Power Distribution Panel and Display

thingiverse

This power distribution panel and display is specifically designed to be used with a GOTO telescope. Typically, 12 volts are required to run the mount, cameras, TEC, heater bands, etc. This particular panel has one input for the 12V supply and five outputs for peripheral devices. The display can be purchased from Amazon for approximately $15 and shows the voltage, current, power, and total energy used. The blue background of the LCD display can be turned on or off with a simple button press. The power display is very useful for displaying energy consumption and/or predicting how long your battery will last. To mount this panel on a 2-inch diameter tripod leg like the Explore Scientific EXOS II, the universal leg clamp should also be printed. The distribution panel can be screwed to the leg clamp using two #4-40 x 0.5" flat head screws and nuts. The leg clamp requires three #4-40 x 1.5 inch round head screws and nuts. The wiring of the panel is straightforward. The power input connector next to the 12V label is connected to the input of the power display. The output of the power display is connected to the remaining power and RCA connectors. The + voltage needs to be wired to the center connectors for proper polarity. Polarity on the heater bands is not crucial, but it should follow the same convention of + voltage on the center connector. PayPal tips are greatly appreciated!