USB CONTROL HUB VERSION 2

Pegasus Astro USB Control Hub 2

The Pegasus Astro USB Control Hub 2 (UCH2) brings reliable SuperSpeed USB connectivity and smart power management to demanding astrophotography setups. Its six industrial-grade USB3 ports deliver up to 3A each and can be switched on and off individually, so you can power-cycle any device remotely.

Quick Overview

• SuperSpeed USB3 with data rates up to 5 Gbps
• 4 x USB3 Type-A and 2 x USB3 Type-C ports
• Dedicated USB-C Power Delivery port up to 65W
• Individual ON/OFF control of data and power lines on every port
• Up to 3A per port with smart current limit sensors
• Industrial temperature range from -40°C to +85°C
• Reverse polarity, undervoltage, overvoltage and extended ESD protection
• RS232 port (RJ12) for serial control
• ASCOM 7, INDI and Unity Platform support

SuperSpeed USB 3 Connectivity

The hub supports data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps for fast and stable communication with cameras and other demanding devices. All ports are compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and legacy USB peripherals, and USB3 and USB2 traffic run in parallel through separate controllers, so slower devices never hold back your imaging camera.

Power for Every Port

Each port can deliver up to 3 Amps. Smart current limit sensors on every port protect your equipment against short circuits and excessive consumption, and the operating system shows a pop-up warning if a port exceeds its limit. A dedicated USB-C PD port supplies up to 65W to compatible equipment.

Switchable USB Ports

Every port can be switched ON or OFF independently, for both data and power lines. No more unplugging and re-plugging cables in the dark: restart a frozen device with a single click from the software.

Built for Cold Nights

Most consumer USB hubs are designed for room temperature, which is a common cause of disconnects during cold nights. The USB Control Hub 2 uses industrial-grade components and is rated to work from -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F) for uninterrupted operation in the field.

12V DC Operation

The hub runs on the same 12V DC supply as the rest of your astronomy equipment, including unregulated battery power, so no extra power adapters are needed.

RS232 Port

An RJ12 port provides an RS232 serial interface for direct control of the device, ideal for integration into observatory and industrial applications.

Proven Reliability

The USB Control Hub has built a reputation for reliability in demanding environments, from automotive and industrial robotics to astronomy, with transfer rates that outperform comparable products. Pegasus Astro USB Control Hubs are also used in the development of an experimental payload for the International Space Station, funded by the Spanish National Research Plan, which studies thermocapillary (Marangoni) convection in phase change materials under microgravity. The experiment is designed and operated by E-USOC, a centre of the Polytechnic University of Madrid designated by ESA to support the preparation, execution and analysis of space experiments.

Software Support

The hub fully supports ASCOM switch drivers, so each port can be controlled from any ASCOM compatible software, and it is supported by the INDI framework. The standalone software (Windows and macOS) lets you switch ports, monitor USB voltage and name each port after the connected device. Full control is also available through the Pegasus Astro Unity Platform, which offers a REST JSON API for third-party developers.

Why choose the USB Control Hub 2 over a low-cost multi-port hub?

• Every port delivers up to 3A, which typical consumer hubs cannot supply.
• Each port can be switched ON and OFF individually (power and data) from software, so a frozen device can be restarted remotely.
• ASCOM switch support lets you control the hub directly from your imaging software.
• Industrial grade temperature range from -40°C to +85°C, while most consumer hubs are specified only for 0-40°C and are designed for use indoors, not on a cold mountain top.
• Runs on 12V DC, the same supply as the rest of your astronomy equipment.

Documentation

• USB Control Hub Quick Installation Guide (PDF)
• Serial Commands Table (PDF)