The manual and the forums but can't see a spec for the maximum input DC voltage. The manual states 12V-DC but no spec on max or min for that matter. _..-- Tim
Hi Tim, that's based on the power supply voltage for the included AC adapter. What were you thinking of running it off of? e.g. 13.8V system? Lead acid battery that drops down to 11.5V? I can check with our engineering on this.
Hi Colin, I tend to run things a bit 'hot' and was looking at 14.5 but will reduce it to 14.0. 14.0 what do you think? Tim
Tim, I'd run thicker gauge wire and lower voltage. There is no advantage to the camera getting more voltage. Also many mounts and dew controllers are limited to <14V.
I'll run some 4/0 in 3" rigid conduit. The wiring is #12 landscape low voltage (LV) wire, two pairs with one them dedicated to the camera. I reset the voltage to 13.00-V. With the camera at idle (0.74-A) the voltage drop is 0.07-V (estimate 6 meters of wire) #12 LV has a drop of 0.0933-V per Amp for 6 meters. The STC-7 worked flawless for several hours in 0-C temps. Tim
Hi Colin: Would it be possible to contact engineering and request that the correct power requirement and power connector be added to the specifications in the user manual. Most quality astronomy equipment runs off of 12 volts and can be plugged into a cigarette lighter of a car. Switching power supplies are used internally to the devices and they have a very wide range of input voltages. I've run my ST402, STL 11000 STL 6303 and FLI 6303 all off of the same 12 volt power supply for years. Thank you, Lawrence D. Lopez New Boston, NH
Hi Lawrence, the next update to the manual will include this information: All ALUMA CCD and STC CMOS, and SC (CMOS) guiders use the Kycon 806-KMDLAX-6P - a robust, latching connector very similar to a 6-pin Mini-DIN. Pinouts as shown in the attached diagram, found in the STC-428 manual. Power recommendation is +12V. I've been advised it should not to exceed 14.0V. Note that if you are making your own power cable, do not connect the metal shield to the GND (0V) pins.
The connector specifications and recommended mating connector are already in the manual. I will add a note about the recommended maximum input voltage.
