Portable Power Supply Suggestions

HW3aKW8r

Hello
I am looking for rechargeable battery suggestions for powering an AM5N mount, ASIAIR Plus, and ASI2600MC Duo.
Thanks
Chip Gentry

R0k9pZfT

I run my AM3 and the same other equipment you list off an EcoFlow battery. One of mine is a River2 512Wh, but a newer River3 256Wh also works. However, my River2 series has the 5521 power ports, making it handy. The brand costs a bit more, but mine are super stable. I also have run dew heaters and other accessories--all directly off the ASIAir Plus and its single power input.

If you're near a Costco, EcoFlow often has a road show at the warehouses. They also frequently have deals on Amazon.

JimT

R0k9pZfT - I have a river 2 512k. My issue with EcoFlow is that the output is only 12.3vdc. I think Bluetti is a better choice with an output of 13.3vdc. Most people buying 2251 power cables don’t pay attention to the wire thickness. If you have a 6-10ft AWG28 cable, the voltage drop is too much resulting in random problems with the cameras and other computer related Astro equipment. To solve that issue, you can buy AWG14 cable or run the ac/dc power supplies from the ac outlets. Except power supplies burn 33% of your capacity due to the dc to ac conversion the EcoFlow does and the ac to dc conversion the power supply does. So I would not recommend EcoFlow.

RobPettengill

I have similar equipment: AM5N, ASIAIR Plus, ASI2600MC, ASI120MM, ZWO EAF, 2 dew strips.

Rather than a commercial power station, I put together my own with a battery box and LiFePO4 battery, but my experience with battery capacity should apply to any. Putting together your own is easy and you will save about half or be able to double the battery capacity compared for a commercial solution. It's also easy to customize connectors to your needs.

LiFePO4 is the preferred power source. It won't self combust as standard Lithium Ion batteries can. It is much lighter than any lead acid batteries, maintains output voltage better, and can be discharged much more deeply without damage.

LiFePO4 batteries output 13.2 V rather than 12V. This is a good thing. Battery makers usually rathe their batteries in amp hours, AH, of current delivered over a discharge cycle. For a "12V" Lithium battery divide WH by 12 to get approximate AH. If you see a rating in mA hours, run! These are often inflated by giving the sum of the capacities of individual cells, rather than for the full output voltage.

I image from the SW US, so seldom in below freezing temperatures. Battery capacity is severely impacted by sub freezing temperatures for any battery. In my experience a 50AH (_600WH) battery will usually last me two full nights of imaging. If you live up north and image for long winter nights, I'd suggest a 100AH battery in an insulated container with some chemical hand warmers thrown in :-). I usually recharge after every night, but there is nothing worse than having your battery die, before you are done. If you need a light weight setup 30AH will probably do it. For ultra light weight standard Lithium (Nickel) Ion batteries are lighter, but require careful handling because of the fire risk.

If you travel with your equipment by air, TSA limits you to 100 WH in your carry on luggage and none in checked baggage. This is about 8AH and is only enough for a couple of hours use.