My SkyFi router shuts down in the cold. I have to warm it in the car to get it to start again. My guess is that it's the battery.
When I strap some hand warmers to it, it lasts much longer - maybe 3 hours max.
I'd like to use a 12 volt adapter to power the SkyFi unit from my Meade power tank.
I could bring a 12 volt inverter to power SkyFi via it's own 110v charger, but that seems stupid.
Ideas, anyone?
Is this a SkyFi 2 or the newer SkyFi 3?
Hi Preston, I suspect it is the battery.
Which SkyFi model do you have? The newest (SkyFi 3) has an internal rechargeable battery. (I'm guessing this is the model you have).
The older SkyFi 2 take individual AA size batteries. Lithium batteries work much better (Lithium work down to -20°F). So if you do have a SkyFi 2... that would likely solve the problem.
The SkyFi 3 uses a micro-usb port for charging... that's 5 volts (not 12v). But you would be able to power it via your PowerTank (if this is the Celestron Power Tank (I don't think Meade makes a Meade-branded Power Tank) then you could use the same cellphone charger that plugs in to car 12v outlets providing a USB port ... to power the SkyFi 3. (The cellphone adapters for cars change the voltage from 12v down to 5v). That would be more efficient than trying to run a 110v AC inverter.
Other options would be to find ways to keep it warm (enclose it in an insulated container - you'd just need a tiny hole for the wires). Styrofoam is fine... don't use anything with foil or metal ... that would result in radio shielding and you may not get a reliable WiFi signal.
It's the newer one with the velcro strap, push-button power button, 5 volt micro USB power in.
Hmmm, could I power it with a USB cable? My Meade power tank has two USB charging ports, too.
Use a USB type A to USB micro cable?
The unit does not specify if it's a SkyFi 2 or 3. Sorry.
Yes, it's the 3, then. Internal battery.
Okay, Tim. Yes, using a USB charge port (as if for a phone) should do it.
Thanks to you both (Bill and Tim) for the input. I'll give it a try.
Best,
Preston
Yes,you can "charge or power" the device (according to product documentation) via the USB port (the micro-usb is for charging... the larger USB is for communications to USB-equipped telescope mounts.)
Yes, as soon as I realized the charge port on the SkyFi 3 was micro USB, it seemed logical that a USB charging port would do the trick.
I have the Meade LSPX7 power supply, which has two USB ports for charging.
Perfect solution.
Thanks again, guys.
Preston,
Tim is correct that powering through the micro-USB port is the way to go.
Out of curiosity, How cold is it when you are having these problems?
Temps on the last three outings were between 15° dropping down to 5°F.
As mentioned above, strapping hand warmers on to SkyFi 3 kept it running for about 3 hours.
I've kept SkyFi 3 in a telescope accesseory box with the scope which is usually set out to acclimate to the cold before use. From now on, I'll keep SkyFi separate and warm.
I'm assuming that SkyFi shuts down because the battery is too cold and loosing power.
Would SkyFi 3 be affected by the cold in any other way aside from the battery?
Yeah, that's pretty cold.
We do have a note in our Quick Start guide that says to not charge the SkyFi 3 when it is very cold. If you do a web search for Li-ion and charging, they generally don't recommend charging them when below freezing. I don't *think* this applies to maintaining a charge on an already fully charged battery, but I'm not sure.
I would keep the SkyFi 3 wrapped in a couple of towels when it is 20º F or below. The device does give off some heat when on so that will help it stay warm.
Our understanding is that below freezing temps can result in a 30% drop in battery capacity, but it seems like yours might be more severe.
Okay. I'll use it fully charged with external power and keep it wrapped up for warmth.
Thanks.