Power Cuts and Surges

We seem to have more than our fair share of power cuts in Brockenhurst and this has resulted in damage to both my computer and to the Celestron motor drive boards, both of which are very unpleasant experiences as you can imagine. 

I now use the Celestron Power Tank to power the Nexstar 11 GPS scope, basically a 12 volt rechargeable battery, and this isolates the scope entirely from the mains.  For the computer I now use an uniterruptible power supply [UPS] which is again based on a rechargeable battery which in turn powers an inverter. 

Finally, as I am also worried about glitches down the mains as well as the power cuts, I use Belkin “power surge” extension sockets which are designed to take any damaging spikes out of the mains supply. 

Touch wood – so far things seem to be working o.k.

I’d be interested to know if any one else suffers from similar problems and how you have dealt with it. Drop me a line and let me know.

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2 Responses to Power Cuts and Surges

  1. Dave Parker says:

    Hi Greg,
    If you are still using a Via Mini-ITX based computer there are plenty of options for power supplies. If you ever find a reason to upgrade have a look at the ICP site. They have masses of mini-ITX products.

    This is a 12V power board that might be of interest: ICP 12V mini-ITX power board

  2. Greg Parker says:

    Yep – the observatory computer is a Via Mini-ITX system. I will check out their site again, right now.
    Regards,
    Greg

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