CELESTRON 94035 Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x Instruction Manual

CELESTRON 94035 Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x Instruction Manual

Congratulations on purchasing the Celestron Smart DewHeater and Controller 2x. This controller delivers “smart” and efficient power usage for up to two of your telescope system’s dew heaters plus another 12V DC device—while also providing cable management for your setup. When you plug your dew heaters into the controller, one cable connects everything to your power source, while another connects the setup to your PC, if desired. If you prefer not to connect to a PC, simply plug your dew heaters into the controller and power it on. The controller will automatically monitor the ambient temperature and humidity using its integrated environmental sensor. The thermistor port monitors the lens’s temperature and provides only enough power to prevent dew. If you’re using battery power, this “smart” system significantly reduces the heaters’ power consumption, extending battery life. If you would like to manually adjust settings or monitor data, connect to a PC or your Celestron mount’s hand control.

Parts List

1. Smart DewHeater Controller 2x
2. Power cable
3. Auxilliry cable
4. Mount power cable
5. Tripod leg strap
6. Thermistor CableIf you are missing any parts in the Parts List, please contact Celestron Technical Support at www.celestron.com/pages/technical-support for assistance.
   

Controller Overview

Refer to Figure 2 for an overview of the input jacks, output ports, and features of the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x.

1. Dew heater ports
2. Power input jack
3. Thermistor ports
4. AUX ports
5. PC port
6. Power output port
7. Bridge

DEW HEATER CONTROL

The Smart DewHeater Controller 2x provides automatic “smart” control for up to two dew heater rings or dew heater bands/strips. If you are using the controller with a Celestron Dew Heater Ring,
connect the ring’s power input jack to one of the controller’s dew heater output ports using the extension cable that comes with the ring. Next, plug the included thermistor cable into the ring’s thermistor jack and the corresponding thermistor port on the controller. (Figure 3) The thermistor indicates the Schmidt corrector lens’s temperature. The controller uses this data along with information from the controller’s integrated environment sensor (i.e., ambient temperature and humidity) to provide just the right amount of power to the ring to prevent dew. If you are using battery power, this system greatly increases battery life under most conditions. Once you connect the ring to one of the controller’s dew heater ports, it will begin to heat up (unless the port has been manually disabled, which will be discussed later in this manual).

Connect a Celestron Dew Heater Ring to the controller using the extension cable that comes with the ring and the thermistor cable that comes with the controller.

You will need an additional thermistor cable if you wish to use automatic smart control for more than one Celestron Dew Heater Ring. The thermistor cable is a standard 2.5mm audio cable, which you can find at most electronics retailers. Be sure to get one that is long enough to accommodate your setup. The controller’s environmental sensor resides in the “bridge” on the controller’s enclosure (Figure 2). This location protects the sensor from any heat radiating from the enclosure while still providing good airflow. An integrated environmental sensor gives you a simpler, cleaner setup without dangling external sensors to get in your way.

Occasionally, you should recalibrate the environmental sensor. Recalibrating heats the sensor so that any accumulated moisture evaporates, ensuring the most accurate temperature and humidity data and the most efficient power use. We recommend recalibrating before initial use and after long periods of storage in humid conditions. The process is easy; we’ll explain it later in this manual. If you do not wish to use automatic smart control, you can manually set the power for each of the dew heater ports from 0% (off) to 100% (full power). We’ll discuss this option in more detail later in the manual.

If you are using a non-Celestron heating band or strip, it will need an RCA- type plug to connect to the controller’s heater output ports. You have two options for controlling third party bands/strips:

1. You can purchase the optional Thermistor for Celestron Smart DewHeater Controllers to provide automatic smart power control. Connect the heating band to the telescope and connect its plug to one of the dew heater ports. Then, place the tip of the probe thermistor under the heating band so it is secure (you may want to use tape). Connect the thermistor’s plug to the corresponding jack on the controller (Figure 4). The probe thermistor is not as accurate as the Celestron Dew Heater Ring’s built-in thermistor, which contacts the corrector lens directly. Still, it allows for automatic smart control of heating bands/strips.
2. Alternatively, you can manually set the power output for each dew heater port from 0% to 100%, as mentioned previously.
   

If you are using a heating band or strip from another manufacturer, you will need the optional Celestron Thermistor for Smart DewHeater Controllers. Each of the dew heater ports can deliver a maximum of 84W power (7A max current), which should be more than enough for most dew heaters. If a connected dew heater draws more than 84W, the port will automatically shut off to protect the circuitry. After reducing the load, you can re-enable the port, a process that we’ll discuss later in this manual.

