Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 Review

Let’s Dive into Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769

The Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 is a seemingly simple accessory, yet it’s crucial for any astronomer who wants to escape light pollution and power their telescope in the field. Manufactured by Celestron, this 25-foot cord connects your compatible telescope to your car’s cigarette lighter port or a Celestron PowerTank, offering reliable power away from wall outlets. It promises freedom from battery worries and the limitations of powered observing locations.

My interest in this adapter stemmed from a frustrating experience during a recent stargazing trip. The internal batteries of my NexStar 6SE died halfway through the night, leaving me grounded. I needed a solution that wouldn’t rely on disposable batteries or limited AC power sources.

Upon unboxing the Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769, my initial impression was that it was a straightforward, no-frills product. The cable felt durable, though not exceptionally heavy-duty, and the connectors seemed solid enough. Its 25-foot length was immediately appreciated, offering plenty of reach without being unwieldy.

I considered alternatives like generic cigarette lighter adapters with voltage regulators, but chose the Celestron adapter for its guaranteed compatibility and appropriate voltage output for my telescope. Off-brand adapters can be risky and potentially damage sensitive electronics. This seemed like the safest, most reliable option.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The adapter seemed well-made for its purpose, but the real test would be how it performed in the field and how it held up over time.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 during a weekend astronomy outing in the Mojave Desert. The desert environment presented challenges like extreme temperature fluctuations and fine dust. I connected the adapter to my car’s cigarette lighter and then to my NexStar 6SE telescope.

The adapter worked flawlessly. The telescope powered up immediately, and I spent hours observing without worrying about battery drain. Despite the cool desert nights, the adapter maintained a stable connection and power supply.

Using the adapter was completely intuitive. There was no setup required. Simply plug it in, and it works. I did not anticipate any issues, and thankfully, there were none.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 continues to perform reliably. I have used it in various environments, from damp coastal areas to dry mountain locations. The adapter has shown no signs of wear and tear.

The cable remains flexible and the connectors still fit snugly. Cleaning is minimal, usually just wiping down the cable with a damp cloth to remove dust. My previous experiences with generic power adapters were far less positive. The Celestron adapter has proven to be a superior, more dependable solution.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769

Specifications

• The Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 features a 25-foot cord, providing ample length for convenient placement of the telescope away from the vehicle. This length is ideal for avoiding vibrations from the running engine.
• It includes a male cigarette lighter plug on one end for connecting to a car’s 12V DC outlet, and a 5.5mm female plug on the other for connecting to compatible Celestron telescopes. This is a standard size for many Celestron telescopes.
• It is specifically designed for use with Celestron CGE Series, Advanced Series, and NexStar Series telescopes. It’s critical to verify compatibility with your specific telescope model to avoid damage or malfunction.
• The adapter’s purpose is to allow powering the telescope directly from a car’s cigarette lighter port or a Celestron PowerTank receptacle. This eliminates the need for internal batteries or AC power sources, providing flexibility during observing sessions.
• It is not suitable for use with older Celestron telescopes such as the basic Celestar 8, C5+, C8+, or Ultima 9/11 models. Using it with incompatible models could damage the telescope’s electronics.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and reliable power source for compatible Celestron telescopes, allowing for extended observing sessions without worrying about battery life. Its straightforward design and ease of use are definite strengths.

However, its limited compatibility is a weakness. It only works with specific Celestron telescope models. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 features a simple and functional design. The materials used are durable enough for typical outdoor use, and the 25-foot length is ideal for most observing setups. There is no real learning curve. The design is as simple as plugging it in and powering on.

Durability & Maintenance

The adapter appears to be built to last. The cable is reasonably thick and the connectors seem sturdy. Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe down the cable as needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 comes with no additional accessories. There are no customization options. Its functionality is limited to providing power to compatible telescopes via a car battery or Celestron PowerTank. The adapter relies on the telescope’s existing accessories.

Pros and Cons of Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769

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Who Should Buy Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769?

The Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 is perfect for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers who own compatible Celestron telescopes and frequently observe from locations without AC power. This includes those who travel to dark sky sites, attend star parties, or simply want the flexibility to set up their telescope in their backyard without running extension cords. It’s a must-have for anyone serious about astronomy on the go.

Anyone who owns an incompatible telescope or prefers to use internal batteries should skip this product. This is not a universal power solution.

A Celestron PowerTank is a must-have accessory for those who want to power their telescope away from a vehicle.

Conclusion on Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769

The Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 is a simple yet essential accessory for owners of compatible Celestron telescopes. It provides a reliable and convenient power solution for observing in the field. The price of $41.99 is justified by its guaranteed compatibility, dependable performance, and the peace of mind it offers.

I would definitely recommend this adapter to anyone who needs to power their compatible Celestron telescope remotely. If you are tired of dealing with dead batteries and limited power options, the Celestron Telescope Car Battery Adapter 18769 is a worthwhile investment. Go forth and explore the night sky, powered by this trusty adapter!