Celestron dew heating controller 4x

Description

Controller, power supply and USB 3.2 HUB, cable management at its best from Celestron

Work smarter, not harder, when it comes to fighting dew. The Celestron Dew Heater Controller 4x extends your battery life by optimizing power consumption for up to four heating ribbons (dew ribbons) or rings. The controller collects and analyzes information in real time to warm up your optics just enough to prevent dew.

Connection options

The smart controller comes with four ports to control four heating ribbons (dew ribbons) or rings at the same time. First, you can use one port to heat your optical tube. Secondly, heat another optical tube, for example a viewfinder or guide scope and/or an eyepiece or other accessory. The controller is also a complete power management solution for your telescope. The controller provides four 12V DC output ports to power a variety of 12V DC devices, such as your mount, focus motor, and camera. One of the ports has a variable voltage, which you can set from 3V to 12V. In addition, the controller has three powered USB 3.2 ports.

Combine with Celestron’s new heating rings

This smart controller works seamlessly with Celestron’s heating rings, which have a built-in thermistor (temperature sensor) for temperature measurements from the corrector lens. Third party dew ribbons or dew shields with built-in heating ribbon (RCA jack) are also compatible. To get the most out of the smart controller, you can use the Celestron thermistor. This is a temperature sensor that you place between your telescope and the heating tape and measures the correct temperature. This sensor is an optional accessory.

Smart control

The heart of the controller is a powerful microprocessor that collects information from the sensors, calculates the data and automatically adjusts your heating ribbon or ring. The controller monitors the ambient temperature and humidity using the integrated ambient sensor and monitors the temperatures of the heaters using temperature sensors.

You can use the smart controller 4X as a stand-alone accessory. Or, if you want to view data from the controller and make manual adjustments, you can connect it to the handheld controller of your Celestron telescope or your PC. The controller works with NexStar+ or StarSense hand controls with the latest firmware or Celestron CPWI telescope control software, included with every Celestron mount.

Power supply

The Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X runs on a 12V DC battery (such as the Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro) and can handle a maximum power of 240W (20A max current @ 12V DC).

The controller also features four 12V DC output ports, allowing you to power your entire setup from a single source. You can use the extra ports to power devices such as your mount, focus motor and camera(s). One of the power ports provides a variable voltage, which can be adjusted from 3V to 12V. This port is perfect for accessories that use less than 12V DC, such as a DSLR camera.

Once connected, you can control power to each device individually with the hand control or through the CPWI software. Turn off your connected devices without disconnecting them from the controller. All your devices are protected with resettable electronic fuses if the power consumption gets too high.

NOTE: If you are using multiple heating tapes in dewy conditions and powering external 12V DC devices, one PowerTank Lithium Pro will not have enough capacity to run your rig all night. In that case you need a battery with a larger capacity or several batteries.

USB 3.2 hub in the Celestron dew heater controller 4x

The integrated USB 3.2 hub connects three USB devices to your computer with just one cable, greatly simplifying cable management. There are three USB Type A ports and each port is powered. Like the 12V DC ports, you can turn any USB port on or off using CPWI or a Celestron hand control.

Unique industrial design

The Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X has a sturdy metal housing. Inside, a cooling fan protects the controller electronics.

• The bridge: on top of the controller, you’ll find the bridge, which houses the device’s status LEDs and environmental sensors. The bridge also helps with cable management. Celestron has positioned the temperature and humidity sensors here, away from the control box and other components that can generate heat. Unlike competitor products, these sensors do not require additional cables to obtain accurate readings. With the LED lights on the bridge you can see the current status of the device. The LEDs provide warnings if the controller is drawing more current than your power source can supply or if the battery needs to be recharged. You can dim the lights if you are under a dark sky.
• Mounting: the Celestron Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X mounts to your Losmandy or Vixen style dovetail with the integrated dovetail clamps. If you prefer to mount the controller on your tripod leg, use the supplied strap, for example.

Delivery of the Celestron Dew Heater Controller 4x includes:

• Smart controller for dew ribbons or rings 4x
• Tripod attachment by means of strap
• Power cable with cigarette lighter plug and 5.5×2.1 connector
• Power cable with 5.5×2.1 connectors
• AUX cable for connection to your Celestron mount
• Temperature sensor extension cable (thermistor extension cable)

Specifications of the Celestron Dew Heater Controller 4x are:

• Heater Outputs: 4x ports equipped with RCA jack, compatible with Celestron heating rings and other 3rd party heating belts or dew ribbons
• Temperature sensor connection: 4x ports (one for each dew heater port), 2.5mm audio jack, compatible with Celestron heating rings and optional Celestron Thermistor (temperature sensor)
• 12V DC output port: 3x ports, barrel connector jacks (5.5 x 2.1 mm), 7 A max for each port
• Variable DC output port: 3V-12V variable output, barrel connector jack (5.5 x 2.1 mm), 5A max
• USB Port: 3x ports, USB 3.2 Type A ports, up to 2.5A output for each port
• AUX Ports: 3x ports, allows connection to Celestron mounts for HC control, also allows connection of optional accessories
• PC Port: USB 3.2 Type B, allows connection to PC for control with CPWI
• 12V DC power input: Threaded connector, 5.5 x 2.1mm, 10A max input
• High Current 12V DC Input Port: XT60 Jack, 20A Max Input
• Power cable included: Cigarette lighter socket on one end, XT60 plug on the other end, 3m long, 20A fuse protected
• Ambient sensor: measures ambient temperature and humidity, integrated into the housing “bridge” to thermally insulate
• Housing construction: aluminum with integrated fan
• Clamp: fits Vixen and Losmandy style dovetails (can also be attached to tripod leg)
• Electronic Protections: Fuse protected, Reverse polarity protected, Low voltage trip
• Weight: 0.64kg
• Dimensions: 177.8mm x 114.3mm x 82.55mm (L x W x H)