Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen2 Product Manual

Version History

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen2.

1.1 Purpose

The Pocket Powerbox Advance, or PPBADV, is an addition to the Powerbox product series, positioned between the Pocket Powerbox Micro and the Ultimate Powerbox v2/3. It offers enhanced capabilities, including a USB3 Hub supporting up to four USB ports.

1.2 In The Box

• 1 x Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen2
• 1 x Temperature / Humidity Sensor
• 4 x Power Cords 2.1mm to 2.1mm (2x1m, 2x0.5m)
• 1 x USB3 Cable Type B (1.8m)

1.3 Device Care

The device features an aluminum blue and black anodized enclosure made from aircraft aluminum alloy type 6061, providing excellent corrosion resistance.

• While protected against moisture, the device is not waterproof and requires a clean, dry environment.
• Prolonged exposure to excessive moisture can damage electronics and connectors.
• Avoid contact with solvents or chemicals, as they can affect functionality.
• Store the device indoors in a dry room when not in use for extended periods to prevent moisture-related issues.
• Refrain from touching internal components during operation, as they may become hot.

Device Description

2.1 Design Overview

The device features several ports and connectors:

• Power Output View: The front panel displays four 12V DC outputs labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4. It also includes two Dew Heater outputs labeled A and B, and a 12V DC IN port for power input.
• USB Hub and Adjustable Output View: The side panel shows an 'Adj Out' port, four USB ports (labeled 1, 2, 3, 4), with ports 2 and 3 identified as USB 2 and USB 3 respectively. A 'PC' port is also visible for computer connection.
• EXT Port View: The rear panel features an 'EXT' port, identified as an RJ12 connector for expansion.

2.2 Feature List

• Four (4) 12V DC Power outlets, switchable ON/OFF via software.
• 12 Amps of total distributed current.
• Adjustable Output (3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12Volt) / 3Amps, switchable ON/OFF, suitable for powering DSLR/Mirrorless cameras.
• Embedded Powered USB3 Hub with 2 x USB2 Ports and 2 x USB3 Ports (USB3 ports are backward compatible with USB2 devices).
• 1 x Power USB Port (up to 3Amps), suitable for Raspberry Pi 3/4 power.
• EXT Port (RJ12) for external accessories like External Focus Controllers.
• 2 Channels PWM Dew Heaters with RCA Outputs, adjustable power levels via software.
• Included Humidity and Temperature Sensor.
• Auto Tune Dew Heater Channels.
• Reverse Polarity Protection.
• USB / PC Controlled or Standalone Operation.
• Lightweight and compact aluminum enclosure.

Setup and Operation

3.1 Initial Connection

• Plug the external environmental sensor into the EXT port (RJ12).
• Connect the USB3 cable from the controller's USB port to your computer.
• Plug the power supply (battery or power pack) into the “12V DC IN” socket. Pegasus Astro recommends their certified power supply (SKU: PEG-PSU-21) providing DC 12V / 10 Amps.

3.2 Device Boot-Up

The device boots up within three seconds, indicated by a solid red status LED, signifying successful firmware loading and operational readiness.

3.3 Device Default Configuration

Factory settings are for standalone mode, meaning:

• DC pass-through voltage to all four outputs (all outputs are ON).
• Dew Heater outputs are configured for Auto-dew.
• Adjustable Output is enabled and set to 3 Volts.

3.4 Software Installation

For seamless communication, visit the official Pegasus Astro website (https://pegasusastro.com) to download the Unity software package, which includes necessary ASCOM drivers for the PPB Adv Gen2.

Download Unity Platform: https://pegasusastro.com/download/

In-Depth Device Overview

4.1 Power Input

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen2 accepts a voltage range from DC 11.0V to 14.5V. Voltages above 14.5V or below 10V (firmware v2.3 and above) will cause the device to shut down all outputs to protect connected equipment.

Pegasus Astro strongly recommends using their certified “Pegasus Astro 12V/10A power supply”. A 13.8V lead-acid battery or a 12.8V LiFePO4 battery is also recommended. A power supply capable of at least 6 Amps is required, with up to 10 Amps recommended for observatory needs.

