of others, and on their advice to me. And like all of us here, basing my comments about power supply placement and long power cords on my own experience. Call all the nonsense you want — the original question was "...any tips or setups that have worked well for you?" A longer USB cable with the battery/power supply placed below (or I guess "behind" in eq mode) the unit works well for me and the others with whom I have direct experience.

 

As long as we're calling nonsense, a magnetic connector that has never disconnected would suggest that the magnetic connector isn't doing anything useful. The user in that case must be doing something with respect to battery placement, cord length, or cord routing that is solving the problem. The magnetic connector isn't doing anything at all. :-)

[sanford12]

DId ZWO not write software to keep cable wrap in mind?  This would be the proper solution, based on location and plate solving the device should be able to move in a direction to reduce cable wrap

A battery pack eliminates the need to worry about wrap. With the low power consumption of the Seestar a large battery on the ground is completely unnecessary.  

Edited by sanford12, 30 May 2025 - 03:49 PM.

[sanford12]

 

 

As long as we're calling nonsense, a magnetic connector that has never disconnected would suggest that the magnetic connector isn't doing anything useful. 

Sorry. You can keep thinking this but if I agreed with you we'd both be wrong. The reasoning is like not using a seat belt because it's not doing anything till you get in a wreck. 

 

My battery pack weighs 7.5 ounces and will last 7 hours with the dew heater.

[former lurker]

Stupidly simple vs simply stupid.

Stupidly simple: Seestar, velcro, battery pack, very short cord.

Simply stupid: Almost anything else that won't fit in the Seestar case.

This, of course, does not take into account what you have on hand, asthetics, your general attitude or emotional considerations. It just works extremely well at minimal cost. The tools required are a pair of scissors.

Whatcha think?

[Belgian Stargazer]

Hi,

What capacity are you using for a powerbank attached to the back of the s50?  I am thinking of buying one of 10000mAh.  That would provide an extra 10 hours of operation (ZWO says the 6000mAh internal battery gives 6 hours of operation).  20000mAh is also an option, but this will add to the weight... Looking for a good balance between capacity and weight (would like the battery to velcro on the back of the s50)...

Thanks

Hans 

[sanford12]

Hi,

What capacity are you using for a powerbank attached to the back of the s50?  I am thinking of buying one of 10000mAh.  That would provide an extra 10 hours of operation (ZWO says the 6000mAh internal battery gives 6 hours of operation).  20000mAh is also an option, but this will add to the weight... Looking for a good balance between capacity and weight (would like the battery to velcro on the back of the s50)...

Thanks

Hans 

Go on Amazon look for the power you want and see if they offer it in a size and weight that works for you.

[former lurker]

BTW the extra weight of the battery actually helps balance the s50 in eq mode. The s50 is about a pound out of balance when used in eq mode. I use a 20,000 mAh battery and it works pretty good. A heavier battery would improve the balance and increase imaging time. My s50 uses the battery charge first then uses the scope's battery. It runs all night.