Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 is a compact power, data and device-control hub designed for portable and permanent astrophotography setups. It combines power distribution, a six-port USB hub, a stepper motor focuser controller, two dew-heater channels and an environmental sensor in a single aluminium enclosure, reducing the number of cables and additional controllers around the telescope.
The device offers four individually switchable 12 V DC outputs, one independent always-on 12 V output and a software-adjustable 3–19 V output rated for up to 3 A. The total current distributed by the controller can reach 14 A. Built-in meters provide real-time monitoring of input voltage, total current consumption and system power usage.
The integrated hub provides four USB 3 Type-A ports and two USB 2 Type-C ports. Each port can be independently enabled and disabled through software, while one USB-C connector supports USB Power Delivery. Separate USB 3 and USB 2 controllers prevent slower devices from limiting SuperSpeed transfers, and all ports are protected against surges and electrostatic discharge ESD.
Two software-controlled PWM outputs with RCA connectors allow the power of dew heaters or an electroluminescent panel to be adjusted. The AutoDew function uses data from the included temperature, humidity and dew-point sensor to automatically adapt heater power to current conditions. The integrated focuser controller supports most bipolar stepper motors and supplies up to 1.5 A per coil. The focuser motor itself is an optional accessory.
The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 can be controlled through USB or Wi-Fi using Pegasus Astro software, a browser-based interface, ASCOM 7 drivers, the ASCOM Alpaca protocol or the INDI environment. The device can also operate independently, restoring saved settings after restarting. Reverse-polarity, over-current and over-voltage protection, together with input protection against voltages up to 50 V, increase the safety of connected equipment.
• four individually switchable 12 V DC power outputs
• one independent always-on 12 V DC output
• one switchable and software-adjustable 3–19 V output rated for up to 3 A
• total distributed current of up to 14 A
• input-voltage, total-current and power monitoring
• integrated hub with four USB 3 Type-A ports and two USB 2 Type-C ports
• independent software enabling and disabling of every USB port
• one USB-C output supporting USB Power Delivery
• USB 3 SuperSpeed data transfer at up to 5 Gbps
• surge and ESD protection for the USB ports
• two software-controlled RCA PWM outputs for heaters or an electroluminescent panel
• automatic AutoDew dew-heater regulation
• external temperature, humidity and dew-point sensor included
• integrated bipolar stepper motor focuser controller
• focuser controller current of up to 1.5 A per coil
• EXT expansion port with an RJ12 connector
• control through USB or integrated Wi-Fi
• external Wi-Fi antenna improving connection range
• control dashboard accessible through a web browser
• compatibility with ASCOM 7, ASCOM Alpaca and INDI
• standalone operation without a permanent computer connection
• firmware updates through USB or the web interface
• reverse-polarity, over-current and over-voltage protection
• durable anodised aluminium enclosure
• compact dimensions facilitating installation on the telescope
• Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 controller
• external temperature and humidity sensor
• two 1 m DC 2.1 mm male-to-male power cables
• two 0.5 m DC 2.1 mm male-to-male power cables
• 1.8 m USB 3 Type-B cable
• manufacturer: Pegasus Astro
• model: Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3
• product code: PPBADV3
• intended use: power distribution, data transmission and control of astrophotography equipment
• supply voltage: nominal 12 V DC, maximum 15 V DC
• power input connector: DC 2.1 mm, centre positive
• maximum total current: 14 A
• maximum total power at 12 V: 168 W
• switchable power outputs: 4 × 12 V DC
• 12 V output control: independent enabling and disabling of every channel
• always-on power output: 1 × 12 V DC
• adjustable power output: 1 × 3–19 V DC, up to 3 A
• power output connectors: DC 2.1 mm, centre positive
• electrical monitoring: input voltage, total current and power consumption
• USB 3 ports: 4 × Type-A SuperSpeed
• USB 2 ports: 2 × Type-C High-Speed
• computer communication connector: USB 3 Type-B
• maximum USB 3 transfer rate: 5 Gbps
• USB port control: independent enabling and disabling
• USB Power Delivery support: yes, one USB-C connector
• maximum USB Power Delivery output current: 3 A
• USB port protection: surge and ESD
• heater outputs: 2 × RCA PWM
• PWM output adjustment: software-controlled, 0–100% range and off
• supported PWM devices: dew heaters and electroluminescent panels
• automatic heater control: AutoDew
• environmental sensor: external and included
• humidity measurement range: 0–100%
• humidity measurement accuracy: 2–5%
• temperature measurement range: -40°C to 80°C
• temperature measurement accuracy: ±0.5°C
• sensor and accessory input: EXT RJ12 port
• focuser controller: integrated, for bipolar stepper motors
• maximum focuser controller current: 1.5 A per coil
• focuser motor: optional accessory
• wireless communication: Wi-Fi with an external antenna
• network control: browser-based dashboard
• software compatibility: Pegasus Astro Unity Platform, ASCOM 7, ASCOM Alpaca and INDI
• ASCOM drivers: Switch, Observing Conditions and Focuser
• standalone operation: yes
• firmware updates: through USB or the web interface
• power protection: reverse-polarity, over-current and over-voltage
• input over-voltage protection: up to 50 V
• enclosure material: anodised aluminium
• mounting holes: blind M3
• dimensions: 115 × 75 × 27.5 mm
• weight: 350 g