The controller features reverse polarity protection. If the power source polarity is reversed, the unit will instantly cut power. The device uses a 2.1mm DC power connection with a center-positive pin. Upon inserting the power cable, the controller initializes, and the status LED turns solid red after 3 seconds (this delay is for firmware upload processes).

4.2 Data Connectivity

A USB3 Type B port on the unit connects to a computer using the provided 1.8m USB3 Type B cable.

4.3 USB Hub

A powered USB3 Hub on the back of the device provides:

• 2 x USB3 SuperSpeed Ports
• 2 x USB2 High-Speed Ports

These hubs operate in parallel with the USB 2.0 controller, ensuring 5 Gbps SuperSpeed data transfers are not affected by slower USB 2.0 traffic.

USB Port Configuration under PPBADV Gen2:

• USB Port 1 supports USB2 devices.
• USB Port 2 supports USB2 devices.
• USB Port 3 supports USB2 & USB3 devices.
• USB Port 4 supports USB2 & USB3 devices.
• USB 1 and USB 2 ports are switchable via software.

USB High Power Output:

USB Port 1 or USB Port 2 can deliver up to 5Volts / 3Amps, suitable for powering devices like Raspberry Pi 3/4.

4.4 12V Power Outputs

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen2 has four (4) 12V DC unregulated outputs. These are driven by a single Smart MOSFET capable of delivering up to 10 Amps in total. This MOSFET includes diagnostic and protection features. The 12V Channel can be switched ON/OFF via software.

4.5 Dew Heater Outputs

The device features two (2) channel dew heater outputs. Each output uses a Smart MOSFET capable of delivering up to 5 Amps per channel.

Auto-Dew:

The controller can automatically adjust heater power levels based on readings from the environmental sensor. Auto-Dew must be enabled in the Unity platform. The aggressiveness of Auto-Dew can be set from 0 (low) to 10 (high), with a default of 8. The algorithm increases heater power as the dew point approaches ambient temperature, consulting dew point and current draw every 10 seconds.

These outputs can also be used to power flat panels or telescope fans.

4.6 Built-in Power Sensors

• A DC voltmeter measures input voltage (5 – 15 Volts).
• A current meter measures input current (0 – 20 Amps).
• The main output channel (4 x 12V) has a current/amp meter and Smart MOSFET for diagnosing power consumption and providing protection against overload, over-temperature, and short circuits.
• Each Dew Channel also has a current meter and protection features.
• The variable output does not have a dedicated current meter but its consumption is measured by the global input current meter.

Unity Platform Features

The Unity platform dashboard allows real-time monitoring of Voltage (V), Current (A), Power (W), and device power consumption.

Power Metrics: Displays real-time Voltage, Current, and Power.

Power Consumption: Shows Avg Current, Watt/Hour, and Amp/Hour.

4.7 Adjustable Output

A 2.1mm output provides 3-12V and up to 3A of current. By default, it is configured to 3 Volts. The output can be switched ON/OFF and its voltage adjusted via the Unity Platform to 3, 5, 8, 9, or 12 Volts. Settings are stored in the controller's memory and recalled upon boot.

This output can be used with Pegasus Astro's Battery Couplers (e.g., for Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Sony cameras). For battery couplers, set the voltage to 8 Volts.

Link for Battery Couplers: https://pegasusastro.com/products/battery-couplers/

4.8 Environmental Sensor

An external temperature/humidity sensor (included) connects via a 50cm cable. The probe measures humidity from 0-100% with 2-5% accuracy and temperature from -40 to 80°C with ±0.5°C accuracy.

The unit automatically detects the probe and polls for readings every 15 seconds. An RJ12 socket connects the sensor to the controller. Real-time temperature, humidity, and dew point can be monitored in the Unity platform dashboard.

Advanced Features & Software

4.9 Reset Watchdog

A watchdog timer resets the device if no response is received from the microcontroller for two seconds. This feature is useful for remote observatories to ensure continuous operation.

4.10 EXT Port

The EXT (expansion) port, an RJ12 socket, allows connectivity with current and future Pegasus Astro products, such as the eXternal Motor Controller. Plugged devices can be controlled via the Pocket Powerbox Unity Platform or a dedicated ASCOM driver.

The device supports the eXternal Motor Controller.

4.11 Status LED

A red LED on the front right side indicates the device status. The LED can be controlled (turned on/off) via software.

