PegasusAstro Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 (PPBADV3)

PegasusAstro Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 - Universal Power Supply

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 (PPBADV3) is the all-in-one power and connectivity solution for portable astrophotography setups. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Gen3 introduces a powerful combination of intelligent power distribution, USB3 connectivity, and integrated device control in an ultra-compact aluminum enclosure.

It features four individually switchable 12 V DC outputs, a dedicated always-on 12 V output, and a 3-19 V adjustable DC output capable of delivering up to 3 A for powering mini computers, mirrorless cameras, or other electronic devices.

A built-in 6-port USB hub (4×USB3 + 2×USB2), USB Power Delivery (PD) support, and an integrated stepper motor focuser controller eliminate cable clutter while providing reliable connectivity.

This powerbox also includes dual PWM dew heater outputs with AutoDew technology, an external temperature and humidity sensor, comprehensive voltage, current and power monitoring, Wi-Fi connectivity with a built-in web dashboard, and full ASCOM 7 and ASCOM Alpaca compatibility.

Designed with reverse polarity, over-voltage, surge, and ESD protection, the PPBADV Gen3 delivers the performance, flexibility, and reliability required for today´s advanced astrophotography systems.

6 x Power Outputs
Four independently switchable 12 V DC power outputs let you control your entire astrophotography setup through Pegasus Astro software, ASCOM, Alpaca, or the built-in web interface. Each output features reverse polarity and over-current protection for reliable operation. An always-on 12 V output and a software-adjustable 3-19 V output bring the total number of power ports to six.

Power Sensors
Includes a built-in volt, current, and power meter that continuously monitors your power input and overall system consumption in real time. Instantly view the input voltage, total current draw, and power usage through the Pegasus Astro software, ASCOM/Alpaca drivers, or the built-in web dashboard. This allows you to monitor your equipment´s power requirements, quickly identify abnormal consumption, and ensure stable operation throughout your imaging sessions.

Environmental Sensors
The PPB ADV Gen3 includes an external temperature and humidity sensor in the box, providing accurate real-time environmental monitoring. When used with the integrated dew heater outputs, the device can automatically regulate heater power based on ambient conditions, preventing dew and moisture from forming on your telescope optics while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.

Built-in 6 port USB Hub
A powered USB3 hub at the back of the device provides:

4 x USB3 (Type-A) SuperSpeed ports

2 x USB2 (Type-C) High-Speed ports.

The new SuperSpeed hub operates in parallel with the USB 2.0 controller, so 5 Gbps SuperSpeed data transfers are not affected by slower USB 2.0 traffic.

USB ports provide up to 3 A of current and all ports include surge and ESD protection. Each USB port can be independently enabled or disabled through software.

One USB-C port provides a PD output (up to 3 A) to supported devices.

Integrated Stepper Motor Controller
The PPB ADV Gen3 features a built-in stepper motor focus controller, eliminating the need for a separate external focusing controller and reducing cable clutter.

Compatible with most bipolar stepper motors (we recommend Pegasus´ Motor Focus Kit Universal or Motor Focus Kit Zero for SCT telescopes. it delivers smooth, precise, and repeatable electronic focusing with up to 1.5 A per coil. By requiring only an external motor, it offers a significantly lower-cost focusing solution while allowing you to control both power distribution and focusing through the same Pegasus Astro software interface.

Fully integrated with the Pegasus Astro software ecosystem, ASCOM, and ASCOM Alpaca, it supports automated focusing routines in popular astrophotography applications, helping you achieve and maintain critical focus throughout your imaging session.

Important Key Features - Standalone operation "out of the box"
Pocket Powerbox Advance 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!

Important Key Features - Two channel duty cycle PWM outputs
The Pocket Powerbox Advance boasts two Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) outlets, specially designed to supply power to your demanding dew heaters. This means an end to the woes of moisture interfering with your equipment and spoiling those precious clear nights. What´s more, you can conveniently control these outlets remotely from your laptop using the provided software.

Important Key Features - Auto adjustment of PWM (dew outputs)
The controller is equipped with an intelligent feature that allows it to autonomously adjust the power levels of your heaters by analyzing data from the environmental sensor, specifically the dew point reading. With a simple click on the "Auto" function, you can entrust the Pocket Powerbox Advance to determine the optimal time to activate and precisely fine-tune your dew heaters.

Important Key Features - More than 14 A of total power
The controller has been meticulously engineered to accommodate a total current capacity of up to 14 Amps.

Important Key Features - Adjustable port configurable (3-19 V)
One adjustable DC output (3-19 V, up to 3 A) configurable through software. The configured voltage is retained across power cycles and is perfect for powering Mini PCs, Intel® NUCs, and other external devices.

Important Key Features - Reverse polarity and overvoltage protection
Built-in reverse polarity and overvoltage protection safeguards your equipment against incorrect power connections and input voltages up to 50 V.

Important Key Features - Wi-Fi controllable via ASCOM Alpaca
Stay connected with built-in Wi-Fi and a browser-based dashboard. The PPBADV Gen3 is fully compatible with ASCOM 7 and ASCOM Alpaca, enabling seamless remote control of switches, focuser, and showing the observing conditions.

Important Key Features - Upgradable firmware via USB or Web
The device is equipped with firmware upgradability, allowing for seamless updates to support forthcoming features and address any potential bug fixes, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of functionality and performance.

Aluminium Enclosure
The electronics of the Pocket Powerbox Advance are securely nestled within a sturdy, high-quality enclosure crafted from durable blue anodized aluminum. The size is 115 mm x 75 mm x 27.5 mm, it weighs 350 grams.

Built-in M3 blind mounting holes allow for easy installation of third-party accessories.

ASCOM 7 and Alpaca
Fully supports the latest ASCOM 7 and ASCOM Alpaca standards, enabling seamless network control over Wi-Fi without the need for USB connectivity.

It implements ASCOM drivers for switches, observing condition readouts, and the focuser, allowing effortless integration with your favorite astronomy software and remote observatory setup.

INDI
Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 fully supports INDI framework.

Web Dashboard and ASCOM Alpaca
Control the Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 from any device using a modern web browser - no dedicated software required. For astronomy applications, built-in ASCOM Alpaca support enables direct connectivity with NINA and any other Alpaca-compatible software, providing seamless remote control and automation.

Power cables are included in the package
Four power cables with DC connectors 5.5/2.1 mm to 5.5/2.1 mm male (2x 1 m, 2 x 0.5 m) are included in the package.

Optional finder shoe adapter
The Pegasus finder shoe adapter (PEG-SHOE) is made of black anodised aluminium and allows for connecting the Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 to Vixen type finder shoes.

Question:
Devices are not recognized, what to do?

Answer from Teleskop-Service:
Always plug in the USB cables first and only then connect the device to the power

Safety informations: PDF Download