Pegasus Powerbox Advanced Generation 2
Price: $324
Introduction
Experienced astrophotographers know that technology has made this hobby much easier than it was 20 years, or even 10 years ago. Technology has allowed much of what we do to be automated. This type of automation requires power, and power requires cables. My setup has a powered focuser, dew heaters, camera, and mount. And many of these devices are not wireless, so they require communication cables as well. It’s not hard to imagine that the more devices you have, the more wires you need. My setup would require 4 power cables and 4 data communication cables, as well as 2 power cables for dew heaters (necessary to keep dew from forming on the lens at night). These 10 cables would be strung from the DC adapters of each unit to the power source, and also to the computer to allow the software to control everything. This could easily lead to a mess of overlapping cables, and enhance the possibility of entanglement and even the possibility of catching on something while the telescope moves. This could result in disconnection or worse, tipping over the telescope or pulling a device off of its mount.
Technical Description
Luckily there are cable management devices that make the hazards less likely by requiring fewer cables and shorter length cables. The Pegasus Powerbox Advanced Gen 2 by Pegasus Astro is one such device, and the one I use. It takes one DC 12v input and you can connect up to 4 DC 12 volt devices to the box, up to a maximum of 12 amps distributed output. It has one USB-B data input port and 2 USB2 and 2 USB3 ports. One of the USB3 ports can provide up to 3 amps. It also has a 3 amp port for controlling a DSLR or mirrorless digital camera, adjustable to 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, or 12 volts, as well as 2 RCA type outputs for controlling typical dew heaters. And lastly, it has a RJ-12 output to connect temperature sensors or focus controllers that use that interface. As you can see, only two cables would be needed to power everything and to connect to a laptop. This device also can run without hooking up to a computer, making it possible to only need one power cable to connect. Pegasus Astro also makes an enhanced device called the Ultimate Powerbox 2, with even more output choices.
Once the device is connected to a power source and optionally to a computer, short cables can then connect to each device for data and power, making it virtually impossible for these to become tangled. If you enclose the cables in a cable conduit (sold separately), it makes your setup even neater and safer.
In the box is the controller box, a temperature and humidity sensor, 4 DC power cables and one USB3 cable with a USB-A and USB-B end. Downloadable software can be used to control the device, which is fully compatible with common communication standards such as ASCOM and INDI.
How Does It Perform?
It comes neatly packed with the included accessories. I immediately recognized the quality of the construction. The aluminum construction makes it very lightweight. The case is solid with an attractive blue color that I would equate with similar “frozen” paint appearances that you might see on a new car. I mounted the device to the underside of the mounting rail of my William Optics FLT 120 telescope with an optional mounting bracket. There is a very subtle power indicator light on the side, but it is barely visible even at night.
First, you need a 12v power supply (not included). I had purchased one already so I connected it to the DC 12v in port. There is a very subtle power indicator light on the side, but it is barely visible even at night. Next, I attached the included temperature and humidity sensor. Then I attached the data in cable to a USB 3 port on my laptop. I downloaded and then started the software and waited for it to load and connect. The controls were pretty self-explanatory. Since I was connecting my Canon EOS Ra mirrorless camera to the unit for power, I set the output of the variable output to 5v connected a power cable to the camera, and then powered up the camera, which started normally. Next, I connected my ZWO EAF focuser to one of the unit’s power outputs.
Now that the accessories were powered up, I needed to connect the data cables. Then I connected the USB port that can output 3A to my ZWO ASI174mm mini camera (I use it for guiding), and an un-powered USB cable to my focuser. Both devices were immediately recognized by my N.I.N.A software. Everything was up and running.
It wasn’t all perfect though. I was never able to get my mount to work consistently with the power supplied by the unit. And sometimes, the software would simply not load at all, and I had to uninstall and re-install a few times. Subsequent software updates seem to have fixed this issue.
Since these small glitches, I have been using the Powerbox Advanced Gen 2 without an issue for my imaging sessions. I have also purchased nylon cable conduits to enclose the cables to add an additional safety measure for cable management.
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Can operate without separate computer reducing even further the number of cables
- Reasonable price for what it can do
- Simplifies cable and power management
- Real-time monitoring
- Variable digital camera power output
Cons:
- Software sometimes won’t start (makes independent operation a necessity) Latest software updates seem to have fixed this issue
- Mounting hardware not included
- DC 12v power supply not included
- Some may argue that needing a separate computer is a disadvantage. This is where the ASI Air Pro has an advantage.
What other users are saying
On forums and astrophotography sites, other users highlight features like
- Ease of use
- Build quality
- Performance and features
- Excellent cable management
- Light weight
Conclusion
All-in-all a very useful device for the serious astrophotographer. The more equipment attached to the telescope, the more this type of device becomes a necessity. I highly recommend it.