Power Supplies

Sizing a Supply for a Full Night

Current capacity, voltage regulation and cable losses all determine whether your equipment sees the voltage it needs.

• Current capacity with margin: Total mount, cameras, dew heaters, focuser and hub, then size well above that. Running near capacity is where intermittent faults come from.
• Regulated output: A supply that holds voltage steady under varying load, since a mount slewing draws far more than one tracking.
• Mains supplies: For a fixed observing site, a good regulated mains supply is more reliable and cheaper than a battery, and never runs out.
• Voltage drop in cabling: A supply rated correctly at its terminals may deliver too little at the mount if the cable is thin or long. Gauge matters as much as capacity.
• Cold-weather current rise: Stiff lubricant increases motor draw, so a supply adequate in July may be marginal in January with the same equipment.
• Distribution: A single supply feeding a distribution box with individually fused outputs is cleaner and safer than several separate supplies.

Why Choose David Astro for Power Supplies

We size for Canadian winter operation rather than to a nameplate figure.

• Every load counted: We include dew heaters, which are frequently forgotten and can approach the mount's own consumption.
• Cable specified with the supply: We recommend gauge and length together, since voltage drop in the cable is a common cause of faults blamed on the supply.
• Fault diagnosis: If your equipment misbehaves in cold, we will help determine whether it is the supply, the cable or the equipment before you replace anything.
• Authorized dealer: Genuine products with manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
• Ships from Canada: No duties or brokerage fees for Canadian buyers.

Power Supplies in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

How many amps do I need?

Total every device's draw and add substantial margin, particularly for slewing peaks and cold-weather current rise. Tell us your equipment list and we will calculate it.

Why does my mount misbehave only in winter?

Cold thickens lubricant, raising current draw, while cable resistance and supply margin stay the same. The result is voltage at the mount dropping below its tolerance during slews.

Mains supply or battery?

Mains at a fixed site, without question — cheaper, more reliable and never runs out. Battery for portable use, sized generously for cold-weather capacity loss.

Does cable gauge really matter?

Considerably. A long thin lead can drop enough voltage under load to cause stalls even from an adequately rated supply. Short and thick is the rule.

Powering a rig reliably?

Send us your device list and we will size the supply and cable. Full warranty, shipped from Canada.