Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X
Item #: 94036 / 94036-CGL- Using real-time data, the controller provides just enough heat to prevent dew from forming, prolonging battery life
- “Smart control” system monitors ambient temperature and humidity and adjusts power to four dew heaters automatically
- Compatible with Celestron Dew Heater Rings and third-party heating bands or straps (with thermistor accessory)
- Also provides power management for your entire setup with four 12V DC power output ports (one with variable voltage)
- Integrated USB 3.2 hub with three powered USB Type A ports allows you to connect all your devices to your computer with only one cable
- Works with your Celestron telescope’s hand control or CPWI telescope control software so you can view data and make manual adjustments
- Mounts securely to your telescope's dovetail or tripod leg
- Durable metal housing features an integrated cooling fan to protect the controller’s electronics
Overview
- Using real-time data, the controller provides just enough heat to prevent dew from forming, prolonging battery life
- “Smart control” system monitors ambient temperature and humidity and adjusts power to four dew heaters automatically
- Compatible with Celestron Dew Heater Rings and third-party heating bands or straps (with thermistor accessory)
- Also provides power management for your entire setup with four 12V DC power output ports (one with variable voltage)
- Integrated USB 3.2 hub with three powered USB Type A ports allows you to connect all your devices to your computer with only one cable
- Works with your Celestron telescope’s hand control or CPWI telescope control software so you can view data and make manual adjustments
- Mounts securely to your telescope's dovetail or tripod leg
- Durable metal housing features an integrated cooling fan to protect the controller’s electronics
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Description
Work smarter, not harder, when it comes to combating dew. The Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X prolongs your battery life by optimizing power usage for up to four dew heaters. The controller gathers and analyzes information in real time to warm your optics just enough to prevent dew.
The Smart DewHeater and Controller comes with four ports to control four dew heaters at once. You can use one port to heat your optical tube while the others warm a second optical tube, a guide scope, an eyepiece, or another accessory. The controller is also a complete power management solution for your telescope. It offers 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 variable voltage, which you can adjust from 3V to 12V. In addition, the controller features three powered USB ports.
The Smart DewHeater and Controller works seamlessly with Celestron’s Dew Heater Rings, which have a built-in thermistor to provide temperature readings of the corrector lens. Third-party dew heater bands or straps are also compatible; you simply need to add Celestron's Thermistor for Smart DewHeater and Controllers (sold separately).
Smart Controls
At the heart of the controller is a powerful microprocessor that gathers information from the sensors, computes the data, and automatically adjusts your dew heaters. The controller monitors the ambient temperature and humidity using its integrated environmental sensor and monitors the heaters’ temperatures using thermistors.
You can run the Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X as a standalone accessory. Or, if you want to view data from the controller and make manual adjustments, you can connect it to your Celestron telescope’s hand control or your PC. The controller works with NexStar+ or StarSense hand controls running the latest firmware or Celestron CPWI telescope control software, included with every Celestron mount.
Power
The Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X runs on a 12V DC battery (like our PowerTank Lithium Pro or PowerTank 17) and can handle a maximum power of 240W (20A max current @ 12V DC).
The controller also features four 12V DC output ports so you can power your entire setup from a single source. You can use the additional ports to power devices like your mount, focus motor, and camera(s). One of the power ports offers variable voltage, which adjusts from 3V to 12V. This port is perfect for accessories that use less than 12V DC, such as a DSLR camera.
Once they’re connected, you can control the power to each device individually with the hand control or CPWI software. Power down your connected devices without unplugging them from the controller. All your devices are protected by resettable electronic fuses if current draw becomes too high.
NOTE: If you are using several dew heaters in heavy dew conditions and powering external 12V DC devices, one PowerTank Lithium Pro or PowerTank 17Ah will not have enough capacity to run your setup all night; you'll need a larger capacity battery or multiple batteries.
USB 3.2 Hub
The integrated USB 3.2 hub connects three USB devices to your computer with only one cable, greatly simplifying cable management. There are three USB Type A ports, and each port is powered. Just like the 12V DC ports, you can power each USB port on or off using CPWI or a Celestron hand control.
Unique Industrial Design
The Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X features a heavy-duty metal housing. Inside, a cooling fan protects the controller’s electronics.
The Bridge – On top of the controller, you will find the bridge, which is home to the device’s status LEDs and environmental sensors. The bridge also helps with cable management. We have positioned the temperature and humidity sensors here, away from the control box and other components that could generate heat. Unlike competitor products, our sensors do not require additional cables to obtain accurate readings.
The LED lights on the bridge indicate the device’s current status. The LEDs provide warnings if the controller is drawing more current than your power source can supply or if the battery charge needs recharging. You can dim the lights if you are under dark skies.