POWER CONTROL

A handy feature of the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x is its ability to provide 12V DC power to an external device. Many users choose to power their mount this way, enabling them to run their dew heaters and mount from a single power source. To power a 12V DC device, use the included mount power cable— the cable with 12V DC barrel connectors on both ends (Figure 1). Simply connect the device’s power input to the controller’s 12V DC power output port. The port requires a 12V DC 5.5mm/2.1mm tip positive barrel connector. One end of the mount power cable has an integrated nut on its barrel connector. You can thread this onto the power jack on Celestron mounts with a threaded barrel connector for the most secure connection. Power will flow through the port as soon as you connect the device; there is no need to turn the port on (unless you disabled the port previously, which we’ll discuss later). The power port can deliver a maximum of 84W power (7A max
current). If a connected device draws more than 84W, the port will automatically shut off to protect the circuitry. After reducing the load, you can re-enable the port, a process that we’ll discuss later.

STATUS LEDS

There are three LEDs on the bridge that indicate the controller’s status:

• The middle LED indicates whether power is flowing to the controller.
• The LED labeled “Over Current” illuminates if the current draw is greater than the power source can provide. If this happens, either disconnect or reduce power to one of the devices connected to the controller or use a power source capable of delivering more current. You will need to set the max current draw for your power supply for this LED to work properly (as discussed later in this manual).
  • If one of the ports has experienced a short circuit from a connected device, the “Over Current” LED will blink, and the affected port will turn off. You will need to follow the instructions that appear later in the manual to re-enable the port and use it again.
  • The LED labeled “Under Voltage” will illuminate if the input power to the controller is less than 11.0V DC. This could happen if your battery power supply is nearing the end of its charge. In this case,  you would need to use a different power source or recharge the battery. The under-voltage LED helps protect your battery from becoming over-drained, which could reduce the battery recharge lifetime.
  • If the input voltage of the power source exceeds 13.8V, all output ports will turn off to protect the circuitry, and the “Under Voltage” LED will blink. In this case, you would need to replace the power source with one that supplies less than 13.8V and manually re-enable all the output ports according to the instructions that appear later in this manual. If you are under dark skies and find the LEDs too bright, you can adjust their brightness. We’ll explain how later in the manual.

ADDITIONAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION

In addition to the status LEDs’ warnings, the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x features other circuit protection measures to keep your equipment safe. If the total power draw of the controller exceeds 120W (10A max current), the controller will automatically shut off. Reduce the load on the controller and manually re-enable the ports using the instructions that appear later in this manual. If you accidentally connect the input power source with the improper polarity, the controller will not power on to prevent circuit damage.

Mounting the Controller to Your Setup

Decide how you want to attach the controller to your telescope setup.

There are a few options:

• Use the integrated dovetail clamp to connect the controller to a CG-5/Vixen or CGE/Losmandy dovetail bar. If you have a dovetail bar on your optical tube, this is perhaps the easiest and most convenient way to connect the controller to your setup. Simply loosen the controller’s clamping knobs, place the controller’s clamps onto the dovetail rail, and then firmly tighten the clamping knobs (Figure 5).
• Use the included tripod leg strap to attach the controller to one of your tripod’s legs. Insert the strap through the slots in the bottom of the controller’s enclosure, wrap the strap around one of the tripod legs, tighten the strap with the buckle, and secure the strap end to itself with the hook-and-loop fasteners on the strap (Figure 6).
• If your tripod’s accessory tray is large enough, you can place the controller on the tray. If you choose this method, keep in mind that the controller will not be secured in place. Be careful to avoid forceful cable pulls.
  NOTE : DO NOT PLACE THE CONTROLLER ON THE GROUND! Water and dirt can potentially enter the controller and may cause electrical problems.
  

USING THE BRIDGE FOR CABLE MANAGEMENT

The bridge on the enclosure houses the controller’s environmental sensor, isolating it from radiant heat to provide the most accurate ambient temperature and humidity data. We also designed the bridge to help with cable management. You can run cables underneath the

bridge to keep them captive and organized (Figure 7). Simply insert the cable end underneath the bridge and pull it through until there is enough slack to connect the cable’s plug to the corresponding port on the controller.

