Question for Pegasus Astro Ultimate Powerbox v2 owners

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IS_17m avatar
Hi,

I've been reading about this piece of equipment and there are some things that I didn't fully understand.

Imagine the follow:
- I connect a skywatcher mount to the UPBv2 using one direct USB cable (and, for powering the mount, the specific Pegasus Astro power cable too)
- I want to control the mount (slew, park, move both axis, etc) using EQMOD installed on my laptop (having the mount connected to the UPBv2 as described before)

Knowing that I must have all the ASCOM drivers, EQMOD installed and configured, etc etc, my doubts are:

- will I be able to "find" (the ASCOM port) the mount and use it with EQMOD, without the need to use / without having the Unity Platform software opened?
- and, for example, other products that are not made by Pegasus Astro (like ZWO cameras, filter wheels, etc), will I be able to do the same (find their ASCOM ports and use them without passing through the Unity Platform software)?

 The reason why I'm asking these questions, is to understand what's the difference between:

- having non-Pegasus Astro gear connected directly to my laptop by USB
and
- having non-Pegasus gear connected to the UPBv2 first, and then the UPBv2 connected to my laptop by USB 

I know that, for Pegasus Astro gear (for example, I have the FlatMaster and the FocusCube v2) I can control them and have full access to their features and configurations in the Unity Platform software. But, for other equipment, the UPBv2 only serves as a "normal USB hub", am I right? 

Please let me know if I have explained my doubts well. 

Thanks,
Clear Skies
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deanrowe avatar
The reason why I'm asking these questions, is to understand what's the difference between:

- having non-Pegasus Astro gear connected directly to my laptop by USB
and
- having non-Pegasus gear connected to the UPBv2 first, and then the UPBv2 connected to my laptop by USB


There shouldn't be any real difference. When you connect the PowerBox to the laptop, the PowerBox is acting like a USB hub so the laptop can use the PowerBoxes USB ports . You don't need the Unity software except maybe to configure the PowerBox and make sure the USB ports are enabled. That's how I use it. I connect my AP mount, OPT focuser and a keyboard & mouse wireless to my mini PC using the USB ports on the PowerBox.
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Michel Makhlouta avatar
I don't have the ultimate, but I have the PPBadv. I don't use unity, I tried but I didn't like it, I am still using their older software, which I open and connect to the PPB every time. The reason for that is that I use it as a weather box in SGP, and read the temperature sensor there (I use it for auto focusing when temperature changes 2 degrees). But you can skip that, as you can have it persistently turn on the power ports and auto dew when it is powered, so you don't need their tools.

As for equipment, I have the following connected through the USB and powered through its power: Avalon mount, ASI294MM Pro and 290mm mini, EFW, Sesto Senso 2, and in some cases a PLL ESATTO/ARCO combo. Never had any issues, your equipment will still be on a different COM ports.
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Nick Grundy avatar
Hi,

I've been reading about this piece of equipment and there are some things that I didn't fully understand.

Imagine the follow:
- I connect a skywatcher mount to the UPBv2 using one direct USB cable (and, for powering the mount, the specific Pegasus Astro power cable too)
- I want to control the mount (slew, park, move both axis, etc) using EQMOD installed on my laptop (having the mount connected to the UPBv2 as described before)

Knowing that I must have all the ASCOM drivers, EQMOD installed and configured, etc etc, my doubts are:

- will I be able to "find" (the ASCOM port) the mount and use it with EQMOD, without the need to use / without having the Unity Platform software opened?
- and, for example, other products that are not made by Pegasus Astro (like ZWO cameras, filter wheels, etc), will I be able to do the same (find their ASCOM ports and use them without passing through the Unity Platform software)?

 The reason why I'm asking these questions, is to understand what's the difference between:

- having non-Pegasus Astro gear connected directly to my laptop by USB
and
- having non-Pegasus gear connected to the UPBv2 first, and then the UPBv2 connected to my laptop by USB 

I know that, for Pegasus Astro gear (for example, I have the FlatMaster and the FocusCube v2) I can control them and have full access to their features and configurations in the Unity Platform software. But, for other equipment, the UPBv2 only serves as a "normal USB hub", am I right? 

Please let me know if I have explained my doubts well. 

Thanks,
Clear Skies

I literally had this exact setup for awhile until I sold my EQ6R mount. I ran everything then (and still do with my various mounts) through the powerbox (I have an Ultimate and 2 Advanced) and they act as you seem to desire. All the ZWO components and Ioptron mounts communicate well through the powerbox as if directly connected. 

You will need to run Unity for config and possibly firmware updates. I believe you can set the startup config though. In order to have something like Nina communicate with the pegasus device though, you will need to run Unity. (95% sure)  I'm happy to check on some specific circumstances if you like, just let me know. I can say I've been very happy even though I really thought these were just expensive USB hub when I first ordered one. No regrets on purchasing it though. 