Mounting – The Celestron Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X mounts on your CGE or CG-5 dovetail with the integrated dovetail clamps. If you prefer to mount the controller on your tripod leg, use the included strap.
Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X comes complete with:
- Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4X
- Tripod leg strap
- Controller power cable
- Power cable for external 12V DC device
- AUX cable for connecting to Celestron mounts
- Thermistor extension cable to attach to Celestron’s Dew Heater Ring
Enhance your setup
We highly recommend pairing this controller with Celestron Dew Heater Rings. They fit seamlessly on your Schmidt corrector lens and will improve your observing or imaging year-round.
For the highest level of dew prevention, we also suggest adding a dew shield to your setup. While not required, a dew shield will cut down on the amount of power the controller needs to provide to the dew heater rings to keep your optics clear.
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Dew Heater Ports: | 4x, ports, RCA jack, compatible with Celestron Dew Heater Rings and other 3rd party vendor heating straps |
| Thermistor ports: | 4x ports (one for each dew heater port), 2.5mm Audio jack, compatible with Celestron Dew Heater Rings and optional Celestron Thermistor |
| 12V DC power output port: | 3x ports, barrel connector jacks (5.5mm/2.1mm), 7A max for each port |
| Variable DC Power Output Port: | 3V-12V variable output, barrel connector jack (5.5mm/2.1mm), 5A max |
| USB Port: | 3x ports, USB 3.2 Type A ports, up to 2.5A output for each |
| 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 port: | Threaded barrel connector jack, 5.5mm/2.1mm, 10A max input |
| High current 12V DC power input port: | XT60 jack, 20A max input |
| Included power cable: | Cigarette lighter plug on one end, XT60 plug on other end, 10 ft. long, 20A fuse protected |
| Environmental sensor: | Measures ambient temperature and humidity, integrated into enclosure "bridge" to thermally isolate |
| Enclosure construction: | Aluminum with integrated fan |
| Clamp: | Fits CG-5 and CGE dovetails (also can be strapped onto tripod leg) |
| Electronic protections: | Fuse protected, reverse polarity protected, low voltage cut-off |
| Weight: | 1.4 lbs (635.02 g) |
| Dimensions: | 177.8mm x 114.3mm x 82.55mm (7" x 4.5" x 3.25") |
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FAQ
Celestron offers several options for powering the Smart DewHeater Controllers. Which one is best for my setup?
To answer this question, you’ll need to consider how, where, and for how long you want to run your system. Here are some critical specifications to evaluate for each potential power source.
- “Max current output” indicates the maximum amount of current that the power source can deliver to the controller. The current draw from all the devices you connect to the controller should not exceed this amount.
- For batteries only: The “battery capacity” specification will help you determine how long a given battery will run your system. First, add up the total power (in watts) required by all your devices. Then, multiply that number by the number of hours you wish to power the setup. If the result exceeds the battery capacity listed below, you’ll need a larger battery or more than one battery to last through the night. (Note: This specification does not apply to AC adapters, as their capacity is unlimited when they are connected to an AC power outlet.)
#18763 PowerTank Lithium LT
- Max current output: 3A
- Battery capacity: 73.3Wh
#18771 PowerTank Lithium
- Max current output: 3A
- Battery capacity: 84.4Wh
#18768 PowerTank Lithium Pro
- Max current output: 10A
- Battery capacity: 158.7Wh
#18774 PowerTank
- Max current output: 10
- Battery capacity: 84Wh
#18777 PowerTank 17
- Max current output:10A
- Battery capacity: 204Wh
#18778 AC Adapter – 2A
- Max current output: 2A
#18780 AC Adapter – 5A
- Max current output: 5A
I understand that the printed instruction manual I received in the box may not be the latest version. Where can I find the most recent version?
You can always find up-to-date instruction manuals for any Celestron product by visiting the product’s page on www.celestron.com. Manuals are in the Support & Downloads tab. For your convenience, here are direct links to the controllers’ manuals:
• Smart DewHeater Controller 2x
• Smart DewHeater and Power Controller 4x
The threaded plug on my older Celestron AC Adapter - 5A (#18780) does not thread onto the controller's threaded power jack, and the power input becomes intermittent as a result. What is the problem?
The older Celestron AC Adapter - 5A has a slightly different thread specification for the plug and will not connect properly to the Smart DewHeater Controller's power input jack as a result. We recommend purchasing a new Celestron AC Adapter - 5A, as the newer model has compatible threads on its plug.
Is there an ASCOM driver available for the Smart DewHeater Controllers?
Not currently but we expect to have one within the next couple of months. Please check back soon.
Support & Downloads