4.12 Upgradable Firmware

The device's firmware is upgradable to support new features and bug fixes. Users are notified of available updates when connecting the PPB Micro to a PC running the Unity platform.

Standalone Operation

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen2 can operate “out of the box” as a standalone device. After connecting cables and setting up the “Auto-dew” functionality, the device will retain settings upon boot, eliminating the need for constant PC connection.

Default factory standalone settings:

• DC pass-through voltage to all four outputs (all ON).
• Dew Heater outputs configured to Auto-dew.
• Adjustable Output enabled and set to 3 Volts.

Software Compatibility

ASCOM

The PPB Micro is supported by ASCOM6 and ASCOM7. More information can be found at: https://ascom-standards.org/

INDI

The PPB Micro is fully supported by INDI and INDIGO. Resources are available at:

• Indigo: http://www.indigo-astronomy.org
• Indilib: https://indilib.org/filter/pegasus-indigo.html

Unity Platform

Pegasus Astro Unity Platform is a comprehensive application designed to support current and future products. Download and install it from:

https://pegasusastro.com/release/unity/setup/PegasusAstroUnityPlatform.exe

All required ASCOM drivers are included in the Unity Platform installation.

Unity Platform Interface

The Unity Platform provides various control and monitoring interfaces:

Control Tab

Allows control over:

• Power Outputs: Control the Quad 12V outputs and the Adjustable output.
• Dew Hub: Set the Auto-Dew function and dew heater aggressiveness.
• Startup Configuration: Define the startup state for Quad 12V and Adjustable outputs.
• Configuration tab: Access device settings.
• Profile: Set a custom device name.
• Info: View firmware version, device serial number, revision, and uptime.
• Config: Options for Reboot device and Recycle EXT port.
• LED status: Turn the device status LED on or off.

Dashboard

Monitor environmental conditions and power metrics in real time.

Graphs

View and export environmental conditions and power metrics graphs.

Scheduler

A built-in scheduler allows users to add tasks at specific dates and times.

N.I.N.A. Integration

Connect your Pegasus Astro device with N.I.N.A. by following the generic N.I.N.A. device connect guide. The PPB Micro can be used as a Switch and as a Weather device.

Troubleshooting Guide: https://pegasusastro.com/troubleshooting/unityplatform-troubleshooting-guide/#a5ff6a48d96516df8

Mounting

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen2 features a pair of M3-threaded holes on its bottom cover, spaced 27.5mm apart (for blue/black enclosures).

Pegasus Astro mounting accessories are available at: https://pegasusastro.com/products/mounting-accessories/

The PPB Adv Gen2 is compatible with:

• Pegasus Astro A-Plate SKU: PEG-APLATE
• Universal Clamp SKU: PEG-USCLAMP*
• Pegasus Shoe SKU: PEG-SHOE*
• Small Factor Top Plate for PPBADV SKU: PEG-PLATE-PPBADV
• Pair of Black Aluminum Dovetail Brackets for PPBADV SKU: PEG-BRACK-PPBADV

*Compatible only with Blue and Black enclosure.

Technical Specification

Recommendations

• Use good quality and short length USB cables.
• Use good quality power cables. Long and thin cables can cause voltage drops, affecting camera image quality or mount tracking.
• Ensure the DC input socket uses a thick power cable (1.5mm) and has no gaps that could cause power disconnects.
• Avoid looping USB or power cables, as this may cause communication issues.
• If using a "step up voltage converter" for the DC input, ensure it can provide at least 6 Amps. Pegasus Astro does not recommend step-up converters; opt for a good battery or their certified 12V/10A power supply.

For more detailed information, refer to the Cable Management recommendations guide.

Environmental Specifications

The device's electronic components and materials are selected for robust performance across a wide range of environmental conditions. It operates from -40°C to +80°C and can withstand humidity levels up to 99%, making it suitable for challenging climates.

Development

Pocket Powerbox Micro Serial Command Language is available. Firmware version >=v.2.5 (review Jan 2021). Refer to the Pocket Powerbox Micro Serial Command Table for details.

Returns and Service Policy

The device is covered by a two (2) year warranty.

For detailed information on returns and service policy, visit: https://pegasusastro.com/returns/

Designed and assembled in Greece.

For questions, feedback, and support, please contact: support@pegasusastro.com