Powering the Controller

You will need a suitable 12V DC power supply for the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x. The appropriate 12V DC power supply will depend on the equipment you have plugged into the controller. The maximum power the controller can handle is 120W (10A max current @ 12V DC), but many use cases require less power. When choosing a power supply, it is crucial to determine the approximate amount of power needed for your setup and how much battery capacity you’ll need for your observing session.
Helpful formulas:

• Voltage (in Volts) x Current (in Amps) = Power (in Watts)
• Current (in Amps) x Time (in hours) = Battery current capacity (in Amp-hours) required
• Power (in Watts) x Time (in hours) = Battery power capacity (in Watt-hours) required

The maximum input voltage for the power input jack is 13.8V DC. Make sure your power supply’s output voltage does not exceed this. If over 13.8V DC is supplied, all output ports will automatically shut off to protect the circuitry, and the “Over Voltage” status LED on the enclosure’s bridge will blink.

You will need to choose from the following powering options:

• For portable setups, you’ll need a 12V DC battery. Both the Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro and Celestron PowerTank 17AH will work. Use the included power cable and connect the cigarettelighter plug to the battery and the threaded barrel connector to the controller (Figure 8).
  NOTE : If you are using two dew heaters in heavy dew conditions and also powering a 12V DC device, the controller may be operating near its 120W power (10A current) limit. In this case, the PowerTank Lithium Pro and PowerTank 17Ah may not have enough capacity to run your setup all night. You’ll need a larger capacity battery.
  
  You can use the included power cable to connect a battery to the controller. Use the threaded barrel connector for the most secure connection.
  If you need 5A (60W) of power or less for your setup, and you have access to an AC power outlet, you can use the Celestron AC Adapter-5A to power the controller. Use the threaded barrel connector for the most secure connection.

• If you can connect to an AC power outlet, you can use an AC-to- 12V DC adapter. If your setup requires 60W power or less (5A current or less), you can use Celestron’s AC Adapter-5A. For the most secure connection, connect the adapter’s output cable to the controller’s power input jack, thread the connector on the end of the cable to the exterior of the jack, and then plug the adapter into an AC power outlet (Figure 9).
  WARNING : THE MAXIMUM POWER THE INPUT JACK CAN ACCEPT IS 120W (10A MAX CURRENT @ 12V). If you connect a power source capable of delivering more than 120W to the power input jack, you could damage the controller’s power cable and the controller itself. If you require more than 120W, we recommend purchasing the Celestron Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4x, which can handle up to 240W (20A max current).
  NOTE : If operating near 10A max current, there will be a voltage drop of approximately 1V from the power source to the controller due to the power cable. In this case, we recommend using a power source that supplies slightly more than 12V (but less than 13.8V). Refer to Appendix A for example power supply setups for reference. Once you have chosen your power supply, you will need to set the maximum current draw for your power supply using the Celestron hand control or CPWI (discussed later in this manual). Then, if the controller draws more current than your specified maximum, the “Over Current” LED will illuminate. By default, the maximum current draw is 2.0A, which is relatively low. So, if you have not set the maximum current draw for your power source, this LED may turn on prematurely. When you connect power to the power input jack, the controller is on. Power should flow through the ports.

Connecting to a Celestron Mount

If you are using the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x with a Celestron mount, you can connect it to the mount to change settings and monitor data with the mount’s hand control. This is an excellent option for setups without a PC connection. Before using your telescope’s hand control with the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x, you may need to update your hand control’s
firmware. For the NexStar+ hand control, you’ll need firmware version 5.33.1333 or greater.

For the StarSense hand control, you’ll need firmware version 1.22.21333 or greater. You can check your firmware version number by pressing the MENU button and using the SCROLL and ENTER buttons to navigate to Hand Control>Get Version Info. Use the Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) software to update the firmware if needed. You’ll find the latest version here: https://www. celestron.com/pages/drivers-and-software To use the NexStar+ or StarSense hand control, connect the supplied AUX cable to an AUX port on the Celestron mount and an AUX port on the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x. Then, plug the mount’s hand

The included AUX cable allows the mount to communicate with the controller. You can also use the included mount power cable to power your mount from the power output port. control into the mount as you usually would. Alternatively, you can connect the hand control directly to one of the controller’s AUX ports. You can also use the included mount power cable to power your mount from the power output port (Figure 10).
NOTE : Power does not flow to the AUX ports unless a Celestron mount is connected to one of the AUX ports and turned on. If you do not have a Celestron mount connected, a hand control plugged directly into one of the AUX ports will not receive power.

