Pocket Powerbox
Pocket Powerbox (in short PPB) is suitable for the “grab and go” astrophotographer who does not want too much automation. Device can provide 10Amps of power, a sufficient number of 12V Outputs, Two Dew Heater Channels, A DSLR power output and an environmental sensor to monitor humidity and temperature.
This product is now obsolete and fully replaced by Pocket Powerbox Micro
Check out our new Pocket Powerbox Micro
(the successor of Pocket Powerbox)
The Pocket Powerbox provides:
4 x 12V DC
Power outlets
A powerful mosfet transistor provides “electric juice” to your precious equipment. It supply of electricity 4 outputs. Can switch on/off for all ports.
Built in
Voltmeter
A precise voltmeter measures and displays in real time your input voltage. If the input is more than 14V, the power is instantly cut off to protect your equipment.
Camera / DSLR
Output
A 8Volt Output is suitable to provide power to your DSLR or Mirrorless camera. We provide different battery couplers for Canon, Nikon, Sony, FUJI Cameras
Other Key Features
Standalone Operation
“out of the box”
Pocket 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 a PC every time, you don’t have to. Simple as that!
Two channel duty cycle
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 Pocket 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 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.
Supported By
ASCOM 6 Fully supported
Pocket powerbox fully supports ASCOM6. In combination with our main program which acts as a server you can use our latest ASCOM 6.3 supplied drivers to:
Pass environmental settings to supported software (e.g Sequence Generator Pro / MaximDL ) (ASCOM ObservingConditions)
Switch ON or OFF all 12V outputs. (ASCOM Switches)
INDI Fully supported
Pocket powerbox fully supports INDI, Bundle it with Stellarmate or any other device that can use INDILib.
USB2 Connectivity
Connect the device to your laptop/PC and control Pocket Powerbox from the supplied software or ASCOM drivers
Compact Size and Lightweight
A hard plastic ABS lightweight and compact sized box enclose the controller board. Size is 109mm x 74mm x 25mm). Weight is 100 grams.
Software
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 DC Cable to Cigarette Lighter Adapter (8A fused)
1 x USB Cable Type B (3m)
Technical Specification
| Supply Voltage | 12V – 13.8V DC (Reverse Polarity Protected) |
| Power Input Connector | DC 2.1mm |
| Connectivity | USB2 – Type B USB Connector |
| 4 x 12 Outputs | Maximum Current 8 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 | Mini Stereo Socket, Connectivity with Environmental Sensor
0-100% humidity readings with 2-5% accuracy |
| Camera / DSLR Output | Max 1.5 Amps, 8Volt. 2.1mm Center Positive |
| Voltmeter | Measures 5 – 15V |
| Dimensions | 109mm x 74mm x 25mm |
| Weight | 250 grams |
Documentation & Software
AstroImager from CloudMakers – 3rd party software for OSX
Obsolete software (please use Unity)
Pocket Powerbox Setup (v1.18 / Nov 21)
