Overview
- Celestrons most compact, lightweight, and portable lithium power pack
- Provides your telescope with up to 8 hours of consistent power at the proper voltage for optimum telescope performance
- Comes with a rapid charge USB port for fast-charging your electronic devices in the field
- Meets current FAA carry-on baggage regulations
Description
Power your telescope anywhere with the PowerTank Lithium LT, our smallest and lightest lithium-ion power pack. This handy device is a must-have for your telescope and accessories, camping gear, emergency kit, and more.
Stable Power Designed for Telescopes
The PowerTank Lithium LT is built with lithium nickel cobalt manganese technology, Li(NiCoMn)O2, which delivers a steady charge over long periods and requires less maintenance than a traditional sealed lead-acid battery.
Unlike other lithium-ion power packs in this price range, the PowerTank Lithium LT was designed for astronomers by astronomers—specifically for the unique needs of computerized telescopes.
Telescope electronics are very sensitive to voltage. Powering a telescope with lower-than-optimal voltage can cause the motors to strain with heavier loads and can even cause the electronics to glitch. The PowerTank Lithium LT uses a built-in voltage regulator to ensure that it delivers at least 11.8 volts for most of the life of the battery, until the battery is depleted and shuts off.
You may see competitor batteries claiming that they hold enough watt-hours of electricity to power your telescope for hours. The technology in these batteries was originally developed to power much lower-voltage electronics, such as home CPAP machines. Although the voltage actually being delivered starts off at 12V, it diminishes rapidly, impacting your telescope’s performance and becoming functionally useless within about 2-3 hours.
Celestron’s telescope engineers worked hand-in-hand with battery suppliers on PowerTank Lithium LT to ensure that it does not experience this dropoff in performance. The built-in voltage regulator ensures a stable 12V output, regardless of the amount of charge left in the battery. This keeps your telescope’s electronics safe and performing their best, so you can focus on astronomy.
Compared to a lead-acid battery, the PowerTank Lithium LT is smaller, lighter, more efficient, and better for the environment. It offers better performance, a longer lifespan, and safer operation than other low-cost lithium-ion battery chemistries. It also offers automatic shut-off, reverse polarity protection, charging/discharging protection, overcurrent protection, and short circuit protection.
Use in the Field
The power pack’s extremely portable form factor means it can go anywhere from a remote dark sky location for astroimaging to a weekend of camping. When it’s powering your telescope, use the included 2” straps to secure the unit to your tripod leg where it is out of the way. Besides the power cable to charge your telescope, no other cables are needed.
If you need to power your telescope and charge electronic devices simultaneously, the PowerTank Lithium LT features two output ports: 1 12V DC port for the telescope and 1 fast-charging 2.1A USB charging port for smartphones and tablets. This USB port can also support any accessories that require 5V USB power.
Travel with PowerTank
The PowerTank Lithium LT can travel with you on your next vacation. At 73.3 watt-hours, it meets current FAA regulations (160 Wh) for transportation in your carry-on baggage. Please check in advance with your airline to verify they do not have stricter policies. Do not place PowerTank Lithium LT in your checked baggage.
PowerTank Lithium LT Compatibility List
Will power any computerized mount
Compatible | |
---|---|
Advanced VX | LCM series |
Astro Fi | CPC, CPC DX |
CG-5 (with CG-5 Aux. splitter) | NexStar Evolution |
CGE | NexStar GT (2015 models and newer with Aux. splitter) |
NexStar SE Series | SkyProdigy |
CGEM II | NexStar SLT |
CGEM, CGEM DX |
Specifications
Battery Capacity | 73.3 Wh |
Charging Input | 16VDC @ 2000mA |
Charge Time (from flat) | 4 hours |
Telescope Power Port | 12V DC @ 3000mA, voltage regulated, 5mm/2.1mm tip positive jack |
Car Battery Adapter Port | None |
USB Charging Port 1 Output | 5V DC @ 2100mA |
Auto Shutoff Threshold Current | Less than 250mA for 4 hours |
Operating Temperature | -40°F - 140°F (-40°C - 60°C) |
Light Panel | None |
Weatherproof/Dustproof | No |
Telescope Power Cord | 6.5 ft (2 m) with connector for Celestron telescopes |
Strap | 2" wide hook & loop strap for attachment to tripod leg |
Product Dimensions | 190.5mm x 101.6mm x 50.8mm (7.5" x 4" x 2") |
Product Weight | 1.4 lbs (.63 kg) |
Included Items | Battery pack (Lithium nickel cobalt manganese, Li(NiCoMn)O2) | Telescope power cable (2m/6.5 feet long) with 5.5mm barrel connectors | 60mm wide strap for tripod leg | AC charger |
California Residents | View Proposition 65 Warning |
Buy risk-free: When it’s time to trade up you’ll get the most value for your used gear.