Pocket Powerbox Micro
This small-sized device (in short PPB Micro) is suitable for the “grab and go” astrophotographer. It can provide up to 10Amps 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).
Pocket Powerbox Micro is the successor of the Pocket Powerbox
PPB Micro features:
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4 x 12V DC Power outlets for your equipment (ON/OFF via software)
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10 Amps of total power
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A Voltage Adjustable Output (Can be switched ON/OFF – 3V, 5V, 8V, 9V, 12V)
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2 Channels PWM Dew Heaters – RCA Outputs (Adjust levels via software)
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Humidity and Temperature Sensor (included)
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Auto Tune Dew Heaters (Auto-Dew)
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Reverse Polarity Protection / Overvoltage Protection
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USB / PC Controlled or Standalone Operation out of the box
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Lightweight and extremely 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 Pocket Powerbox Unity Platform or a dedicated ASCOM driver.
The device supports the eXternal Motor Controller
Built in Amp-meter
An Amp-meter which is 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 easily monitor the detailed and overall power consumption of your equipment.
Other Key Features
Standalone Operation
“out of the box”
Pocket Micro can work “out of the box” as a standalone device. Just plug the cables, setup the “auto dew” 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 are capable to provide power to 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 precise 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 in case you don’t like it on you can switch it off
Reverse Polarity Protection
Pocket Powerbox Micro has been design with a reverse voltage polarity protection. It will definitely save your night if you accidentally connect the main power supply in reverse polarity!
A hardware
watchdog
A hardware watchdog resets the device if for any reason there is no response from the controller for two seconds. A neat feature in the unlikely event of a controller freeze – when you have a remote observatory and you need to be certain that everything works as expected.
Upgradable
Firmware
Device is firmware upgradable to support future features and bug fixes.
Supported By
ASCOM 6
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 / Maxim DL ) (ASCOM Observing Conditions)
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 our new all around application. Our goal is to provide a robust and modern application that is going to support current and future products under one roof.
In the Box
1 x Pocket Powerbox Micro Controller
1 x Temperature / Humidity Sensor
4 x Power Cords (2.1mm to 2.1mm)
1 x USB Cable
Type B (1.8m)
Technical Specification
| 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 |
| 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 |