Pegasus Saddle Powerbox

The Pegasus Astro Saddle Powerbox is a versatile and indispensable accessory for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers alike. This innovative device seamlessly combines a telescope saddle and a power distribution hub, simplifying the setup and operation of astrophotography equipment.

The saddle securely holds your telescope while also providing multiple power outputs for all your astronomy gear, including cameras, mount, dew heaters, and more.

With its integrated USB ports, input voltage, current monitor, and robust build quality, the Pegasus Astro Saddle Powerbox not only ensures a tidy and organized telescope setup but also reduces cable clutter and minimizes the risk of accidental power interruptions during those crucial imaging sessions under the night sky. It’s a must-have tool that enhances the convenience and efficiency of any astrophotography rig.

In stock
 

Feature List

Expandable to 4 + 2 x 12V DC Power outlets for your equipment.
(A single channel to switch all four outputs ON/OFF via software and Dew Heater outputs can be switched also to constant 12V)

10 Amps (120W) of total distributed current

Built-in powered USB3 Hub (2 x USB3.1 Ports & 2 x USB2 Ports available).

(USB3 ports are backward compatible with USB2 devices)

USB Ports can deliver up to 3Amps – Suitable for Raspberry PI 3/4 power.

Integrated ambient temperature and humidity sensor.

2 Channels PWM Dew Heaters – 2.1mm outputs.
(Adjust power levels via software).
Pair of cable adapters from DC 2.1 to RCA is included in box.

Automatic adjusment of Dew Heater outputs.

Power, current, and input voltage meter.

Reverse Polarity Protection.

USB / PC Controlled or Standalone Operation out of the box.

Losmandy and Vixen Clamp.

Available pucks for popular 3rd party mounts. (RST, EQ6, AM5)

6 x Power Outputs

The device is equipped with 4 x 12V outlets, offering ample power for your various equipment needs. Additionally, you have the flexibility to repurpose the 2 x Dew Heater outlets, converting them into continuous 12V power sources. The device employs robust MOSFET transistors to deliver reliable electrical current to your valuable equipment. It’s important to note that the quad port can be switched on or off collectively, while the heater ports offer individual control.

Built in Sensors

Device comes equipped with built-in sensors that elevate its functionality to a new level. These sensors include temperature and humidity monitoring, ensuring that astrophotographers can keep a close eye on environmental conditions during their observation sessions. By providing real-time data on temperature and humidity levels, this feature helps users make informed decisions about dew control and equipment protection. Additionally, the powerbox’s input voltage and electric current display ensures that voltage variations or power consumption are easily monitorable.

2 x Dew Heaters

Enjoy precise control over your dew heaters with the device’s dual dew heater outputs. These outputs offer fine-grained control over heater intensity, allowing you to tailor your equipment’s performance to your exact needs. What’s more, the device features an intelligent auto-dew function that can automatically adjust heater intensity by monitoring the onboard temperature and humidity sensor, ensuring optimal conditions for your setup.. A Pair of cable adapters from DC 2.1 -> RCA is included in the package. Each output can deliver up to 5A.

Monitor your electric power

An Amp-meter placed after the DC input reports the total electric current and voltage levels. This allows you to easily monitor your equipment’s detailed and overall power consumption.

More than 10A of total electric current

Device is designed with careful consideration of the total current requirements of astrophotography equipment. It can output up to 10 Amps of electric current and offers multiple output channels, each with a specified current rating, allowing users to safely power a variety of devices simultaneously. Whether it’s your telescope mount, cameras, filter wheels, or other accessories, this powerbox ensures that the total current drawn does not exceed its maximum capacity, thereby preventing overloads and potential damage to your valuable equipment.

The powerbox has been designed to output up to 10 Amps of electric current. Please note that a typical backyard astrophotographic setup requires 5-7 Amps

Built-in USB3.1 Hub – 2 x USB3 & 2 x USB2 Ports

USB High Power Outputs

USB Port s provides up to 3 Amps 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.

