powerbank use: Page 2 - ZWO User Forum

powerbank use

yDrqQBnb

so, I've tried with a third powerbank, and it's always the same thing at the end of the night : powerbank 41% and seestar blinking on the second digit... (24% on the app)
@"Support@Seestar" can you definitely confirm this is normal, or have I a problem with my seestar ? (istill under warranty)

Support@Seestar

yDrqQBnb
Please check that the charging bank does not support fast charging, and this situation will occur if fast charging is not supported. It is best to use a power bank that supports fast charging.

oRX2hR4h

yDrqQBnb It could also be the cable. I had this issue with the original charging cable delivered with my S50, after a while it stopped being able to charge the telescope quickly and efficiently. Replacing it with another fast charging cable resolved the issue.

yDrqQBnb

yes, the three banks support fast charging, as this one, by exemple : https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0BX3S839K?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title.
so, I understand problem is on seestar side, is it possible to change the battery before sending the device back to the seller ? (I'm in France)

EHEA

I have observed the same effect repeatedly:

Seestar is connected to a powerbank (fast charge happening) via a 12 V => USB adapter. Charging at 12 V over USB-C as indicated by a meter.
During the night, Seestar draws power either directly from powerbank if temps are too cold for charging, or charging the battery from the powerbank (with up to ca 13 W) . So far so good: power is provided one way or another thru the powerbank keeping the Seestar battery at close to 100%.
Last action of the night was to execute an observation plan (not sure this is crucial, just mentioning)
Next morning: powerbank has switched off (as if the seestar didn't draw current for a long time) and Seestar battery is now partly drained. Powerbank has tons of capacity left. All plugs still seated firmly.
As the Seestar worked unattended during the second half of the night, I have no idea when the powerbank decided it could switch off the 12 V output that supplied the USB adapter that supplied the Seestar.

It is somehow as if the Seestar's USB port got (electricly) disconnected (intentionally or unintentionally), perhaps when ending the observation plan, for long enough so that the powerbank disengages. Just a theory, tho.

Let me know if I can help diagnose this.

Boardindundee

starnet59 Its amazing how long you buy usb c cables to run plugged into power from a kitchen window etc, Power banks ae gonna fall hazard to cold as all lithium batery car owners know in the winter that 260 mile range is more like 100 miles with heaters etc running

starnet59

I have been using the S50 always powered by an external 20Ah power bank for a year new. It went through two Canadian winters, during the night temperatures of -20C are not uncommon. Oh, and the power bank was at least 8 years old when I started using it with the S50, I do not even remember exactly when I got it.

I 3D printed an S50 shell that holds the power bank and the USB cable is 10cm long, so tangled cables, another popular source of worry on this board is also a non-issue for me. I know that this is not ideal but I charge the USB power bank during the day and keep it plugged into the S50 all the time. The battery level of my S50 never drops under 98%, even when using it for 10 hours during a cold night, with the dew heater always on.

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