Celestron PowerTank 12V Portable Power Supply and Car Battery Adapter Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the safe and effective use of your Celestron PowerTank 12V Portable Power Supply and the accompanying Car Battery Adapter. The PowerTank is designed to provide portable power for computerized telescopes and other electronic devices, offering a reliable power source for extended outdoor use.

Safety Information

• Read all instructions before using the PowerTank.
• Do not expose the PowerTank to rain or moisture.
• Do not disassemble the unit. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Ensure proper ventilation during charging and use.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Recycle the sealed lead acid battery responsibly at the end of its life.
• When using the car battery boost function, ensure correct polarity connection to avoid damage to the PowerTank or vehicle battery.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• Celestron PowerTank 12V Portable Power Supply (7-amp hour/84 Wh)
• AC Charger (for PowerTank)
• Car Battery Adapter (25-foot cord)
• Car Battery Terminals (for boosting weak car batteries)

Product Overview

The Celestron PowerTank is a versatile portable power source designed for astronomers and outdoor enthusiasts. It features multiple output options and integrated lighting.

Figure 1: Celestron PowerTank 12V Portable Power Supply shown with the included Car Battery Adapter.

PowerTank Features:

• 12V DC Output Ports: Two cigarette lighter style ports for powering telescopes and other 12V accessories.
• USB Charging Ports: Two 5V/1.5A USB ports for charging smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices.
• Integrated Flashlights:
  • Red LED Flashlight: For maintaining night vision during astronomy sessions.
  • White LED Flashlight: For general illumination and cleanup.
• Battery Indicator: LED lights to show battery charge status (Full, Charging, Needs Charging, Ready to Use).
• Car Battery Terminals: For emergency boosting of weak car batteries.
• Built-in Circuit Breaker: Enhances safety during operation.

Figure 2: Front view of the PowerTank, highlighting the main flashlight and control panel.

Figure 3: Side view of the PowerTank, showing the important recharge reminder and battery type information.

Figure 4: Detailed view of the PowerTank's output ports, including USB and 12V sockets, and the battery indicator lights.

Car Battery Adapter Features:

• 25-foot Cord: Provides ample reach between your telescope and a 12V power source.
• Cigarette Lighter Plug: Connects to a vehicle's cigarette lighter outlet or the PowerTank's 12V output.
• Barrel Connector: Compatible with Celestron computerized telescopes (NexStar SLT, GT, CGEM, CPC, CPC Deluxe, Advanced VX Series) and other telescopes requiring a 5.5 mm outer diameter, 2.1 mm inner diameter, tip-positive 12V input.

Figure 5: The Celestron Car Battery Adapter, showing the cigarette lighter plug and barrel connector.

Figure 6: Detailed view of the Car Battery Adapter's barrel connector and cigarette lighter plug.

Setup

Initial Charging of PowerTank:

1. Connect the supplied AC charger to the DC 15V Input port on the PowerTank.
2. Plug the AC charger into a standard wall outlet.
3. Allow the PowerTank to charge for a full 24 hours before first use. The "Charging" indicator light will illuminate during this process. The "Fully Charged" light will indicate when charging is complete.

Note: For optimal battery life, always fully charge the PowerTank before its initial use and after any period of extended storage.

Connecting the Car Battery Adapter:

1. Identify the 12V input jack on your Celestron computerized telescope. This is typically a round port with an outer diameter of 5.5 mm and an inner diameter of 2.1 mm, requiring a tip-positive connection.
2. Insert the barrel connector end of the Car Battery Adapter into the telescope's 12V input jack.
3. Insert the cigarette lighter plug end of the Car Battery Adapter into a 12V cigarette lighter outlet on your PowerTank or directly into your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.
4. Ensure all connections are secure before powering on your telescope.

Operating Instructions

Powering Telescopes and 12V Devices:

1. Ensure the PowerTank is adequately charged (check battery indicator lights).
2. Connect your telescope or 12V accessory to one of the two 12V cigarette lighter output ports on the PowerTank.
3. Turn on the PowerTank's main power switch (if applicable, refer to PowerTank controls).
4. Power on your connected device.

Charging USB Devices:

1. Connect your USB device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) to one of the two 5V/1.5A USB output ports on the PowerTank using a compatible USB cable.
2. The PowerTank will begin charging your device automatically.

Using the Integrated Flashlights:

• Red LED Flashlight: Locate the red flashlight switch on the PowerTank. Turn it on for low-level illumination that preserves your night vision during astronomy observations.
• White LED Flashlight: Locate the white flashlight switch. Turn it on for brighter illumination when packing up equipment or for general use.

Emergency Car Battery Boost:

The PowerTank includes terminals for providing a boost to a weak car battery. Exercise extreme caution and follow vehicle manufacturer guidelines when performing this procedure.

1. Ensure the PowerTank is fully charged.
2. Connect the red positive (+) terminal clamp from the PowerTank to the positive (+) terminal of the car battery.
3. Connect the black negative (-) terminal clamp from the PowerTank to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the car engine block, away from the battery and moving parts.
4. Attempt to start the vehicle. If it starts, disconnect the clamps in reverse order (negative first, then positive).
5. If the vehicle does not start after a few attempts, consult a professional.

Maintenance

• Recharging Schedule: To maintain battery health, recharge your PowerTank every 3 months. During periods of frequent use or during summer months, recharge monthly. Always fully charge the unit before and after long-term storage.
• Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the PowerTank with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or immerse the unit in water.
• Battery Recycling: The PowerTank contains a sealed lead acid battery. When the battery reaches the end of its service life, it must be recycled according to local regulations. Do not dispose of it in household waste.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• PowerTank Battery Type: Sealed Lead Acid
• PowerTank Capacity: 7-amp hour (Ah) / 84 Watt-hours (Wh)
• PowerTank 12V Output: Two cigarette lighter ports
• PowerTank USB Output: Two 5V / 1.5A ports
• PowerTank Input: DC 15V
• Flashlights: Red LED, White LED
• Car Battery Adapter Cord Length: 25 feet
• Car Battery Adapter Barrel Connector: 5.5 mm Outer Diameter, 2.1 mm Inner Diameter, Tip Positive
• Compatible Telescopes (with Car Adapter): NexStar SLT Series, NexStar GT Series, CGEM Series, CPC Series, CPC Deluxe Series, Advanced VX Series

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact Celestron customer support directly. Refer to the official Celestron website for the most current contact details and warranty terms.

Website: www.celestron.com