Build Your Own Telescope Field 12v DC Battery Box (Complete Build)

I will show you how I put together a 12v DC battery box that I use for my telescope astrophotography when in the field and away from AC power. I include the example wiring diagram, components, build process, and testing steps used along the way. This 12v DC battery box can be used for your telescope or any other 12v DC application such as ice fishing, camping, or as an emergency power source.

For more of my astrophotography, visit http://www.PatriotAstro.com

Below is a list of the components, tools, and other equipment featured within this video. Many of the links are affiliate links. By clicking the links and making purchases at either Amazon or OptCorp, I may be compensated at no cost to you.

Battery Box Components:
- Battery Box Case (https://thd.co/3gwZNmN)
- 100Ah AGM Battery (https://bit.ly/3ay1eOc)
- Battery Terminal Posts [or similar] (https://amzn.to/3xiuJgF)
- Johnson Power Pole Connectors (https://amzn.to/2PjX9FS)
- Power Pole Receptacle (https://amzn.to/3xiC9AE)
- 12v Fan 6-pack (https://amzn.to/3sx5nZD)
- Fan Blade Covers 20-pcs (https://amzn.to/3cCZ40U)
- On-Off-On DPDT Switch 2-pack (https://amzn.to/3fp3smc)
- On-Off Switches (https://amzn.to/3sECnyd)
- Dual USB 12v DC (https://amzn.to/3nbQ1rw)
- Cigarette Lighter Socket 12v (https://amzn.to/3vhODXp)
- Fuse Box (https://amzn.to/3nfaQCl)
- Fuses (https://amzn.to/3xkbJyo)
- LCD Battery Meter (https://amzn.to/3ve1SIt)
- LED Lights [or similar 12v] (https://amzn.to/3neaGvc)
- Inline DC Watt Meter Analyzer (https://amzn.to/3do0USu)
- Spool of 16-AWG wire (https://amzn.to/3mdPbdy)

Tools:
- Power Pole Crimper Tool (https://amzn.to/2QHfCfN)
- Power Pole Extraction Insertion Tool (https://amzn.to/3u8PrNz)
- Vise-Grip Wire Stripper Cutter (https://amzn.to/3w8x7Gl)
- Basic Multimeter continuity tester (https://amzn.to/3fzU3YS)
- Dremel (https://amzn.to/3tLNYgf)
- Step Drill Bit Set (https://amzn.to/39KBuxN)
- Utility Shears, Cutter (https://amzn.to/3djpjbV)
- Terminal Set plus Crimping Tool [starter set] (https://amzn.to/2PnwjwD)

Additional Components Displayed:
Sky Watcher EQ6-R Pro (https://bit.ly/3ttF5HX)
Optics: Celestron 8" SCT (https://bit.ly/3ePADii)
Focuser: Pegasus Astro FocusCube2 (https://bit.ly/37NJ2Pb)
Camera: ZWO ASI1600MM-Pro (https://bit.ly/3qYX5Z7)
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI174mm-mini (https://bit.ly/3vnZMXz)
OAG: Celestron Off-Axis Guider (https://bit.ly/38LoCqm)
Dew Heater Controller: Thousand Oaks Optical (https://bit.ly/3ehIRxW)
Desktop DC Power Supply (https://amzn.to/2PJcSOJ)

-------CHAPTERS-------
0:00 - Introduction
0:52 - Box Requirements
3:10 - Wiring Plan
11:30 - Components
16:35 - The Battery and Box
18:00 - Tools
20:39 - The Cuts and Shunt Install
24:00 - Installed Components
27:17 - Wiring Pre-Planning and the Shunt
34:38 - Negative Wiring
38:35 - Positive Wiring
43:18 - Charging Circuit and Battery Leads
46:29 - Battery Install
48:05 - Powering Up and Testing
53:40 - Power Box in Action
59:22 - Wrapping Up