Pegasus Astro ULTIMATE POWERBOX V2 User manual

ULTIMATE POWERBOX V2
PRODUCT MANUAL
BY PEGASUS ASTRO
[COMPANY ADDRESS]
VERSION 1.1
JULY 1, 2019

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INTRO
Thank you for purchasing our Pegasus Astro - Ultimate Powerbox v2. Ultimate Powerbox v2 (UPBv2 in short) is the
successor of our renowned Ultimate Powerbox. If you are tired of carrying multiple power packs and dealing with a
mess of power and data cables, our Ultimate Powerbox v2, a sophisticated power control unit, is the absolute
solution. Our idea is one enclosure that makes available a sufficient number of amperes. No cables disturb the
movements of the mount and the instrument, only the main power cord and one USB data cord comes to the
Ultimate Powerbox v2 from which branch off the other cables powering all devices.
CONTROLLER CARE
•Controller is protected from moisture but it is not waterproof and it should be kept clean and dry.
•Excessive moisture for long periods of time can damage electronics and connectors
•Do not allow solvents or chemicals to come into contact with the device
•Store controller indoor in a dry room when not in use for long time
•Do not touch the internal components as they may get hot when in use
DESIGN OVERVIEW

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FRONT: From left to right:
▪4 Channel x 12V DC Outputs (6 Amps each)
▪3 Channel x 12V DC PWM Duty Cycle Outputs –For dew heaters / flatbox / fans (6 Amps each)
▪Focus Output for Unipolar / Bipolar Stepper Motor
▪Input Power 12V-13.8 DC XT60
▪Led (blue) indicator
BACK: From left to right:
▪Input USB3.1 / PC
▪4 (2 x Dual Stacked) Ports USB3.1 - Industrial Grade USB Hub
▪2 (1 x Dual Stacked) Ports USB2 - Industrial Grade USB Hub
▪Variable Output / 3Amps Max
▪Ext Port & Environmental Sensor (Relative Humidity /Temperature)
▪Always ON / 12V Output

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What is
inside the box
Ultimate Powerbox v2
1 x DC Cable (XT60) to Cigarette
Lighter (10 fused)
4 x Power Cables (1 meter)
1 x USB3 Cable Type B (1.8m)
1 x Environmental Sensor
POWER INPUT
Controller can accept voltage ranges from DC 11V –14.5V *. We strongly recommend to use a branded linear or low
ripple power supply unit of 12V-13.8V DC. A 13.8V lead (or calcium/lead) battery is also recommended. Please use
a power supply that can provide at least 6 Amps of current. For your observatory needs you might need 10-15Amps
of current.
Unit has been designed with reverse polarity protection. If you accidentally reverse the power source polarity, the
unit will cut the power. The controller is fitted with a XT60 DC power connection which powers on the unit.

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Insert the XT60 plug on the DC power cable. Controller will initialize and the status LED will turn red after 4 seconds.
(The 4 seconds wait time duration is on purpose for a new firmware upload process)
* Above 14.5V the Ultimate Powerbox v2 will shut down all output ports to save your precious equipment from overvoltage.
USB 3.1 HUB
USB3.1 Hub implementation is an Industrial/Automotive Grade - Temperature Rated (-40°C to +80°C) USB 3.1 Super-
Speed 7-Port Hub Controller. Four (4) USB 3.1 Super Speed & two (2) USB2.0 High Speed Ports are available at the
back of the controller. The 7th port is used for the controller communication.
Each USB port can provide at max 2.5 Amps of current. Each port has a current limit/protection and it will
automatically decrease current up to 2.5Amps if a short-circuit detected or a connected device will draw more
current than 2.5Amps.
Each USB port can switch voltage and data ON or OFF via the supplied software.
DATA CONNECTIVITY
A USB3 Type B port at the back of the unit accepts the USB cable for PC connection. A 1.8m USB3 type B cable is
supplied in the package.

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POWER OUTPUTS
Device has:
•Four (4) 12V DC unregulated output. Each output is driven by a Smart Mosfet, capable to deliver up to 6
Amps of current. These mosfets incorporates a broad range of smart features like diagnose and protection.
Each of these 4 ports can switch ON/OFF via software
Each 12V power output has the following specifications:
Voltage type
Port
12V-13.8V DC unregulated
2.1mm DC Power Jack / 6 Amps each
(center positive)
•One Adjustable Output (ADJ OUT)
Voltage type
Port
3-12V Regulated (per 1Volt step)
Voltage level is stored and automatically retrieved from
EEPROM during UPBv2 boot.
2.1mm DC Power Jack / 3 Amps constant (4 Amps
peaks)
(center positive)
•One 12V DC unregulated output –Always ON
Voltage type
Port
12V-13.8V DC unregulated
2.1mm DC Power Jack / rated up to 8Amps
(center positive)
DEW HEATER OUTPUTS
Device has three (3) channel dew heater outputs. Like power outputs, each dew heater output includes same
Smart Mosfet types, capable to deliver up to 6 Amps of power.
A smart function exists in the controller’s firmware: The controller consults the environmental readings of the dew
point and automatically adjust power of the Dew Heaters. This functionality can be switched on / off from the
software.
Please notice: Dew heater outputs are also suitable to light a flat panel or drive your telescope’s fans.

