Pegasus Astro 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.
Features :
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Expandable to 4 + 2 x 12V DC Power outlets for your equipment.
(A single channel to switch all four outputs ON/OFF via software and Dew Heater outputs can be switched also to constant 12V)
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10 Amps (120W) of total distributed current
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Built-in powered USB3 Hub (2 x USB3.1 Ports & 2 x USB2 Ports available).
(USB3 ports are backward compatible with USB2 devices)
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USB Ports can deliver up to 3Amps – Suitable for Raspberry PI 3/4 power.
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Integrated ambient temperature and humidity sensor.
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2 Channels PWM Dew Heaters – 2.1mm outputs.
(Adjust power levels via software).
Pair of cable adapters from DC 2.1 to RCA is included in box.
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Automatic adjusment of Dew Heater outputs.
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Power, current, and input voltage meter.
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Reverse Polarity Protection.
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USB / PC Controlled or Standalone Operation out of the box.
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Losmandy and Vixen Clamp.
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Available pucks for popular 3rd party mounts. (RST, EQ6, AM5)
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
Losmandy 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
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INDI Fully supported
Other Key Features
| Standalone Operation “out of the box” |
Two channel PWM outputs |
Auto Adjustment of PWM (Dew Outputs) |
More than 10A of total power |
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Controller has been designed to support up to 10 Amps of total current. |
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| Led Indications for power and failure states |
Reverse Polarity Protection |
A hardware watchdog |
Upgradable Firmware |
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Device is firmware upgradable to support future features and bug fixes. |
