usb hub - Forums - AstroBin

Topic starter

Sep 3, 2020

I'm looking to clean up all the cables on my astrophoto set up, Some one said to look into a usb hub and a few people have said to use a mini pc.
I would like to get some input from the crew on this site. Any help would be much appreciated. Eric

ShortLobster

Sep 7, 2020

I use a Startech hub:

https://www.startech.com/en-us/cards-adapters/hb30a3a1cst

It's metal, solid and has been very reliable.

If you are using ZWO gear, the ASIAIR Pro is a combined network hub and power distribution hub, as well as a simple AP control computer (image acquisition, guiding, plate solving, etc.)

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Dave Erickson

Sep 7, 2020

I second the Startech hub, a bit pricey but rock solid. Here is an image of my setup using a QHY6000 camera with its own dedicated USB3. But everything else on the telescope: the Fli PDF focuser, QHY filter wheel, ASI120 auto-guider and a homemade flip-flat/cover is connected through the hub. The entire dome, Paramount, and this stuff is run by a Latteepanda Alpha computer through a network.

... Still waiting for the smoke here in California to clear to field this...

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Francesco

Sep 8, 2020 · Edited: Sep 8, 2020

Hi Eric! Same here! I use the powered Startech Industrial hub (7 ports). Very reliable and well suited for harsh environments and cold temperatures. A bit pricy and heavy tough. I only replaced the usb 3 cable that comes with the hub with a Lindy CROMO usb3 cable (from Firstlight Optics).
I mounted it on the side of the pillar and I connect every usb cable to it.
Cs! Francesco

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Scott Homstead

Sep 13, 2020

I second the Startech hub, a bit pricey but rock solid. Here is an image of my setup using a QHY6000 camera with its own dedicated USB3. But everything else on the telescope: the Fli PDF focuser, QHY filter wheel, ASI120 auto-guider and a homemade flip-flat/cover is connected through the hub. The entire dome, Paramount, and this stuff is run by a Latteepanda Alpha computer through a network.... Still waiting for the smoke here in California to clear to field this...

It never occurred to me to mount a hub to the camera, although you have a lot of real estate on that QHY. Hmmmm, now you see what you did, I am going to be late for supper.

Nick Davis

Sep 22, 2020

I run a Pegasus Astro Ultimate Powerbox V2 as it also gives me power for the mounts and the cameras and the focusers it is mounted on the losmandy plate so I only have a single USB and power cable coming down to the ground, the image below shows the box in place.

Marc Agostini

Sep 23, 2020

Hi Eric,

I opted for the minimum weight solution from Pegasus astro: The Pocket Powerbox Advance. It features an powered USB 3.0 Hub(4ports), Dew heater Control and 4 12V ports, plus one voltage regulated port for DSLR dummy batteries. Max overall Current is 10A, so it's more of a product for small rigs like mine ( 2 Dew Straps 1.3 A and 0.35 A, QHY 183 mono max 3A, CEM25P mount max 1.5 A, electronic focuser 0.125 A). In my case it reduces the amount of cables from the OTA to the mount to 3 (Power in, USB 3.0, Power to mount)

I haven't been able to test it yet, though, since it just arrived. Will perform a bench test today or tomorrow, hopefully, and comment further. Looks very sleek though

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