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Voltage type
Port
12-13.8V DC –PWM - Duty Cycle %
Blue RCA Female Jack / 6 Amps Each
BUILT IN POWER SENSORS
Each output (4 x 12V + 2 x Dew Heaters) has an individual current meter. Smart Mosfets are capable to diagnose the
power consumption of each port and provide protection against overload, over temperature and short circuit.
A DC voltmeter is installed after controller’s power input. (Measures 5 –15 Volts)
A current meter is installed after controller’s power input. (Measures 0 –30 Amps)
EXT PORT
A RJ12 expansion port is available for future devices. Expansion Port allows the connectivity of current and future
Pegasus Astro Products. Plugged devices can be controlled from UPB software (ASCOM /INDI / Standalone).
•Expansion port can accept wide range of future devices, simultaneously. A Hub device will be available as
an optional accessory in order to allow this.
•Stock Temperature/Humidity Sensor is also connected into this port
STEPPER MOTOR CONTROLLER
A stepper motor controller will move your focuser with absolute positioning. Backlash compensation is implemented
in the firmware and can be enabled, tuned or disabled from the supplied software. An ASCOM6 focuser driver is
available.

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Controller can only drive unipolar & bipolar stepper motors. It can support max 2.4 Amps (1.2 Amp per phase).
RJ45 connector is located at the front of the Ultimate Powerbox v2. Pinout can be seen at the following table:
UNIPOLAR STEPPER MOTOR (RJ45 –8PIN) CONNECTOR
PIN 1
N/C
PIN 2
N/C
PIN 3
COIL 1+
PIN 4
COIL 1-
PIN 5
COIL 2+
PIN 6
COIL 2-
PIN 7
N/C
PIN 8
N/C
Supported Stepper Motors
Pegasus Motor Focus Kit
Requires RJ45 to RJ45 common straight network cable
Robofocus
Requires Cable RJ45 to DB9
Moonlite
Requires Cable RJ45 to DB9 (Robofocus Pinout)
Lakeside
Requires Cable RJ45 to DB9 (Robofocus Pinout)
Starlight HSM
Requires RJ45 to RJ45. Special Pinout cable
Starlight MSM
Requires RJ12 to RJ12 straight cable
Rigel nStep
Requires RJ12 to RJ12 straight cable
ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR
The stock probe is an external temperature / humidity sensor which is attached to the controller. It comes with
length of 60cm cable. Probe measures:
•0 to 100% humidity readings with 2-5% accuracy
•-40 to 80°C temperature readings ±0.5°C accuracy
The unit automatically detects the presence of the probe and gets temperature readings every 15 seconds.

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A RJ12 socket (EXT) connects the temperature/humidity sensor with the Ultimate Powerbox v2 controller
Important: Please ensure that the sensor is plugged into the EXT port ONLY. Do not plug the sensor to the motor
output! Severe damage to the sensor might happen if you accidentally plug the sensor to motor output
RESET WATCHDOG
A watchdog resets the device if for any reason there is no response from the controller after two (2) seconds. A neat
feature in the unlikely event of a microcontroller freeze –when have a remote observatory and you need to be sure
that everything works as expected.
STATUS LED
A red colored LED is fitted on the right front side of the unit. The light pattern displayed by the led indicated the
status of the device. The led can be turned on / off from the software at your demand.
Permanently Light
Device is up and running
Flashing Light (4 times every 4 sec)
Device entered to firmware upload
Flashing Light (once per second)
A power issue (overvoltage) exists and
controller had already shut down the ports.
Check diagnose message in software
Permanently Off
Controller not operational or LED switched off
from software
MOUNTING
We strongly advise to securely mount the UPB on a lightweight Losmandy or Vixen dovetail. We provide a pair of
optional brackets to achieve that. Grip the plate on the telescope or under your mount’s saddle.

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RECOMMENDATION
•We advise to buddle the Ultimate Powerbox v2 with a Compute PC Stick or a small PC cube. These tiny
computers have (nowadays) sufficient power for your astrophotography requirements.
•It is wise to select and use good quality and short length USB cables.
•Do the same for power cables. Long and thin power cables will have an effect of voltage drops. This can
cause issues to your camera/ccd image quality or mount tracking.
•Make sure you use a good quality 2.5mm DC input socket with a thick power cable (1mm each pole). Verify
there are no gaps that can cause power disconnect
•Pay extra attention of you are using a “step up voltage converter” in the DC input. You need at least 6 Amps
to power all of your devices. (We don’t recommend step up converters – buy a good battery or a decent
linear PSU).
DIMENSIONS
Size (Width, Depth, Height)
12cm x 10cm x 3cm (4.72 inch x 4.06 inch x 1.2
inch)
Weight
400 grams (14.1 ounces)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question
Answer
What kind of power supply do I need?
We strongly suggest to use a good linear 12V / 10-20A
branded power supply. Cheap units will lead to
voltage drops on high load and ripple effect. This will
cause issues and artifacts to your precious CCD /
CMOS Camera.