About this product
Model: peg_ppbmicro
Part Number: PEG-PPBMICRO
Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Pocket Powerbox Micro
This small-sized device (PPB Micro) suits the “grab and go” astrophotographer.
It can provide up to 10 Amps of power and has a sufficient number (4) of 12V Outputs, Two Dew Heater Channels, an adjustable voltage power output, and an environmental sensor to monitor humidity/temperature (dew point).
FEATURES
- 4 x 12V DC Power outlets for your equipment (ON/OFF via software)
- 10 Amps of total power
- An Adjustable Voltage Output (Can be switched ON/OFF – 3V, 5V, 8V, 9V, 12V)
- 2 Channels PWM Dew Heaters – RCA Outputs (Adjust levels via software)
- Humidity and Temperature Sensor (included)
- Auto-Tune Dew Heaters (Auto-Dew)
- Reverse Polarity Protection / Overvoltage Protection
- USB / PC Controlled or Standalone Operation out of the box
- Lightweight and highly compact CNC aluminium enclosure
Expansion Port (EXT)
EXT (expansion) port is available for device expansion. This RJ12 socket allows the connectivity of current and future Pegasus Astro products. Plugged devices can be controlled from the Pocket Powerbox Unity Platform or a dedicated ASCOM driver.
The device supports the eXternal Motor Controller.
Built-in Amp-meter
An Amp-meter installed right after the DC input reports the total electric current.
Moreover, there are three additional amp meters: One for the 12V quad outputs and two for the Dew Heater Channels. This allows you to monitor your equipment's detailed and overall power consumption easily.
Other Key Features
Standalone Operation “out of the box.”
Pocket Powerbox Micro can work “out of the box” as a standalone device. Just plug the cables, and set up the “autodew” functionality, and every time you boot the device, it will retrieve your settings. So, If you don’t like to connect to a PC every time, you don’t have to. Simple as that!
Two-channel duty cycle PWM outputs
Two Pulse width modulation (PWM) outlets can power your “thirsty” Dew Heaters. No more moisture fuzzing your equipment and destroying your clear nights. These outlets can be remote-controlled from your laptop using the supplied software.
Auto Adjustment of PWM (Dew Outputs)
The controller can auto-adjust the heater power levels by consulting the environmental sensor Dew Point reading. Just click “Auto” and leave to Pocket Powerbox Micro to decide if it is time to turn on and precisely tune the level of your dew heaters.
More than 10A of total power
The powerbox has been designed to support up to 10 Amps of total current.
Led Indications for power and failure states
Led can blink in patterns to warn you about important power issues (e.g. over or under voltage). Also, light can be turned off by using the software. Our LED is very dim, but you can switch it off if you don’t like it.
Reverse Polarity Protection
Pocket Powerbox Micro has been designed with reverse voltage polarity protection. If you accidentally connect the main power supply in reverse polarity, it will save your night!
A hardware watchdog
A hardware watchdog resets the device if, for any reason, there is no response from the controller for two seconds. This a neat feature in the unlikely event of a controller freeze when you have a remote observatory, and you need to be confident that everything works as expected.
Upgradable Firmware
The device is firmware upgradeable to support future features and bug fixes.
Supported By
ASCOM 6The pocket powerbox fully supports ASCOM6. In combination with our main program, which acts as a server, you can use our latest ASCOM 6.3 supplied drivers to:
Pass environmental settings to supported software (e.g. Sequence Generator Pro / MaximDL ) (ASCOM ObservingConditions)
Switch ON or OFF all 12V outputs. (ASCOM Switches)
INDI
Pocket powerbox fully supports INDI; bundle it with Stellarmate or any other device that can use INDILib.
Unity Platform Support
Pegasus Astro Unity Platform is their new all-around application. We aim to provide a robust and modern application supporting current and future products under one roof.
A modern front end allows complete control of all Pegasus Astro devices.
Moreover, a REST JSON API helps developers from 3rd party software to interact with our products.
What's in the box
- Pocket Powerbox Micro Controller
- Temperature / Humidity Sensor
- 4x 1m 2.1mm Male to 2.1mm Male Power Cables
- 1.8m USB2 Cable
Specifications
Supply Voltage | 12V – 13.8V DC |
Power Input Connector | DC 2.1mm (up to 10Amps) |
Connectivity | USB2 – Type B USB Connector |
4 x 12 Outputs | Maximum Current 10 Amps in total. 2.1mm Center Positive Software: ON/OFF all ports |
2 Channel x 12 PWM Outputs | Maximum Current 5A Each, Black Colored RCA Connector, Pulse Width Modulated (Suitable for Dew Heaters or Flatbox) Software: Duty Cycle % / OFF |
1x Sensor Input | RJ12 Socket, Connectivity with Environmental Sensor 0-100% humidity readings with 2-5% accuracy -40 to 80°C temperature readings ±0.5°C accuracy |
Camera / DSLR Output | Max 3Amps, 3,5,7,8,9,12 Volt (Adjustable from software), 2.1mm Center Positive |
Voltmeter | Measures 5 – 15V |
Dimensions | 66mm x 66mm x 24mm |
Weight | 115 grams |
Downloads / Manuals
The following manuals and downloads are available for this product:
Manuals
Quick Installation Guide
Product Manual for Pocket Powerbox Micro
Software
Unity Platform
AstroImager from CloudMakers – 3rd party software for OSX
Misc
Serial Command Table for PPB Micro (Jan/21)
Customer reviews
Average Rating (3 Reviews): | |
08 December 2023 | Robert
Integrated easily using INDI as advertised. A very convenient form factor and size. My third Pegasus power device of some description.This one was perfect for my current needs as i didn't need a usb hub.
24 October 2023 | Ian
This little box is worth every penny.
I’ve tried a few alternatives for power management on my “grab and go” astrophotography rig but this is a huge upgrade on them all. There’s the added advantage that it also provides a dual port dew controller and an environment sensor too, saving on the amount of connections and equipment needed.
The provided software and Ascom driver work really well, though I would make one or two changes to the appearance of the application as some things aren’t easy to see (email sent to Pegasus).
As a power controller, this is really good and capable of handling more power than I need. The sockets are excellent and feel like they’re going to last. Compared to the “Wanderer Astro” power box I was using, the upgrade in quality is huge. I often had issues with random power failures and “dodgy” sockets that would become loose fitting after a few uses, needing contacts bending to get them working again. That’s all in the past now! When you consider the cost of a cheap power box and a dew controller separately then you are much of the way to the cost of the PPBM, take my advice and find the extra. You’ll save in the long run.
02 June 2023 | Harley
Had no problem integrating this into my rig, just mounted it to my setup, plugged it all and it and it just worked, that's the best you can ask for.
All the extra information that it provides elevates it far above a simple power splitter especially if you're like me and want to be able to track every aspect of your setup for potential problems and assurance that all is well.
Combine the information, the power management, the cable management that it affords and the automated dew controller, it comes out not that expensive compared to those parts individually.
Also the adjustable power out slot is a great little feature, could be used to just power another 12v device but since I only have the 4 devices I set it to 5v and use it to power the illuminated drawing pad that I used as a flat panel, very handy.
The most minor nitpick is the cable on the included temp/humidity sensor is pretty crumby, there's nothing holding the cable to the casing it just runs directly to the PCB, I'm just going to silicone it into place but it just seems like an odd oversight.
FAQ
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