You can use the supplied mount power cable to power your mount
or other 12V DC device from one of the power output ports. This is
the cable with 12V DC barrel connectors on both ends (as shown in
Figure 1). One end of the mount power cable has an integrated nut
on its barrel connector. Thread this onto the power jack on Celestron
mounts for the most secure connection.
VARIABLE DC POWER PORT
Power port #1, which has the word "Variable" printed above it, can be
adjusted from 3V to 12V (the default setting). We'll cover this process
later in the manual. The LED next to the port will illuminate when the
voltage is set to a value other than 12V.
Many users choose to use the variable port to power their DSLR
cameras, which usually require 8V DC.
Keep in mind that the maximum power draw for the variable DC port is
60W, which is a little less than the other power ports. If a connected
device draws more than 60W, then the port will automatically shut off
to protect the circuitry. After reducing the load, you will need to re-
enable the port before using it again, which we'll discuss later.
USB 3.2 HUB
The Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4x features an integrated
USB 3.2 hub. You can use the hub to connect up to three USB
devices to your computer using only one cable connection, greatly
simplifying the setup and cable management.
To use the USB hub, first connect the controller to your PC using a
USB Type-A to USB Type-B cable (also known as a "USB printer
cable," not supplied). Then, plug a USB device into one of the three
USB ports on the controller. You will now be able to connect to the
device directly from your PC. Each USB port is 5V DC powered, so
you can also use the USB ports to charge your smartphone or other
devices.
If you are only using one or two of the USB ports, each port delivers a
maximum power of 12.5W (2.5A max @ 5V). If you are using all three
of the ports, each port delivers a maximum power of 10.5W (2.1A max
@ 5V). The USB hub can supply a total of 31.5W maximum power
(6.3A max @ 5V). If the power draw for any of the USB ports exceeds
this, the USB port will automatically shut off to protect the circuitry.
You can re-enable the USB port once the load is reduced, which we'll
discuss later in this manual.
STATUS LEDS
There are three LEDs on the bridge that indicate the controller's status:
- The middle LED indicates whether power is flowing to the controller.
- The LED labeled "Over Current" illuminates if the current draw is
greater than the power source can provide. If this happens, either
disconnect or reduce power to one of the devices connected to the
controller or use a power source capable of delivering more current.
You will need to set the max current draw for your power supply for
this LED to work properly (as discussed later in this manual).
If one of the ports has experienced a short circuit from a
l
connected device, the "Over Current" LED will blink, and
the affected port will turn off. You will need to follow the
instructions that appear later in the manual to re-enable the
port and use it again.
- The LED labeled "Under Voltage" will illuminate if the input power
to the controller is less than 11.0V DC. This happens when your
battery power supply is nearing the end of its charge. Use a
different power source or recharge the battery. The under-voltage
LED helps protect your battery from becoming over-drained, which
could reduce the battery recharge lifetime.
If the input voltage of the power source exceeds 13.8V, all
l
output ports will turn off to protect the circuitry, and the
"Under Voltage" LED will blink. Replace the power source
with one that supplies less than 13.8V and manually re-
enable all the output ports according to the instructions that
appear later in this manual.
If you are under dark skies and find the LEDs too bright, you can
adjust their brightness. We'll explain how later in the manual.
ADDITIONAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION
In addition to the status LEDs' warnings, the Smart DewHeater and
Power Controller 4x features other circuit protection measures to
keep your equipment safe.
If the total power draw of the controller exceeds 240W (20A max
current), the controller will automatically shut off. Reduce the load on
the controller and manually re-enable the ports using the instructions
that appear later in this manual.
If you accidentally connect the input power source with the improper
polarity, the controller will not power on to prevent circuit damage.
3. Mounting the Controller to Your Setup
Decide how you want to attach the controller to your telescope setup.
There are a few options:
- Use the integrated dovetail clamp to connect the controller to a
CG-5/Vixen or CGE/Losmandy dovetail bar. If you have a dovetail
bar on your optical tube, this is perhaps the easiest and most
convenient way to connect the controller to your setup. Simply
loosen the controller's clamping knobs, place the controller's
clamps onto the dovetail rail, and then firmly tighten the clamping
knobs (Figure 5).
- Use the included tripod leg strap to attach the controller to one of
your tripod's legs. Insert the strap through the slots in the bottom of
the controller's enclosure, wrap the strap around one of the tripod
Clamping knobs
Fig 5
ENGLISH |
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