Using the Controller with a Celestron Hand Control
Once connected, you can change settings and monitor data using the NexStar+ or StarSense hand control. To do this, turn on the mount, press the MENU button on the hand control, navigate to the Dew Heater menu using the SCROLL buttons, and press ENTER. Now, use the SCROLL buttons to view the Dew Heater menu options, and press ENTER to select. Figure 11 shows the Dew Heater menu tree.
NOTE : If you are using the StarSense hand control, you will need to use the SCROLL buttons to see the entire text for some menu selections.

INPUT POWER
Select this to monitor the power draw from the devices connected to the controller. You can also check the input current from the power source and set the maximum current draw. Use the SCROLL buttons on the hand control to choose from the following options, and press ENTER to select.

Hand control Dew Heater menu tree

• Power Status  – Displays the power draw from the devices connected to the controller.
• Voltage Status  – Displays the voltage provided by the input power source.
• Current Status  – Displays the current the devices connected to the controller are using.
• Current Limit  – This menu allows you to set the maximum current for the power source. When the current draw from connected devices exceeds this amount, the “Over Current” LED on the controller’s bridge will illuminate. Press ENTER to set the current limit from 1.0A to 10.0A. Press ENTER when done.
  NOTE : If you exceed the current limit and the “Over Current” LED turns on, you need to disconnect a device from the controller or use another power source that can supply more current. If you use another power supply, make sure to change the current limit.

POWER PORT

This selection allows you to monitor the 12V DC power output to a device connected to the power port. If a device is connected to the port and you select “Power Port” from the Dew Heater menu, the LCD will display the power draw. To disable power to the port to turn off a connected device, press ENTER for the selected port. The LCD screen will then display “Disable port?” To proceed, press ENTER. If you do not want to disable power, press BACK. To re- enable power to the port and turn a connected device back on, press ENTER again.

ENVIRONMENT

This selection allows you to view the data from the environmental sensor. This is also where you can recalibrate the sensor for optimal performance. Use the SCROLL buttons on the hand control to choose from the following options and press ENTER to select.

• Ambient Temperature  – Displays the ambient air temperature.
• Humidity  – Displays the relative humidity.
• Dew point  – This value is calculated in real-time using ambient temperature and humidity data. If the lens’s temperature drops below the number displayed, dew will form on its surface.
• Recalibration  – To begin recalibration of the environmental sensor, select this option and press ENTER. The sensor will heat up to evaporate any moisture accumulated on it, providing the most accurate sensor readings. Recalibration takes about 10 minutes from when you press ENTER to when the sensor has cooled back to ambient temperature. We recommend recalibrating the environmental sensor periodically, especially if the sensor has not been used in a while or has been stored in humid conditions.
• If you check the ambient temperature or humidity during recalibration, the display will report the values last detected before recalibration began.

REENABLING A DISABLED PORT

As discussed previously, the controller’s ports automatically shut off if one of the ports draws more than 84A (7A max current) or if the total load on the controller exceeds 120W (10A max current). To re-enable a port after it has been automatically disabled:

• First, reduce the load on the controller.
• To select the disabled port, press MENU, scroll to “Dew Heater,” and press ENTER. Then scroll to “Dew Heater Port” or “Power Port,” and press ENTER.
• The LCD screen will display “Reset Fuse?” Press ENTER to reenable the port.
  NOTE : If the total load on the controller exceeds 120W (10A max current), you will need to re-enable all the ports.

Connecting to a PC

It may be most convenient for some setups to connect the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x to a PC to adjust settings and monitor data. This is especially true if you are already using a PC to control your mount or any imaging cameras or guiding cameras. To use a wired connection, you will need a USB Type A-to-Type B cable (not supplied). Plug into the PC port on the controller and a USB port on your PC. Once you power the controller on, the computer should recognize it.

If using a Celestron computerized mount, you can connect to the mount and control it through the Smart DewHeater Controller using the free CPWI PC software. To do this, use the included AUX cable to connect one of the controller’s AUX ports to one of the mount’s AUX ports. To connect a PC to the controller wirelessly using the optional SkyPortal WiFi Module, you will need a Celestron mount and the WiFi module accessory (sold separately). Plug the WiFi module into an AUX port on the mount. Connect another AUX port on the mount to one of the AUX ports on the controller using the supplied AUX cable. You can also use the included mount power cable to power your mount from one of the power output ports (Figure 12). Once all the cables are connected, turn on the mount.
NOTE : If your mount only has one AUX port, you’ll need to purchase the optional AUX Port Splitter. This converts the mount’s single AUX port into two AUX ports.

