Telescope cable management in astrophotography can be challenging due to the numerous devices required, such as the mount, camera, autoguider, electronic focuser, motorized filter wheel, and more—all of which need both data and power connections. When using a standard external computer, these cables can become tangled, pulled, or even disconnected as the telescope moves. However, with the EAGLE, cable management becomes simpler. By reducing both the number and length of cables, the EAGLE ensures that all connections move seamlessly with the telescope, preventing disconnections and improving overall reliability. In this article, we’ll also compare cable management in telescope setups with and without the EAGLE.
In the picture below you can see a direct comparison of the same telescopes controlled in two different ways:
- Without EAGLE: with an external laptop computer and many power adapters
- With EAGLE: all the devices are connected and powered through the EAGLE
As you can see, using the EAGLE reduces the number of cables, making them shorter and less prone to disconnections, as the EAGLE moves seamlessly with the telescope.
Another advantage of using the EAGLE instead of an external computer—besides improved telescope cable management—is its lower power consumption. The EAGLE requires significantly fewer amps per hour compared to a standard laptop, which typically consumes over 5 Ah. This means you can use a smaller, lighter battery to power your telescope throughout the night, making your setup more efficient and portable.