A powered MTT (Multi Transaction Translator) 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 & USB3 devices

USB Port2 supports USB2 & USB3 devices

USB Port3 supports USB2 devices

USB Port4 supports USB2 devices

Optional Pucks for 3rd party mounts

The Saddle Powerbox can be seamlessly affixed to the NYX-101 mount without the need for additional components. For compatibility with other mount types, the use of an additional puck is necessary. At present, our product supports a range of mounts, which includes:

Puck (PEG-PUCK-AM5) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the ZWO-AM5 mount and ZWO-AM3 mounts.

Puck (PEG-PUCK-EQ6R) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto Skywatcher NEQ6 and EQ6-R mounts or compatible Orion type mounts.

Puck (PEG-PUCK-RST) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto RST 135 and RST 300 mounts.

Puck (PEG-PUCK-HEQ5) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the Skywatcher-HEQ5 mounts or compatible Orion type mounts.

Puck (PEG-PUCK-iCEM26GEM28) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the iOptron CEM26 and iOptron GEM28

Puck (PEG-PUCK-SAGTi) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the Skywatcher StarAdventure GTi

Puck (PEG-PUCK-UNO) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the Avalon M-UNO and LINEAR mounts.

Puck (PEG-PUCK-EQ6AZ) can be used to attach the Powerbox Saddle onto the Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 (Pro) or compatible Orion type mounts.

Other Key Features

Standalone Operation
“out of the box”

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 to a PC every time, you don’t have to. Simple as that!

Two channel 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 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 Micro 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.

Lonsmandy and Vixen Style support

A high-quality robust CNC aluminium saddle houses the electronics of the Powerbox.

The Saddle Powerbox is compatible with both Losmandy 3” and Vixen Clamp mounting systems, providing you with versatile options for securing and integrating your equipment.

Two separate and adjustable knobs provide you with precise control to securely fasten your telescope and gear, ensuring stability and ease of use.

Supported By

ASCOM 6 Fully 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 NINA / SGPro / MaximDL etc) (ASCOM ObservingConditions)

Switch ON / OFF 12V outputs, tune Dew Heaters, Monitor Voltage, Current, Power. (ASCOM Switches)

INDI Fully 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.

A modern frontend allows the full control of all Pegasus Astro devices.

Moreover, a REST JSON api helps developers from 3rd party software to interact with our products.

As we continuously develop our applications, based on customer feedback, lots of innovative features are going to be added in upcoming releases.

In the Box

1 x Saddle Powerbox

2 x DC 2.1 male to RCA Female Pigtails. (15cm)

4 x Power DC 2.1 to 2.1 male cables (2×0.5m and 2 x1.0m)

1 x USB3 Cable
Type B (1.8m)

Technical Specification

Dual SaddleSupports Losmandy and Vixen plates

Supply Voltage12V – 14V DC

Power Input and Output Connectors5.5 x 2.1mm Barrel (center positive)

ConnectivityUSB3 Type B Connector

4 x 12V Outputs

Maximum Current 10 Amps in total.
5.5 x 2.1mm Barrel (center positive)
Software: ON/OFF all ports

2 Channel x 12V PWM OutputsMaximum Current 4A each)
Software: Duty Cycle % / OFF
5.5 x 2.1mm Barrel (center positive)

Both can switched, via software, to constant 12V outputs and increase the 12V output count to six (6).

Built in temperature and humidity Sensor0-100% humidity readings with 2-5% accuracy
-40 to 80°C temperature readings ±0.5°C accuracy

VoltmeterMeasures 5 – 15V

Maximum Electric Current10A

Some items that are showing as in stock are in stock at our holding warehouses, not at the shop. To double check the stock levels at the shop, please contact us on 01909774369 or sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk.

The delivery times for most items is 1 - 2 days but again, please double check stock levels on important orders before placing an order via the website.

The delivery costs for courier next day are for mainland UK only. If you live in the Scottish Highlands/Islands, Channel Islands or Northern Ireland, then a shipping surchage will apply. please contact us for prices. Smaller items can still go 1st class via Royal Mail.

Please note that if you are wanting to take advantage of our Saturday and Sunday timed services or next day pre 12 or pre 10:30 services, you MUST check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. Also, orders using the Saturday and Sunday services must be placed before 1pm the previous working day. Also, please remember to check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. If the stock is not at the shop, we won't be able to ship on any of the timed services. 

