Power Supply Question

Is it safe to use a 12V to 18V converter for a 12V LX200 Classic? At first I thought it was my power supply, but now I think it maybe the converter. I’ve been using the Black & Decker Start It Jump Starter (Model #VEC010BD) for the past three months (twice a month at most) with good results, and then recently it began to run out of power. I’ve always charged it as required and the charge indicator shows a full charge, but when I slew or goto, the amp meter on the LX200 base goes up / flickers and the motors stop (Dec & R.A.). I thought that the motors where going out, but with AC power (AC to 18V), everything works strong and much stronger than the battery ever did. Could it be the converter, the power supply or a combination of both that’s causing the problem. Please see below battery specifications from their web site:

Output - 12V DC, 300 Amps instant, 5 seconds, 225 Amps
Battery - 12V, 9 Amp hr, sealed lead-acid
Accessory Outlet - 5 Amps, self-resetting breaker

Both converts came with the scope when I bought it used. Any comments and or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Hi,
I think the 9 amp hour rating is low for a Go-To system. I have had some issues myself with less than 12 amp hour.I usually would take two 12 amp hour batteries with my Starmaster and change it if I was on a long night. Also, I have had some of the jump start units and they did last a year, but then began to run out too quickly, leading me to believe the battery was being discharged too much and then had to be cycled (recharged) too often causing an early failure to hold charge. You never know how old these units are when you buy them, could have been made a while before then.

I did have the LXD650 which is the same as the LX200 Classic and it came with an 12v to 18v adapter, which I used all the time. I bought a second one that I still have and I use it on my G-11 which also prefers 18v.

I have since switched to a big Marine Deep Cycle battery that cost $65 at Walmart and has 115 amp hours and now I can run my G-11, cameras and 17" laptop all night without a problem. I still use the 12v to 18v adapter, even with the larger battery.