| This Orion AC adapter is an AC to DC transformer that plugs into any standard household AC outlet by means of a non-polarized 2-prong AC plug on the back of the transformer. The transformer has a 6’ cord terminating in a 5.5mm female DC plug. It connects to an Orion Atlas or Sirius telescope mount to power the mount’s drive and electronics. It allows these DC drive mounts to be connected to and powered by an ordinary household 110/120 Volt 60 Hz AC power outlet. The transformer has a 2.1 amp 12-volt DC output. The transformer cautions that it is for “indoor use only." We have noted that it is often difficult to use a telescope from inside the house. Most people will take the telescope and transformer outside and connect it to household power through an extension cord. If used with an extension cord, do not use the transformer where the transformer can accidentally be dragged into a swimming pool or puddle of standing water. Do not lay the transformer and extension cord on dew-soaked grass that might short out the transformer, or on grass where dew might be expected to form as the evening progresses. Placing the transformer and connecting extension cord on a piece of insulating material (cardboard, an old rubber bathmat, etc.), putting the transformer and extension cord interface inside a plastic sandwich bag and zipping it shut with only the cables coming through the mouth of the bag, or suspending the transformer/extension cord from the telescope tripod so that the transformer can’t come in contact with dew-soaked grass might help alleviate the concerns of the ultra-cautious. We have yet to hear of anyone turning themselves into toast because their transformer got some dew on it, but the scope and transformer manufacturers (and we) feel more comfortable exonerating ourselves from any possible liability in advance. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
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