Power Supply & More Horsepower

Titan Tips

The following has been copied from the Gemini manual:

The Gemini System requires 12–18 Volts DC, 3 Amps to operate. You will need to have a battery or regulated DC power supply. Your choice of power supply is very important! Many DC power units are not regulated, provide too little current, and too little or too much voltage. This can cause problems with the Gemini. If you plan to run other equipment from the power supply, make sure it has enough additional capacity. Choose your power supply carefully, and avoid potential problems such as long power cables.

From one of the forums, I have read that the above power supply is similar to the Radio Shack product. I had one and thought it was wimpy. When my Titan was on order, I learned that a really good power supply was available from Pyramid Power Supply.  A good supplier of Pyramid Power Supplies is Electronics.com. They have a good selection of models and fair prices. Many models meet our needs with and without the cigarette plug connector. I purchased one rated at 20 amps so as to have plenty of additional capacity for my "dew preventor" and anything else I may need to add. I like plenty of passing power.  I checked the output voltage with a digital multimeter and verified that it was indeed 13.8 volts.

 Having also read that the Titan servo motors need 12-18 volts, but that they perform better at 18 volts, I purchased the Lacey converter which ups the ante from 13.8 volts to 18 volts. I connected it to the Pyramid and verified that it was indeed 18 volts. This is supposed to help with the motors that do need help. Not being an electrician, I just did what the experience and wisdom of others suggested. No regrets.

It has been suggested to change GOTO and SLEW speeds from the default number of 1200 to 900. This helps reduce stress on the motors. Since I have a fairly heavy 12" Meade OTA, accessories, and 63 lbs of counterweight, I lowered mine to 500 and the motors stay cool.