Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3: Six Power Outputs with USB Hub

A deep-sky astrophotography setup involves several devices working together during an imaging session. The main camera, guide camera, filter wheel, and electronic focuser all need connections. The telescope mount needs its own power supply.

Pegasus Astro has been developing power distribution equipment to address this. Its latest offering, the Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3, brings power management and several equipment control functions within one enclosure. The new model combines six DC power outputs with a six-port USB hub. It also has an integrated stepper motor controller, two dew heater channels, and an external environmental sensor.

Six power outputs

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 provides six DC power connections. Four outputs supply 12V power and have individual software-controlled switches. Users can turn each output on or off without disconnecting its cable. This can be useful when an imaging setup includes several accessories that don’t need to remain powered throughout the night.

Each of the four switchable outputs can deliver up to 6A. A fifth connection supplies constant 12V power, while the sixth offers adjustable voltage. Users can select an output between 3V and 19V, with a maximum current of 3A. Pegasus Astro suggests using this connection for mini computers, Intel NUC systems, mirrorless cameras, and other compatible equipment.

Six USB ports

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 incorporates a six-port USB hub. It provides four USB 3.0 Type-A connections and two USB 2.0 Type-C connections. Each port can supply up to 3A and has an individual software-controlled power switch. Users can enable or disable a connection without removing its cable.

The four USB 3.0 ports support data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps. Pegasus Astro says the USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 controllers operate in parallel. This means slower USB 2.0 activity does not affect the SuperSpeed transfer capability of the USB 3.0 connections. All six ports also have surge and electrostatic discharge protection.

The USB-C connectivity includes a Power Delivery output for compatible equipment. It can supply up to 3A, and Pegasus Astro mentions Raspberry Pi computers among its potential applications.

Integrated focuser controller and two dew heater channels

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 includes a controller for compatible stepper motors. The controller can supply up to 1.5A per motor coil.

The unit also has two PWM outputs for dew heaters. Each channel uses an RCA connector and supports up to 5A. Users can adjust the heater power through the software. This allows them to control two heaters independently, such as one around a telescope’s objective and another around a guide scope.

Pegasus Astro includes an external temperature and humidity sensor in the package. It measures ambient temperature and relative humidity, and also provides dew point readings. The sensor covers temperatures from -40°C to 80°C, with an accuracy of ±0.5°C. Its humidity readings cover 0–100%, with a specified accuracy of 2–5%.

The powerbox uses these readings for its AutoDew function. Once users enable automatic control, the system adjusts heater output according to the environmental conditions.

Wi-Fi and software integration in a compact aluminum enclosure

Pegasus Astro has included built-in Wi-Fi in the Gen3. Users can access the powerbox through a browser-based dashboard without installing dedicated control software. The dashboard provides access to power outputs, USB connections, focuser controls, and environmental readings. It also displays voltage, current, and power consumption.

The Gen3 supports ASCOM 7, ASCOM Alpaca, and the INDI framework. These standards allow compatible astronomy applications to communicate with connected equipment. Pegasus Astro provides ASCOM drivers for switching, observing conditions, and focuser control. Its ASCOM Alpaca support also enables network-based control over Wi-Fi.

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 measures 115 × 75 × 27.5mm and weighs 350g. Pegasus Astro has used a blue anodized aluminium enclosure and included M3 blind mounting holes. These allow users to attach compatible third-party mounting accessories. The company also offers an optional shoe holder for mounting the unit on a compatible clamp.

Price and availability

The Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 is priced at $372. It is available for pre-order through authorized dealers. However, we do not have a confirmed shipping date. But we expect the shipping of the first batch to take place by the end of 2026.

The standard package includes the Pocket Powerbox Advance Gen3 controller and an external temperature and humidity sensor. Pegasus Astro also supplies four 2.1mm DC power cables. Two measure 1m, while the other two measure 0.5m. A 1.8m USB 3.0 Type-B cable completes the package. Buyers will need to purchase the focusing motor and optional shoe holder separately.

Clear skies!

---