Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Micro
Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Micro
Give your astronomy system access to big power and dew control with this one miniature solution from Pegasus Astro! With a quad 12V output, dual channel dew control, equipment protection, and smart features, this small box can upgrade your setup in a big way. Simplify your power management, with the Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Micro!
Modern astronomy systems bring a plethora of excellent quality of life
upgrades to the imaging and observing experience; from dew fighting heater
bands to cooled cameras, WiFi camera control solutions, mounts, and more! With
the growing complexity of these systems, powering everything can also be a
complex proposition—but with the Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Micro it
doesn't have to be! Transforming one power input into four 12V DC outputs, one
adjustable output, and two dew heater connections, this power distribution hub
greatly simplifies your astro rig. Able to support 10A of power across its
four 5.5x2.1 mm DC outputs and its dual RCA ports, this hub's performance is
anything but micro; able manage power for some of seriously demanding amateur
astronomy systems. These ports are backed up by voltage and reverse polarity
protections, ensuring your sensitive instruments are protected; and amp meters
on the input, 12V outputs, and both dew channels allow you to further monitor
your system for errors and power consumption statistics. Pegasus Astro has
also built this hub with a number of smart features that make this more than
just a simple power splitter; with auto-dew and software integration that give
you more granular control and a streamlined experience!
* Please note that your 12V power supply will need to be capable of 10A in
order to support the maximum power output of the four 12V outputs or the two
dew heater ports. Additionally, 10A is the maximum draw for the entire
system. A power supply is not included; Pegasus Astro states a supply
capable of 6A minimum should be used, with a supply capable of 8A
recommended. For comfortably meeting these specifications, we recommend the
Apertura 12V 10A DC Power Supply.
Micro Footprint, Large Feature Set
Don't let the Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Micro's compact form factor fool you! This miniature power distribution hub is packed with power output, dew heater control, protection, and smart features that make it a big addition to your astronomy rig!
Plenty of Power Ports
Power involved astronomy systems
with four dedicated 12V DC outputs! This set of ports is capable of a
combined output of 10A, providing the headroom you need to run some
demanding accessories and lower draw devices simultaneously. For devices
that fall outside of the 12V industry standard, such as Raspberry Pi's,
DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras, the Pegasus Powerbox Micro sports an
adjustable DC out port*; which can supply up to 3A and be set to 3V, 5V, 7V,
8V, 9V, or 12V, through the Pegasus Astro Unity software suite. This
adjustable output and the standard 12V outputs all use the 5.5x2.1 mm
standard, accommodating most astronomy equipment in use today!
* Please Note: Be sure to adjust the output voltage
before connecting your equipment. Using photography cameras
requires a 'dummy' battery, and other devices will need a 5.5x2.1 mm
adapter. Adapters are not included.
Integrated Dew Controller
Keep your optics clear of
moisture with a built-in dual channel dew controller! Two RCA connections
allow you to power common main scope /guide or finder scope heater
configurations from one device. Each channel can be independently adjusted
from 0-100% with PWM technology, allowing you to provide only what your
optics need and save power—or for a dynamic approach, enable the auto
mode! When used with the included environmental sensor the Pegasus Powerbox
Micro will automatically adjust the dew heater power output based on your
local conditions, keeping your views clear of dew without your input. Each
channel supports up to 5A of current, allowing you to power even demanding
dew heating solutions with ease!
Equipment Protection
Power your sensitive electronics
with peace of mind! To help ensure the safety of your delicate astronomy
equipment the Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Micro monitors the voltage being
fed from your power supply to the 5.5x2.1 mm DC input, and will immediately
interrupt this flow if it exceeds 14.5V. The power input is additionally
reverse polarity protected, preventing damage to your gear in the event of
an incorrectly wired power supply is connected. Four amp meters have been
integrated to help you monitor the draw of your devices, accessible from the
Pegasus Unity software suite. Watching over the power input, 12V output
panel, and each of the dew heater channels, these amp meters allow you to
keep an eye on your overall current draw to ensure it does not exceed your
power supply; in addition to giving you insight into to where your power is
being used or possible shorts in your system. Finally this power
distribution solution features Pegasus Astro's WatchDog technology, which
reboots the Pocket Powerbox Micro in the unlikely event the controller
freezes to ensure your setup isn't left stranded.
A Suite of Smart Features
Enhance your Pegasus Astro
Pocket Powerbox Micro experience and establish more granular control with
this devices connectivity features! While the Powerbox Micro can operate
without a computer connected, hooking the USB B to USB A cable included in
the box to a machine running Pegasus Astro's Unity* software allows you to
adjust the dew heater power output, turn the 12V DC power outputs on and
off, set the adjustable power output port voltage, and monitor power input
and output. Connecting up the included environmental sensor allows you to
additionally enable smart dew protection as well as monitor the temperature
and humidity! For users interested in integrating the Pocket Powerbox Micro
with their imaging suite, this power distribution hub offers some
functionality with ASCOM and INDI; allowing for port control an
environmental readings to be passed to a number of excellent astronomy
programs!
* Please Note: Pegasus Astro states that their Unity software suite
currently does not work with Windows machines equipped with the
Snapdragon line of CPUs.
Sleek Design
The Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Mirco
features a compact design to make adding big power to your setup simple! Its
CNC 6061 aluminum, black and blue anodized housing comes in at diminutive 66
x 66 x 24 mm, with the entire unit weight just 115 grams. It features a
small red LED for on, off, and error status information at a glance. Two M3
holes on the bottom allow you to attach this to your setup with user
supplied hardware, or mount the Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Micro to the
Pegasus Astro Synta-Style Base
that allows this to be mounted in common finder/guide shoes!
