How long can the Celestron PowerTank Lithium power my telescope?
With its 84.4 Wh capacity, the PowerTank Lithium can power most Celestron computerized mounts for a full night of typical use (tracking and occasional GoTo slewing). The exact duration will vary based on the mount's power draw and how actively you are slewing the telescope.
Will the PowerTank Lithium work on a cold night for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42) with my Advanced VX mount?
Absolutely. The PowerTank Lithium is ideal for cold-weather astrophotography. Its LiFePO4 battery is rated to operate down to -4°F (-20°C), a temperature at which many standard lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries would lose significant capacity or fail completely. It is fully compatible with your Advanced VX mount.
What makes the LiFePO4 battery in the PowerTank Lithium better than other power packs?
The Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry has three major advantages:
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Longevity: It is rated for 2000 charge/discharge cycles and has a 10-year unrecharged shelf life, far exceeding other battery types.
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Safety: It is more thermally stable, not prone to runaway if punctured, and doesn't use environmentally hazardous materials like cobalt or lead.
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Durability: It maintains performance over a much wider temperature range, especially in the cold.
Can I charge my phone and run my NexStar SE telescope at the same time with the PowerTank Lithium?
Yes. The PowerTank Lithium is designed for simultaneous use. You can connect your NexStar SE to the 12VDC telescope power port while using either of the two USB ports (5VDC @ 1000mA or 2100mA) to charge your smartphone, tablet, or another USB-powered device.
I have a SkyProdigy mount; is the PowerTank Lithium compatible and what cable do I need?
Yes, the PowerTank Lithium is compatible with all Celestron computerized mounts, including the SkyProdigy series. The box includes a 6.5 ft (2 m) telescope power cord with the correct connector for your mount, so you don't need to purchase any additional cables.
Why might the PowerTank Lithium shut off while I'm using it to power a very low-draw accessory?
The PowerTank Lithium has a built-in power-saving feature. If the 12V port detects a current draw of less than 250mA for an extended period, it will automatically shut off to conserve the battery. This is typically not an issue with telescope mounts but may occur if powering a very small, low-current accessory by itself.
