PLEASE NOTE: A POWER INPUT CABLE IS NO LONGER SUPPLIED AS STANDARD!!
The Ultimate Powerbox v2 (UPBv2 in short) is the successor of the renowned Ultimate Powerbox.
A USB3.1 Hub was added, allowing you to switch on/off each USB port. More power outputs, more dew heaters, α new stepper controller that can drive any stepper motor in the astronomy market and an expansion ports for future devices that will communicate with the UPBv2 Controller!
If you are tired of carrying multiple power packs and dealing with a mess of power and data cables, the Ultimate Powerbox v2, a sophisticated power control unit, is the “Ultimate” solution!
The idea is an enclosure that makes a sufficient number of amperes available. No cables disturb the movements of the mount and the instrument, only the main power cord and one USB data cord is attached to the Ultimate Powerbox from which branch off the other cables powering all devices.
Ultimate Powerbox v2 Features:
4 x 12V Smart Outputs
3 x PWM duty cycle channels for Dew Heaters / Flat Panel / Fans
USB3.1 SuperSpeed, 5 Gbit/s Industrial Grade Powered Hub Includes 4 x USB3.1 and 2 x USB2 available ports (6 USB ports in total)
Stepper Motor Controller (can drive nearly any stepper motor on the market Unipolar or Bipolar)
In a compact size with plenty of features! We strongly believe that if you own a remote observatory or you do advanced imaging you are going to love this device!
Solid Input Socket
A large and solid DC input socket ensures that power cable is always secured in place. The socket type (XT60) is selected to provide all the power you need without voltage drops with more than 20A of total power
* Please notice that Ultimate Powerbox v2 is not a powerbank. It requires an external power source (battery or PSU) to receive its power.
4 x 12V DC Power outlets for your equipment
Four powerful Smart Mosfet transistors provide power to your precious equipment. Sophisticated short circuit and overload per port protections cut the power and report the incident into our software. Every Mosfet is capable to provide up to 7Amps of current. High quality output sockets ensure that will provide all the power you need.
Built in Power Sensors
A precise voltmeter and an ammeter (can measure up to 30A) measure and display in real time your power input. If the input is more than 14.5V, the power is instantly cut off to protect your equipment.
Individual Current Meter per 12V port and Dew Heaters
Every 12V output and every Dew Heater Channel has an internal and independent digital current meter. You can view each port power consumption in the software.
Stand Alone Software
Control all Ultimate Powerbox v2 features from this software. Receive metrics, view and zoom into graphs, name your outputs, tune every setting of your Ultimate Powerbox v2 quickly and easily.
Industrial 6 port powered USB3.1 SuperSpeed Hub
An industrial grade USB3.1 Hub controller ensures that this USB hub will work flawlessly from temperatures of -40°C to +80°C. A neat feature is that each USB port can be switched ON/OFF individually by the software. A device was stuck and you had to replug the socket in the middle of a cold night? No problem! Just locate the port, click the ON /OFF switch in our software and you recycle the USB port. Simple as that! At the back of the UPBv2 you can locate: 4 x USB 3.1 Super Speed ports 2 x USB 2 High Speed ports. Each USB port provides up to 2.5Amps. All USB ports include an electronic short circuit and overload electronic protection.
Embedded Stepper Motor Controller
A stepper motor controller will precisely move your focuser. The controller drives a Pegasus Motor or any other stepper motor in the market (Unipolar or Bipolar) e.g. Rigel, Robofocus, Moonlight Motor. Make sure you have the correct cable for your motor as every manufacturer uses its own pinout. Contact us if you have any question for the type of your motor.
Supported Stepper Motors
Pegasus MFK Requires RJ45 to RJ45 common straight network cable
Backlash compensation is already implemented in the firmware and can be enabled, tuned and disabled from the software. A fully ASCOM focuser driver is already available. Three channel duty cycle PWM outputs
Three Pulse width modulation (PWM) outlets are capable to provide power to Dew Heaters / Flat Panels or Telescope Fans. Eliminate the moisture that is fuzzing your equipment and destroying your clear nights. These outlets can be remotely tuned from your laptop using the supplied software.
A Variable & Voltage Regulated Output
An output that can provide up to 3 Amps of current is available. You can tune the output from 3 Volt to 12Volt and save this setting in controller’s memory. Every time UPBv2 boots the port will be tuned to the stored voltage setting.
Always ON – 12V Output
One unregulated 12V output that can provide up to 8 Amps. So, in addition to the smart 4 x 12V outputs, you have one more to connect additional equipment. This 12V output port stays always ON.
Expansion Port (EXT)
An 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)
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 Ultimate Powerbox v2 decide if it is time to switch on your dew heaters. Notice: You can select which Dew Heater output is controller by the “Auto Dew” function.
ASCOM is fully supported
Ultimate Powerbox fully supports ASCOM. In combination with our main program which acts as a server, you can use the latest ASCOM drivers to:
Control Stepper Motor (ASCOM Focuser)
Pass environmental settings to supported software (e.g Sequence Generator Pro / MaximDL /NINA ) (ASCOM ObservingConditions)
Switch ON or OFF all 12V outputs. (ASCOM Switches – NINA/ MaximDL)
ASCOM Observing Conditions and Focus Driver in combination with Sequencer Generator Pro
INDI support Ultimate Powerbox v2 is fully supported by INDI and INDIGO
A multi-platform plugin for OSX (macOS), Windows, Linux (Ubuntu) and Raspberry PI is available.
For more information visit RTI-ZONE website (3rd party plugin)
External brackets support
Optionally a pair of brackets can mount the Ultimate Powerbox device onto your telescope. Both brackets are screwed on the side of the controller to provide mounting options.
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). The LED is very dim but in case you don’t like it on you can switch it off via the software.
Cables are included in the package
Four (4) power cable of DC 2.1mm to 2.1mm male (1m) are included in the package. Cables are thick enough to support up to 6Amps of current.
External Environmental Sensor External temperature & relative humidity sensor is included in the package. Know exactly the environment conditions in your location. Temperature, humidity and dew point measurements are displayed in the software. Zoomable and Exportable Graphs for Power and Environment values. The software logs all voltage, current, temperature and relative humidity readings. All these plots are zoomable and easily exportable in PNG image & CSV text format. Keep a full record of your night conditions.
Timer to shutdown outputs
Choose the time and start timer to shutdown output ports when you schedule it.
Memory persistence outputs on startup
You can easily define which output should turn ON during startup. The setting is stored in system’s EEPROM memory. A neat feature in case of a power failure. USB3.1 Connectivity Controller is always connected to the USB Hub (7th internal USB port). No extra cable needed. Just connect the USB Hub to your laptop and you are ready to go.
Reverse Polarity Protection
Ultimate Powerbox has been designed 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.
Warranty Device and included sensor is covered by two years warranty
Compact Size and Lightweight
A blue anodised aluminium compact sized box enclose the controller board.
Size is 12cm x 10cm x 3cm (4.72 inch x 4.06 inch x 1.2 inch).
