Everyone should have one of these!!!

I may be behind on this, but I wanted to share it anyway. After spending some time struggling to find a way to run my scope (Nexstar 8 ) remotely without using AA batteries, I have found the perfect solution.

There is a product made by Coleman called a Power Converter which takes any 12V DC source and converts it into a 110V AC source.

It's availabe in 400, 800, or 1200 Watt models ( yes, you can run a microwave oven with the 1200 Watt model )and comes with cables with clips which you can attach directly to your car battery. I have the 400 Watt model, which is more than enough to run my scope without interruption all night and not even come close to draining my car battery.

On one end of the Power Converter, is the cables to connect to a battery (it also comes with an adapter for the cigarette lighter) and on the other end are at least two three-prong outlets (depending on which model). It has a 40amp fuse to prevent power surges, has a built-in cooling fan, and comes with a two year warranty.

The size of the 400 Watt unit, including the case is about the same size as a lunch box, so it's extremely portable.

You can also start the vehicles engine while connected in case you feel the battery is getting low. There is absolutely no interuption to the scopes operation or other equipment. The unit will even warn you if the battery you're attached to starts running low on power.

Here's the best part. My model cost a grand total of $30.

So forget the power tanks, forget trying to create portable battery packs. Go buy a Power Converter. You can get one at any Schucks Auto Supply, Costco, or go to the Coleman website.

Clear Skies,

David Eccles
Lompoc California

One thing to consider, particularly if you observe alone in remote places: using your car battery to power your astro toys might result in your car not starting if you are not very careful.

I personally prefer to just use one of the jumpstart battery deals. If you go to Walmart or something like that, these can be had very cheaply, probably close to $30. I found one online using google on "jumpstart battery" for $29.95 on the first link shown (though shipping charges will probably be substantial). To be sure the quality might not be the absolute highest, but the one I got at Walmart powered my C-8 with Dec and RA motors and a flock of dew heaters for several hours, and if it runs down, I can still drive away. If I didn't need the dew heaters (but alas, I dew) I am sure the battery could run the scope drives all night and have plenty of charge left.

Also, be advised that car batteries (and jumpstarter batteries) are NOT deep cycle, and don't like to be fully discharged frequently, so frequent charging is preferred. I believe some jumpstart battery packs can be charged from a car cigarette lighter (mine can't, but I never tried it with my inverter - that might work).