Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen2
The Pocket Powerbox Advance, or PPBADV for short, represents a noteworthy addition to our esteemed Powerbox product series. Positioned strategically between the Pocket Powerbox Micro and the Ultimate Powerbox v2/3, it is engineered to offer enhanced capabilities, including a USB3 Hub that can accommodate up to four USB ports.
Feature List
4 x 12V DC
Power outlets
A robust MOSFET transistor serves as the reliable power source for your valuable equipment. It provides electricity to four outputs, with the capability to switch on/off all 12V outputs simultaneously, offering a unified control over your power distribution.
This single channel can provide up to 10Amps of current to all ports. Current is shared among the 4 x 12V ports
Built in
Voltmeter
A high-precision voltmeter is integrated into the device, providing real-time measurement and display of your input voltage. In the event that the input voltage exceeds 14.5V, the system swiftly activates a power cutoff mechanism to safeguard your valuable equipment from potential damage.
Adjustable
Regulated Output
The device features an adjustable output, designed to supply power to a range of devices, including DSLR and Mirrorless cameras, as well as Raspberry Pi 3/4/5. The voltage can be precisely tuned to various levels, including 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 12 Volts, ensuring compatibility with a variety of equipment. Additionally, we offer an extensive selection of battery couplers tailored to Canon, Nikon, Sony, FUJI cameras, and more for your convenience.
Built in Amp-meter
Amp-meter placement after the DC input allows for the reporting of the total electric current, providing a comprehensive overview of power usage. In addition, three additional amp-meters are integrated into the system. One is dedicated to the 12V outputs, while two are designated for the Dew Heater Channels. This arrangement offers the convenience of monitoring both detailed and overall power consumption for your equipment.
More than 12A of total electric current
The powerbox has been designed to deliver a substantial electric current output of up to 12 Amps. It’s worth noting that a typical backyard astrophotography setup typically demands a range of 5-7 Amps for efficient operation.
Embedded USB3 Hub – 2 x USB3 & 2 x USB2 Ports
A powered 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 devices
- USB Port2 supports USB2 devices
- USB Port3 supports USB2 & USB3 devices
- USB Port4 supports USB2 & USB3 devices
* Older product revision (Gen1) had only 3 out of 4 USB Ports that were compatible to USB2 devices. For detailed information please check the product manual.
USB High Power Output
USB Port 1 provides up to 3Amps 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.
Expansion Port (EXT)
EXT (expansion) port is available for device expansion. This RJ12 socket allows the connectivity of eXternal Motor Control or Environmental Sensor.
Other Key Features
Standalone Operation
“out of the box”
Pocket Powerbox Micro 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 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.
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 Micro to determine the optimal time to activate and precisely fine-tune your dew heaters.
More than 12A of
total power
The controller has been meticulously engineered to accommodate a total current capacity of up to 12 Amps.
Led Indications for power and failure states
The LED indicator is designed to emit distinctive blinking patterns, serving as a crucial alert system for important power-related issues, such as over or under voltage. Furthermore, for those who prefer not to have the LED illuminated, the software offers the option to deactivate it. Rest assured, our LED is intentionally designed to be very dim, ensuring it doesn’t cause any disturbance, but the choice to turn it off is available through the software interface.
Reverse Polarity Protection
Device comes with reverse voltage polarity protection. This invaluable feature is your safeguard against any inadvertent connection of the main power supply in reverse polarity, ensuring that your night of stargazing is never compromised.
A hardware
watchdog
A hardware watchdog mechanism is in place to automatically reset the device in the rare event that there is no response from the controller for two seconds. This ingenious feature provides an added layer of security, particularly in scenarios involving remote observatories, where it is paramount to ensure that all systems continue to function as intended, even in the unlikely case of a controller freeze.
Upgradable
Firmware
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.
Compact Aluminium Enclosure
The electronics of the Pocket Powerbox Advance are securely nestled within a sturdy, high-quality enclosure crafted from durable blue anodized aluminum.
Size is 100mm x 71mm x 24mm. Weights 250 grams.
Supported By
ASCOM 7 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 Sequence Generator Pro / MaximDL ) (ASCOM ObservingConditions)
- Switch ON / OFF 12V outputs, Adjustable Output, Tune Dew Heaters. (ASCOM Switches)
INDI 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
Technical Specification
| Supply Voltage | 12V – 13.8V DC |
| Power Input Connector | DC 2.1mm (center positive) |
| Connectivity | USB3 Type B 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, 3,5,8,9,12 Volt (Adjustable via software) 2.1mm (center positive) |
| Voltmeter | Measures 5 – 15V |
| Dimensions | 100mm x 71mm x 24mm |
| Weight | 250 grams |
Documentation & Software
Please notice that differences in USB Port configuration between the two models (Gen1 and Gen2) can be found in the product manual.
AstroImager from CloudMakers – 3rd party software for OSX
Obsolete software (please use Unity)
Pocket Powerbox Setup (v1.18 / Nov 21)
Optional Accessories
Shoe Holder Example
Shoe Holder with PPB Advance Gen2 (Blue and Black enclosure)
An example
An example of stacking PPB Advance with USB Control Hub