If you are using a Celestron mount with the SkyPortal WiFi Module, you can connect to the controller via WiFi through the mount using the supplied AUX cable. You can also use the included mount power cable to power your mount from the power output port.

Using the Controller with CPWI Software

If you are already controlling your telescope or camera from a computer, you will love controlling the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x with our free Celestron CPWI software. To download the latest version, visit: https://www.celestron.com/pages/celestron-pwi-telescope-control-software
Install the software and open CPWI. Select “Start” if the opening window appears. Then, click on the “Connection” icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. If you are using a wired connection, select “Mount USB.” If you are using the SkyPortal WiFi Module, click on the “Connection” icon and then select “WiFi.”

CPWI should find and connect to the controller. Once connected, the Dew Heater icon will appear in the selection menu on the left side of the screen.

Selecting the Dew Heater icon will display the Dew Heater menu. (Figure 13). The first line in the Dew Heater menu indicates the total power draw for any devices connected to the controller. To see more data, click Overview.

OVERVIEW

The Overview screen displays the power draw for each port on the controller (Figure 14). The icons beside any ports currently in use will turn orange with the power draw over time in the small graph

to the right. In the upper-left corner of the Overview screen, you can see the total power and current draw from the controller and the input voltage from the power source. Below that, you can see the ambient temperature and humidity data from the environmental sensor and the calculated dew point.

The Overview menu is also where you can turn each output port on or off, including both dew heater ports and the output power port. If you are remotely logging into the PC connected to the controller, you can remotely turn your devices on and off here. For the power port, simply use the ON/OFF button. For the dew heater ports, select “Manual” and set the power level to zero. As discussed previously, the controller will automatically shut off its ports if there is too much load on one of the ports (greater than 84W) or if the total load on the controller exceeds 120W (10A max current). If this happens, the Fuse Blown Notification will appear, and you will see a “RESET FUSE” box next to the affected port(s) in the Overview screen (Figure 15). To re-enable a port after it has been automatically disabled, first reduce the load on the port as needed. Then, click on the “RESET FUSE” box to re-enable power to the port.

If the power draw on a port exceeds 84W, the port will automatically shut off. To re-enable, reduce the load on the affected port and then click the RESET FUSE box.

NOTE : If the total load on the controller exceeds 120W (10A max current), you will need to re-enable all ports. Under each Dew Heater port, you’ll find buttons to change from Auto “smart” control mode to Manual control mode:

• If you select Manual Mode, you will need to indicate the desired power level. This is a number between 0 and 100—the percentage of maximum power to the dew heater connected to the port. Once you have entered your desired value, press ENTER.
• To turn a dew heater port off, select Manual control and set the slider to 0%.
• If you select Automatic Mode, you will need to set the “aggression” level. This is a number from 1 (lowest aggression) to 10 (highest aggression) that indicates how active the controller is when preventing dew. A higher aggression setting will use more power but will provide the highest level of dew prevention during changing environmental conditions. In general, you can use a lower aggression setting for warmer and drier observing sites and a higher setting for cooler and more humid observing sites. Also, use a higher aggression setting for larger apertures and lower aggression if you are using a dew shield or it is windy. Use the slider to set the aggression. If you are unsure of what aggression setting to use, try 5 (the default setting) initially. You can rename each port in the Overview screen by clicking on the name of the port. The Port Name Editor window will appear (Figure 16), and you can enter the new name. Click the OK button when done, and the new name will appear for the port. This will help you keep your controls organized, as you can rename each port for the connected device. For example, you can rename your ports “8-inch Dew Heater Ring” or “CGX Mount.”
  

POWER GRAPH

Select “Power Graph” from the Dew Heater menu to bring up the Power Graph window (Figure 17). You can also access the Power Graph directly from the Overview screen by clicking on the shortcut arrow icon next to the word “Power” on the upper-left side of the Overview screen. The Power Graph shows power usage over time for all devices

Power Graph window

connected to the controller’s dew heater ports and output power port. Each color line on the graph represents a different port. If you wish to change the color for a port, mouse over the port and right-click. You can hide a port from the graph by clicking on the circle to the left of the port’s name. To re-enable its line on the graph, simply click on the circle again. To “zoom in” to a specific time range on the graph to see more detail, use the “+” and “-” circles at the bottom right of the graph. You can also “pinch to zoom” if you have a touchpad or use your mouse’s scroll wheel to zoom in and out. Use the slider that appears at the bottom of the graph to find a particular time range.

