Powered 3.0 USB HUB to place on the scope in an Observatory

I am looking to find a better 3.0 USB powered HUB to place on top of my telescope in my observatory. Mine is ok but terribly reliable. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I found one from Acroname which has an eye-popping price.

Dear Bruce,
after a long time of trouble with my low-cost USB 3.0 plastic hub (about 50 €) I decided to buy this one:
https://pegasusastro.com/products/usb-control-hub/
I m very very satisfied in combination with my 20 meter active usb 3.1 cable.
CS
Axel

+1 for the products of pegasusastro. They have solutions for any need. Just usb hub, just power-distribution, usb-hub + power distribution small and large, etc. Their new line comes in very durable aluminum cases. And the service from Evans and colleagues is perfect. And all built for Astro-photography.

It’s expensive, but an Ultimate Power Box solves a lot of little problems in one. If you afford it, highly recommended.

Hi Bruce,

I have had very good experiences with my Logilink UA0149. It is made entirely of metal and the cables had withstood -15 degrees Celsius. An alternative is the Pagasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Advanced.

+1 for pegasus astro equipment. I am using the powerbox advance, 4 USBs that actually can handle everything I am running + you get a temperature sensor that's ascom compatible + dew control + 12V hub that's also high quality. Expensive, but well worth it.

I've always had issues running all my USBs through one hub, powered or non powered, even "industrial ones".

My PPBA is currently powering am i5 mini pc, mount, asi1600mm pro, 1 dew heater and a focuser (sesto senso 2, zwo eaf or celestron focus motor depends on the scope in place) and connecting through usb the same equipment (asi1600 hub has the efw and guidecam)

I've been using these USB hubs in my portable setups for past few years. Quite reliable. Powered by 12v.
https://www.anker.com/products/variant/anker-10-port-60w-data-hub/A7515111
Of course in a remote observatory setup, I'd recommend controllable USB hub from Pegasus or other respectable brand.
Also regardless of USB hub type it's very important to secure all USB cables by zip ties to eliminate any movement in the sockets. Type A develop weak connection over time. Also protect remaining sockets with dust caps.

I have been using Kendrick Astro 7port usb 3.0 powered hub.

You might try an Icron Ranger USB extender. It has four USB ports. You use a single Ethernet cable up to 300 feet to the PC. I have one for sale on CN and Astromart. Very reliable connection. The alternative, which is the reason I am selling one of my two, is to use a dedicated industrial PC, like a Kingdel, next to the mount, and use a router to remote PC.

Peter

+1 for the Pegasus Power Advance unit. It works great and has allowed me to do a much better job of cable routing.

CS
Mike

I've used the Icron Ranger 2401 for several years now. It's a 4-port USB hub that connects to a computer (mine is 30 feet away in a cabin) by Ethernet cable. In contrast with USB extender cables, which Ihad to replace every couple of years, the Icron Ranger has worked flawlessly down to 4 degrees F, as it was tonight. Not cheap but you get what you pay for.

CS, Bob

Tayson:
All in one
https://shop.astrojolo.com/product/astrolink-4-usb/

This is pretty cool but 3 USB output is just not enough... Is there another version with more ports?

+1 for the Pegasus Astro Ultimate Powerbox V2
I give it 12V from an 120W power supply and then I connect:
a) Intel NUC via a 12 to 19V automotive adapter to Powerbox's Always on 12V output
Intel NUC's USB 3 goes to Pegaus Astro input
b) USB + Power for CEM70
c) USB + Power for ZWO Focuser
d) USB for ZWO ASM 178MM guide camera
e) USB + Power for QHY294M or QHY168C camera
f) USB for ZWO Filter Wheel
g) Dew heaters for Guidescope and Main scope
h) Flat panel

I can get environmental data from the box, power consumption data and I can switch on/off remotely ANY device (both power and USB). So if a camera is stuck - no problem. If camera / mount needs special power up sequence (first power then USB) again no problem.

Yizhou Zhang:
Tayson:
All in one
https://shop.astrojolo.com/product/astrolink-4-usb/

This is pretty cool but 3 USB output is just not enough... Is there another version with more ports?

+1 for the UPB v2 from Pegasus Astro. Worth every penny. I have one on every scope I have. The ability to turn individual USB ports on and off and individual power outputs on and off through the sequencing software is really convenient and the box is solid in construction and operation.

I use the Startech hub. Super satisfied with it. It has handed sub zero temps (as low as -10 F at one point) and summer dew with no issues plus the rigors of being velcroed on my tripod and dumped in the trunk of my car countless times. I run it off of 12V but I am fairly sure it handles other voltages too:
https://www.startech.com/en-us/cards-adapters/st1030usbm

I use since 2 year the powered Startech Industrial USB 3 hub 7 ports.
It works perfectly even at -17 C. I only replaced the provided USB cable with a quality USB 3 cable from Lindy.

Francesco:
I use since 2 year the powered Startech Industrial USB 3 hub 7 ports.
It works perfectly even at -17 C. I only replaced the provided USB cable with a quality USB 3 cable from Lindy.

Same here, Startech USB 3 7 ports, works like a charm.

The Powerbox is nice, but in my opinion is better to keep things separated. I would rather buy a mini powerbox and an USB hub than and advanced powerbox with built in USB.

Another +1 for the Pegasus Ultimate Power Box V2. Mine works like a charm. I've had it out in < -30C weather numerous times this winter. Now if I could only find USB cables that didn't become rock-hard at those temperatures…..

Yannis Doukakis:
+1 for the Pegasus Astro Ultimate Powerbox V2
I give it 12V from an 120W power supply and then I connect:
a) Intel NUC via a 12 to 19V automotive adapter to Powerbox's Always on 12V output
Intel NUC's USB 3 goes to Pegaus Astro input
b) USB + Power for CEM70
c) USB + Power for ZWO Focuser
d) USB for ZWO ASM 178MM guide camera
e) USB + Power for QHY294M or QHY168C camera
f) USB for ZWO Filter Wheel
g) Dew heaters for Guidescope and Main scope
h) Flat panel

I can get environmental data from the box, power consumption data and I can switch on/off remotely ANY device (both power and USB). So if a camera is stuck - no problem. If camera / mount needs special power up sequence (first power then USB) again no problem.

Yannis - at least for me I find you do't need to supply the NUC with 19V, it works just great with the UPB's 12V (which is probably 13.8V or so depending on your power supply).
One less adapter/thing to go wrong.

TP-Link 7 port USB-3 hub with two USB charge ports 5V 2.4A. The two charge ports can easily power a Raspberry PI4b and a Dew Shield Heater for example. The HUB comes with a strong 3A 12V power supply.

Paul Muller:
at least for me I find you do't need to supply the NUC with 19V, it works just great with the UPB's 12V

Some NUCs are 12v and some are 19V
Check the specification for the particular Intel NUC

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