Please note International customers will need to contact us for a shipping price prior to ordering via the website. We don't ship all items internationally. It is at our discretion what we ship outside of the UK. This all depends on the size and weight of the items. Please get in touch with us for any postage costs. Please note we do NOT ship telescopes or heavy items outside of the UK. This is due to massive postage costs and problems regarding returns.

If you have any questions regarding stock levels or delivery, please get in touch.

Zygo Interferometer Testing For ED Refractor Telescopes!

We are extremely pleased to announce our Zygo Interferometer is now installed and ready for use! Our experienced staff can test refractor lenses up to 120mm aperture and provide a comprehensive 2 page report showing the optical quality and Strehl ratio, plus much more information. We are using the very latest Zygo MX software to provide a more detailed report compared to other standard reports.

The interferometer is essentially a measuring instrument. Within the interferometer is a calibrated laser that is pointed through the optical test surface, then onto a high quality reference sphere, then back through the test subject then to an internal camera which gives us the measurement on the screen. From this, we can adjust the position of the test optic and the reference sphere to obtain a perfectly calibrated system. The more central the laser to the test optic and then on return, the better and more accurate reading and measurement we can take. This takes a lot of adjustment to get the best results from the optical surface. Once the measurement has been taken, we are provided with a series of results that show the optical quality of the surface plus other information. Continue reading for an explanation of the individual values and you can also see a test report that was done on one of our RVO Horizon 60 OTAs. 

We are offering certain telescopes with a Zygo test at an extra cost. Mainly ED doublets and triplets. All available telescopes with a Zygo test report are listed here. Just select Zygo Test Report from the drop down box at the top of the listing and we will test the optics in house and provide a full 2 page report with your scope. This will show you the optical quality of your telescope optics. We can also offer this service on your refractor telescope. Please get in touch for more details about this. 

At Rother Valley Optics, one thing we pride ourselves on is customer service and quality of our equipment. When we test your telescope, we will ensure that it is of the highest quality otherwise, we will reject the scope under our strict quality control and test another model for your peace of mind. One of the main values to look at when testing a refractor is the Strehl ratio. The higher this number, the higher quality lens you have. At Rother Valley Optics, we will guarantee the highest possible Strehl ratio for your telescope.  We will aim to provide 0.95 Strehl or higher on Takahashi, RVO Horizon, William Optics and many more! Generally, the higher the Strehl ratio, the lower the Astigmatism and Coma meaning a better image quality from your instrument. 

Other measurements such as the PV and RMS are important too. With these measurements, the lower the number the better as it shows less curvature on the lens. The flatter an optical lens, the better it will perform. The PV rating (Peak To Valley) is a measurement from the highest point (Peak) to the lowest point (Valley). From this we get the RMS (Root, Mean, Square). This is a similar figure to the PV and measured exactly the same way. The RMS is basically an average height difference from the PV so again, the lower the better. As you can see form the example below, we measured an RMS of just 0.027 wave which is a very good value.

We also measure the Power with our systems which is essentially the error from the reference sphere to the test optic. The reference sphere we use on our system is a very high quality sphere so the closer to zero the Power, the less error between the 2 elements thus ensuring a higher quality optical surface. 

You will also see some more values such as Astigmatism and Coma. Again, these are measured by the interferometer when we take measurements of the optical surface after adjustment. These are values which ideally would be at 0 but as our test optics are all curved lenses, there will always be astigmatism and coma present. The lower the number, the less of these aberations you will effectively see but with most refractors, you can buy field flatteners which will compensate for the coma anyway. The astigmatisms value is explaining the error between the symmetrical curvature of the lens. Basically, no lens will be perfectly symmetrical, the lower the astigmatism, the more symmetrical the lens surface is. 

Once the Zygo test report has been completed, the optical alignment is thoroughly tested and tuned to ensure they are spot on before they leave us. 

All available telescopes are on the website at the link below and ones we've tested already that are available straight away are also listed.

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/zygo-tested-refractors.html

Here is an example of the test what we provide. This was a test on one of our Horizon 60 ED OTA's.

For any questions about this amazing new service, please either call 01909774369 or email sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk.

Are you interested in this product but would like to speak to someone with some more information? Simply fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

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