ENVIRONMENT GRAPH

Select “Environment Graph” from the Dew Heater menu to bring up the Environment Graph window (Figure 18). You can also access the Environment Graph directly from the Overview screen by clicking on the shortcut arrow icon next to the word “Environment” on the left side of the Overview screen. This graph shows the ambient air temperature, humidity, and calculated dew point over time. The air temperature and dew point use the °C temperature scale on the left of the graph. Humidity uses the % humidity scale on the right of the graph. Each color line on the graph represents a different value. If you wish to change the color for a value, mouse over it and right-click. You can hide a value from the graph by clicking on the circle to the left of the value’s name on the graph. To re-enable its line on the graph, simply click on the circle again.

Environment Graph window

To “zoom in” to a specific time range on the graph to see more detail, use the “+” and “-” circles at the bottom right of the graph. You can also use “pinch to zoom” if you have a touchpad or use your mouse’s scroll wheel to zoom in and out of time ranges. Use the slider that appears at the bottom of the graph to find a particular time range. To change temperature units from degrees Fahrenheit (default) to degrees Celsius, use the “Settings” selection from the Dew Heater menu.

SETTINGS

The “Settings” selection from the Dew Heater menu brings up the Dew Heater Settings window (Figure 19).

• Current Limit
• Use the slider to set the maximum current for the power supply you are using. If the power draw from the controller exceeds
  

Dew Heater Settings window

the set max current, the “Over Current” LED on the controller enclosure’s bridge will light up. If this occurs, you will need to reduce the power draw by turning down or turning off devices connected to the controller. Alternatively, you can use another power supply capable of providing more current. If you do this, make sure to adjust the current limit accordingly.

• Temperature Units
  • Change the units of temperature in CPWI using the °C and °F buttons.
• Environment Sensor Recalibration
  • Use the “Start Recalibration” button to recalibrate the environmental sensor. This heats the sensor to evaporate any moisture that has accumulated on it. Recalibration helps provide the most accurate sensor readings. It takes about 10 minutes for the sensor to heat up and cool back down. We recommend recalibrating the environmental sensor periodically, especially if the sensor has not been used in a while or has been stored in humid conditions. This will help provide the most efficient power usage for the dew heaters.
  • If you check the ambient temperature or humidity during recalibration, the display will report the values last detected before recalibration began.
• LED Brightness
  • Set the brightness of the LEDs on the controller using the slider. One is the dimmest setting, and ten is the brightest.
• Power Down on Disconnect
  • You can choose to power off all connected devices when you disconnect the controller from CPWI. To do this, click the Enable button. When you reconnect CPWI, all ports will turn back on. If you do not enable this feature, power will flow through the controller as usual when you disconnect from CPWI.
• Save Data
  • This feature allows you to export the raw data from the controller in a .CSV format, which you can open in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. If you select this option, you can find the saved .CSV file  in this folder on your PC: Documents\Celestron\CPWI
    To disconnect from the Smart DewHeater Controller 2x at the end of an observing session, you can either close CPWI and the Application Shutdown window will appear (Figure 20), or you can select the “Connection” icon in the upper left corner and select “Disconnect.” If you have selected “Power Down on Disconnect” from the Dew Heater>Settings menu, all devices connected to the controller will turn off. Otherwise, power will continue to flow through the controller’s ports as usual.
    
    Application Shutdown window.

Specifications

• Weight : 1.2 lbs.
• Dimensions : 5.5” x 4.5” x 3.25”
• Enclosure : Aluminum, fan-cooled, integrated dovetail clamps and tripod strap
• Power Input:  12V DC nominal, 13.8V DC max input voltage, 10A max input current, 5.5mm/2.1mm tip positive threaded barrel connector
• Power Output  Port: 12V DC, 5.5mm/2.1mm tip positive barrel connector, 7A max output current
• Dew Heater Outputs : 2x RCA jacks, 12V DC, 7A max output current for each port
• Thermistor Jack:  2x 2.5mm Audio jack, compatible with Celestron Dew Heater Rings and optional Celestron Thermistor
• AUX Ports:  2x AUX ports, compatible with Celestron mounts and other Celestron products
• Environmental Sensor:  Integrated, gives ambient temperature and humidity data, can be recalibrated for best performance Circuit protection: internally resettable fuses for each port, reverse polarity protection, under-voltage, over-voltage, undercurrent, over-current
• Firmware : Upgradeable thorough Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) software
• Power cable : 5.5mm/2.1mm threaded tip positive barrel connector plug on one end, cigarette-lighter plug on the other end, 10A fuse, 16 gauge wire.