Some of the little thing I've liked that I wasn't aware of:
  • its really nice to see the dewpoint and temp on the dashboard (even though the EAF does this as well for temp)
  • it's been invaluable to be able to cycle the power port of my ZWO camera at times. (have had issues a couple times with the 2600mc just simply failing to recognize, and cycling the power via the powerbox saves me from running outside

and a couple issues...
  • the mounting hardware they sell as a kit is pretty poor. There's not an obvious way (at least to me) to mount even with the bracket. Rouzastro makes a carbon fire bracket that mounts to a clamp which I just ordered. Go that way if you need to mount it. I borrowed from my ASIair initially (see pic) 
  • the unity software seems a bit slow to recognize the device sometimes. It definitely feels sensitive to closing and reopening the software. Once it's connected it seems to be rock-solid though


Hope this helps

CS
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Mark C. Helton avatar
Hi,
I have the Pocket Power Advance 3, and really love the way it works with my system.  instead of having 4 powered usb cables going from my computer to my mount, plus a power cable, I now have one usb cable, and one power cord going out to my mount. and scope setup. I too, had issues with the Unity software when I first started using it, but now it seems like Pegasus has corrected some of the errors that I was having.  It is still a little slow to recognize the box, but once it does everything is working as promised.  I power everything from the Pegasus box, from my mount, to my cameras, run the mount output, camera outputs to the box and send it all back to my computer with the one USB cable.  I am using NINA as my capture software.  I always start Pegasus Unity first, then connect all of my other programs, Ioptron Commander for the mount, NINA, and PHD2, and Cart Du Ciel after.  So far NINA recognizes everything coming through the Pegasus box.  Pegasus is pretty good about returning service emails if you have more questions.  I love how the box has streamlined my cable situation.  Hope this helps
Clear Skies
Mark
PS my goal is to get rid of the usb cable and go wireless with a mini PC at the mount using the pegasus box.  But that has to wait for now!
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Bill McLaughlin avatar
Michel Makhlouta:
I don't use unity, I tried but I didn't like it,


Agreed. I prefer the older SW. They make great power control hardware but the software - not so much.
Well Written
IS_17m avatar
Sorry for the late reply,

Thank you all for your help and advice! In my case, the UPBv2 is a must since I only will have 2 cables coming from it, one USB and the powerbox's power cable.

@Nick Grundy I bought a specific 3D-printed bracket for my powerbox version and that also perfectly fits my losmandy type dovetail, and it rocks solid! I was aware to that slowness of their software, thank you for letting me know it.
Nick Grundy avatar
I bought a specific 3D-printed bracket for my powerbox version and that also perfectly fits my losmandy type dovetail


@IS_17m did you get the bracket via Rouz or a different one? so far, his was the only one I could find out there
IS_17m avatar
Nick Grundy:
I bought a specific 3D-printed bracket for my powerbox version and that also perfectly fits my losmandy type dovetail


@IS_17m did you get the bracket via Rouz or a different one? so far, his was the only one I could find out there

I bought mine from a Cloudynights user. Here's the link to it: https://buckeyestargazer.net/Store/Powerbox.php

His username on the forum is the same as the website's name. He's very communicative and attentive. You can find all the infos that you need in the page above, and I recommend you to carefully read all the details, since it's all explained there (how to choose the correct "version" for your powerbox version, dovetail type, etc).
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Eddie Bagwell avatar
I use the PPA2 and everything runs through it and the Pocket PowerBox Software controls the PPA2.

I open my software in this order: PPB/ASCOM-EQMOD/Stellarium/SharpCap/PhD2/Unity.

I have the following equipment running through the PPA2:

SW EQ6R Pro
ZWO 290mm
ZWO 2600mm
ZWO EAF
ZWO EFW
Pegasus Rotator

When I want to use the Pegasus Rotator, I open Unity and control the Rotator from there with no problems. I keep Unity open until my session is over then PARK the Rotator back to the home position and close Unity when finished. I always close my software in reverse order and have never experienced a software conflict. I also use a powered 30 foot USB cable from my mount to the laptop.

-Eddie
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Alex avatar
I have a Pocket Power Box Advanced Gen1 and a Pocket Power Box Advanced Gen2.  I have one for each mount and scope setup.  The only connections I have to my laptop that runs both rigs are the two USB cords going to each of the PPBAs.  I open Unity so I can monitor the power consumption, temperature, dew heaters, and dew point, but you don't need to open Unity to do anything.  One mount is a SkyWatcher  EQ6-R Pro, and the other is a ZWO AM5.  All my other accessories are ZWO products (2x EAF, 2x ASI120mm mini, ASI2600mm, ASI6200mm, 36mm 7 pos EFW, and 2" pos EFW).

I basically power everything up then open Unit, then SharpCap Pro, and connect both ASI120mm mini to do my polar alignment.  After PA, I open up two instances each of APT and PHD2.  Once you have all your connections the first time, you don't even notice the PPB in the loop unless you want to open Unity.  I'm not sure how the Ultimate handles everything since it was more than what I needed for my rigs, but the PPBA is basically just a passthrough box.  Laptop is in the tote; PPBAs are mounted on the losmandy plates.
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