Battery Advice

OK...it's been a while since I needed to do this. I have an older Meade 2080 Premier from the 80's. I have been using a 5aH Porta-Pack for all these years. I haven't been viewing for a few months, though. So, when I pulled it out the other night to look at Lulin, I had no juice. So, I guess I need a new battery pack.

Questions...the one I have now is very simple (and light)-- no lights, etc. Do I really need all that stuff, like on the Celestron model? Can I go up higher in power (say a 7aH or 9aH) for longer use, or will it harm my older model telescope (the 5aH always got me through an observation session or two without quitting)? Can I use any of these portable batteries I see at Sears, etc.? What is your recommendation for a light, cheap (under $50) rechargeable battery?

Thanks.
Bruce

Bruce Johnson said:

OK...it's been a while since I needed to do this. I have an older Meade 2080 Premier from the 80's. I have been using a 5aH Porta-Pack for all these years. I haven't been viewing for a few months, though. So, when I pulled it out the other night to look at Lulin, I had no juice. So, I guess I need a new battery pack.

Questions...the one I have now is very simple (and light)-- no lights, etc. Do I really need all that stuff, like on the Celestron model? Can I go up higher in power (say a 7aH or 9aH) for longer use, or will it harm my older model telescope (the 5aH always gotr me through an observation session or two without quitting)? Can I use any of these portable batteries I see at Sears, etc.? What is your recommendation for a light, cheap (under $50) rechargeable battery?

Thanks.
Bruce

Bruce:

Like you, my electrical needs are minimal when observing, a fan to cool the mirror and maybe some electricity for a laptop or even to power a tracking mount once in a while. I am currently using a 7amp-hour quick start unit I bought at the local auto parts for $25 and it seems to be doing the job nicely...

If the 5 amp-hour unit was doing the job for you, I don't see a reason to get a large unit...

Jon

If you really want to go minimalist, simply buy the battery and connect a 12 volt receptacle to it. You can get the batteries that are the heart of the "Starter Packs" for about $20. Add the wires from a 12 volt receptacle (about $3-5), and a 12-14 volt wall wart (you probably have one around the house, but if not--$8-10). ANd you have it all for less than one of those starter packs. True, you do not have the all-in-one plastic case, but on the other hand, you are not taking up the extra room and weight.

Alex