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.
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 camera. We provide different battery couplers for Sony and Canon DSLR / Mirrorless Cameras
More than 10A of total power
Controller has been designed to support up to 10 Amps of total current
Standalone Operation
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)
Firmware can auto adjust the PWM Outputs by consulting the environmental sensor Dew Point reading. Just click “Auto” and leave to Pocket Powerbox decide if it is time to switch on and precise tune your dew heaters.
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.
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.
Power Cables are included in the package
Four power cable of DC 2.1mm to 2.1mm male (1m) areincludedin the package.
External Environmental Sensor
External one (1) meter temperature & relative humidity sensor isincludedin the package. Know exactly the environment conditions of your location. Temperature, humidity and dew point measurements are displayed in the software.
USB2 Connectivity
Connect the device to your laptop/PC and control Pocket Powerbox from the supplied software or ASCOM drivers
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!
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.
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 250 grams.
Specifications
In the Box
Pocket Powerbox Controller
External Temperature / Humidity Sensor
4 x Power DC 2.1 to 2.1 male cable (1m)
USB Cable Type B (3m)
Technical Specifications
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 -40 to 80°C temperature readings ±0.5°C accuracy
A: We suggest to buy a good linear 12V / 10A branded power supply. Cheap units cause voltage drops on high load and ripple effect. This will cause issues and artefacts to your precious CCD Camera.
Q: What type of cable do I need to use for input?
A: If you are going to make a custom input cable notice that you need at least a AWG 18 cable. Make also sure that you do not exceed 2m to to reduce voltage drops.
Q: My observatory is in a very cold place. Is there any issue with the electronics of the device?
A: All electronic components were selected to support temperature ranges from -40 to +80 °C.
Q: I have a new feature request. Is it possible to implement it in the software / firmware.
A: Sure, we are here to listen to our customers. Please contact us and tell us your idea!
Q: What if I accidentally reverse polarity?
A: Pocket Powerbox has an input reverse polarity protection. Device will not power on and of course will not allow any voltage to leak to outputs.
Q: At the middle of the night humidity rises up. What can I do for my optics?
A: Enable auto-dew functionality. Device firmware will adjust the power of both Dew Heater outputs consulting the humidity / dew point levels that environmental sensor reports.
Q: Can I upgrade the firmware?
A: Of course, device was designed to support firmware upgrade for future features or bug fixes.
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