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Pawel Lancucki | profile | all galleries >> Pawel Lancucki - Amateur Astronomy >> ATM corner >> My various ATM projects >> Field power / control box tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Field power / control box

This is a simple project - all various devices used in the field are grouped together in a medium sized tool box.

There are 3 cable bundles coming out of the box:
1. To PC - USB 2.0 and RS232 (no longer used)
2. To power suppliers / batteries - 2 x 12V 5A power cable (fuses with batteries)
3. To the mount:
- 2 x USB 2.0 (separate use of main CCD and guide camera);
- 1 x RS232 for GO-TO;
- 1 x focus control for Robofocus;
- 1 x thin video cable (Mintron video cam, life-view from DSLR);
- 1 x power to the mount and dew heater controller; 1 x power to the CCD camera.

Inside the box are:
- power splitter (using "military" standard of 12V power plugs and sockets)
- dLink powered active USB 2.0 hub
- 12V to 5V 1A converter for dLink
- Edgeport USB to 4 x RS232 converter
- Robofocus controller
- CCD power supply for my SXV-M25 CCD camera

In the field, I just open the box, connect USB cable to PC, power cables to batteries and than connect mount, CCD camera, focuser etc to the thick bundle of cables. Connect / disconnect sequence takes a minute. I pay special attention as to the plugs and sockets - they should allow firm and secure contact and each device should use it's own standard so the wires do not get mixed in the dark.
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