Appendix A: Determining Power Supply Requirement Examples

EXAMPLE SETUP #1

• Celestron 8” Dew Heater Ring connected to dew heater port #1
• Max current draw of 8” Dew Heater Ring = 1.7A
• Max power required for 8” Dew Heater Ring = 12V x 1.7A = 20.4W
• Celestron Advanced VX EQ mount connected to power port #2
• Max current draw for Advanced VX EQ mount when slewing at highest speed = approximately 2.0A
• Max power required for Advanced VX when slewing at max speed = 12V x 2.0A = 24.0W In this example, the total max power required by the controller would be about 48W.
• If you have access to AC power, the Celestron AC Adapter-5A, which can handle up to 60W, would be a good choice for powering the controller.
• For portable setups, the Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro can provide up to 120W power (10A max current), so it would work well with this example setup.
• The battery capacity of the PowerTank Lithium Pro is 158.7 Watthours. The controller uses approximately 48 watts power per hour. Therefore, the battery will last over 3 hours in this example. Suppose you are using auto smart control for the dew heater ring. In that case, you can expect the battery to last significantly longer since the ring will probably not operate continuously at max power. Similarly, if you are not repeatedly slewing the telescope at its highest speed, then the power consumed by the mount will be much less, further extending battery charge life.

EXAMPLE SETUP #2

• Celestron 11” Dew Heater Ring connected to dew heater port #1

• Max current draw of 11” Dew Heater Ring = 2.5A

• Max power required for 11” Dew Heater Ring = 12V x 2.5A = 30.0W

• Other manufacturer’s heating band/strip for guidescope connected to dew heater port #2

• Max current draw for heating band/strip for guidescope = approximately 1.0A

• Max power required for heating band/strip for guidescope = 12V x 1.0A = 12.0W

• Celestron CGX EQ mount connected to power port #2

• Max current draw for CGX EQ mount when slewing at highest speed = approximately 3.0A

• Max power required for CGX EQ mount when slewing at max speed = 12V x 3.0A = 36.0W
  In this example, the total max power required by the controller would be about 78W.

• If you have access to AC power, a high-power AC-to-DC power supply will work well for powering the controller. Celestron’s AC Adapter-5A would not work since its maximum is 60W.

• If the AC-to-DC power supply voltage is variable, make sure to set it to 12V before connecting it to the controller. Also, remember that the power input jack is tip positive.

• For portable setups, the Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro can provide up to 120W power (10A max current), so it would work with this example setup. However, it may not have enough power storage capacity for your entire observing session.

• The battery capacity of the PowerTank Lithium Pro is 158.7 Watt-hours. The controller will use approximately 78 watts power per hour. Therefore, the battery should last about 2 hours in this example. Suppose you are using auto smart control for the dew heater ring. In that case, you can expect the battery to last significantly longer since the ring will probably not operate continuously at max power. Similarly, if you are not repeatedly slewing the telescope at its highest speed, then the power consumed by the mount will be much less, further extending battery charge life.

• For portable setups that you plan to run all night, we recommend a 12V DC “marine battery” or other portable 12V DC battery with high power storage capacity.

• If you plan to image all night (8 hours) with this setup, you would need a marine battery with a capacity of 78W x 8 hours = 624 Watt-hours (i.e., approximately 52 amp-hours @ 12V DC).

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2835 Columbia Street • Torrance, CA 90503 U.S.A.

FCC NOTE:  This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
  This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Please note that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Product design and specifications are subject to change without prior notification. This product is designed and intended for use by those 14 years of age and olders.

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References

• Celestron - Telescopes, Telescope Accessories, Outdoor and Scientific Products
• Drivers and Software | Celestron
• Technical Support | Celestron
• Drivers and Software | Celestron
• Celestron - Telescopes, Telescope Accessories, Outdoor and Scientific Products
• Drivers and Software | Celestron

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