Saddle Powerbox
The Pegasus Astro Saddle Powerbox is a versatile and indispensable accessory for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers alike. This innovative device seamlessly combines a telescope saddle and a power distribution hub, simplifying the setup and operation of astrophotography equipment.
The saddle securely holds your telescope while also providing multiple power outputs for all your astronomy gear, including cameras, mount, dew heaters, and more.
With its integrated USB ports, input voltage, current monitor, and robust build quality, the Pegasus Astro Saddle Powerbox not only ensures a tidy and organized telescope setup but also reduces cable clutter and minimizes the risk of accidental power interruptions during those crucial imaging sessions under the night sky. It’s a must-have tool that enhances the convenience and efficiency of any astrophotography rig.
Feature List
6 x Power Outputs
The device is equipped with 4 x 12V outlets, offering ample power for your various equipment needs. Additionally, you have the flexibility to repurpose the 2 x Dew Heater outlets, converting them into continuous 12V power sources. The device employs robust MOSFET transistors to deliver reliable electrical current to your valuable equipment. It’s important to note that the quad port can be switched on or off collectively, while the heater ports offer individual control.
Built in Sensors
Device comes equipped with built-in sensors that elevate its functionality to a new level. These sensors include temperature and humidity monitoring, ensuring that astrophotographers can keep a close eye on environmental conditions during their observation sessions. By providing real-time data on temperature and humidity levels, this feature helps users make informed decisions about dew control and equipment protection. Additionally, the powerbox’s input voltage and electric current display ensures that voltage variations or power consumption are easily monitorable.
2 x Dew Heaters
Enjoy precise control over your dew heaters with the device’s dual dew heater outputs. These outputs offer fine-grained control over heater intensity, allowing you to tailor your equipment’s performance to your exact needs. What’s more, the device features an intelligent auto-dew function that can automatically adjust heater intensity by monitoring the onboard temperature and humidity sensor, ensuring optimal conditions for your setup.. A Pair of cable adapters from DC 2.1 -> RCA is included in the package. Each output can deliver up to 5A.
Monitor your electric power
An Amp-meter placed after the DC input reports the total electric current and voltage levels. This allows you to easily monitor your equipment’s detailed and overall power consumption.
More than 10A of total electric current
Device is designed with careful consideration of the total current requirements of astrophotography equipment. It can output up to 10 Amps of electric current and offers multiple output channels, each with a specified current rating, allowing users to safely power a variety of devices simultaneously. Whether it’s your telescope mount, cameras, filter wheels, or other accessories, this powerbox ensures that the total current drawn does not exceed its maximum capacity, thereby preventing overloads and potential damage to your valuable equipment.
The powerbox has been designed to output up to 10 Amps of electric current. Please note that a typical backyard astrophotographic setup requires 5-7 Amps
Built-in USB3.1 Hub – 2 x USB3 & 2 x USB2 Ports
USB High Power Outputs
USB Port s provides up to 3 Amps of current. You can connect any device that requires 5V. E.g a Raspberry PI 3/4 or Intel Compute Stick M3/M5 can receive power from this specific port.
A powered MTT (Multi Transaction Translator) USB3 Hub at the back of the device provides:
- 2 x USB3 SuperSpeed Ports.
- 2 x USB2 High-Speed Ports.
The new SuperSpeed hubs operate in parallel with the USB 2.0 controller, so 5 Gbps SuperSpeed data transfers are not affected by slower USB 2.0 traffic.
USB Port Configuration under PPBADV Gen2
- USB Port1 supports USB2 & USB3 devices
- USB Port2 supports USB2 & USB3 devices
- USB Port3 supports USB2 devices
- USB Port4 supports USB2 devices
Optional Pucks for 3rd party mounts
The Saddle Powerbox can be seamlessly affixed to the NYX-101 mount without the need for additional components. For compatibility with other mount types, the use of an additional puck is necessary. At present, our product supports a range of mounts, which includes:
Puck (PEG-PUCK-AM5) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the ZWO-AM5 mount and ZWO-AM3 mounts.
Puck (PEG-PUCK-EQ6R) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto Skywatcher NEQ6 and EQ6-R mounts or compatible Orion type mounts.
Puck (PEG-PUCK-RST) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto RST 135 and RST 300 mounts.
Puck (PEG-PUCK-HEQ5) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the Skywatcher-HEQ5 mounts or compatible Orion type mounts.
Puck (PEG-PUCK-iCEM26GEM28) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the iOptron CEM26 and iOptron GEM28
Puck (PEG-PUCK-SAGTi) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the Skywatcher StarAdventure GTi
Puck (PEG-PUCK-UNO) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the Avalon M-UNO and LINEAR mounts.
Puck (PEG-PUCK-EQ6AZ) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 (Pro) or compatible Orion type mounts.
Other Key Features
Standalone Operation
“out of the box”
Powerbox can work “out of the box” as a standalone device. Just plug the cables, setup 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 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)
Controller can auto adjust the heater power levels by consulting the environmental sensor Dew Point reading. Just click “Auto” and leave to Powerbox to decide if it is time to turn on and precise tune the level of your dew heaters.
More than 10A of
total power
Controller 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 regarding important power issues (e.g over or under voltage). Moreover light can be turned off using the software. Our led is very dim but in case you don’t like it on you can switch it off via the software.
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.
Lonsmandy and Vixen Style support
A high-quality robust CNC aluminium saddle houses the electronics of the Powerbox.
The Saddle Powerbox is compatible with both Losmandy 3” and Vixen Clamp mounting systems, providing you with versatile options for securing and integrating your equipment.
Two separate and adjustable knobs provide you with precise control to securely fasten your telescope and gear, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Supported By
ASCOM 6 Fully supported
Pocket Powerbox Advance fully supports ASCOM6. In combination with our main program which acts as a server you can use our latest ASCOM 6.5 supplied drivers to:
- Report environmental settings to supported software (e.g NINA / SGPro / MaximDL etc) (ASCOM ObservingConditions)
- Switch ON / OFF 12V outputs, tune Dew Heaters, Monitor Voltage, Current, Power. (ASCOM Switches)
INDI Fully supported
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 Saddle Powerbox
2 x DC 2.1 male to RCA Female Pigtails. (15cm)
4 x Power DC 2.1 to 2.1 male cables (2×0.5m and 2 x1.0m)
1 x USB3 Cable
Type B (1.8m)
Technical Specification
| Dual Saddle | Supports Losmandy and Vixen plates |
| Supply Voltage | 12V – 14V DC |
| Power Input and Output Connectors | 5.5 x 2.1mm Barrel (center positive) |
| Connectivity | USB3 Type B Connector |
| 4 x 12V Outputs |
Maximum Current 10 Amps in total. |
| 2 Channel x 12V PWM Outputs |
Maximum Current 4A each) Both can switched, via software, to constant 12V outputs and increase the 12V output count to six (6). |
| Built in temperature and humidity Sensor | 0-100% humidity readings with 2-5% accuracy -40 to 80°C temperature readings ±0.5°C accuracy |
| Voltmeter | Measures 5 – 15V |
| Maximum Electric Current | 10A |
| Supported Weight | Up to 40kg /88 lbs of payload |