SV241 Powerbox New Product Launch — Q&A

With the growing demands of astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers, the SVBONY SV241 astronomy powerbox has been designed to meet those needs. To help you better understand this new product, we’ve compiled the most common questions from users and provided clear answers.

Q1: What are the main functions of the SV241 Powerbox?

A: The SV241 Astronomy Powerbox is an integrated device that combines multiple power outputs. Its key features include:

✨ 1 DC 5.5*2.5 Power input, supporting Portable Power Station.

✨ 6 DC 5.5*2.1 Power Output, supporting Motorized Filter Wheel, Electronic Focus Controller, Dew Heater, Cooled Camera, Electronic Field Flattener, Equatorial Mount.

✨ 2 USB3.1 Type-A Interface, supporting Cooled Camera, Guide Camera.

✨ 1 USB2.0 Type-A Interface, supporting Equatorial Mount.

✨ 1 USB Type-C Interface, supporting Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount.

✨ 2 USB2.0 Type-A(No data transfer), supporting Dew Control Bands.

Q2: How long can it run under load?

A: Under normal usage conditions and load power, the SV241 powerbox can operate continuously with a lifespan of at least 3,000 hours or more.

Q3: Can I power the SV241 directly from a 12V car battery?

A: Yes, the SV241 can be powered using a 12V car battery. We provide a standard car charger cable as part of the package.

Q4: Is the SV241 safe to use? Do I need to invest in extra power regulators?

A: Yes, the SV241 powerbox has undergone strict safety testing. As long as you follow the instructions in the user manual, it is completely safe to use. No additional power regulators are needed.

Q5: Is the SV241 compatible with ASTAP?

A: Unfortunately, the SV241 powerbox is not compatible with ASTAP. ASTAP is a software for astrometry and plate solving, and the SV241 is a power distribution system. They serve different purposes and do not directly integrate.

Q6: Can the SV241 be used as an observatory controller or integrate with ASCOM for power control?

A: Currently, the SV241 cannot be used as an observatory controller or be integrated with ASCOM for power control. However, we are working on an upcoming Power Box Controller version with more advanced functions, which is expected to be released in the fourth quarter of this year.

Q7: Can I connect it to my laptop via NINA to transfer camera data?

A: The SV241 powerbox supports power supply and data transfer, but it does not support software control. You can think of it as a multi-port DC + USB HUB, which can help solve the issues of limited laptop ports and messy power cables.

Q8: The purchase tariffs will be affected in May, how to deal with it?

A: It depends on the policy restrictions. We don’t have a definite answer yet.

Q9: What is  SV241DC+USB HUB's operating temperature range?

A: Our current testing and validation standards ensure that the device can operate normally within a temperature range of -25°C to +40°C.

Q10: Does the SV241 come with a power supply?Or are there any specifications required?

A: We have equipped it with a DC 5.5*2.5 Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter Cable. Therefore, we recommend purchasing an outdoor power supply with a standard 12V car charger output.

Q11:Does the SV241 have switchable power ports or are they on all the time?

A:All the ports are always on. Our another upcoming premium version has the functionality you need.

Q12: What DC input (Volt, Amper, Watt) is adviced / required ?

A: It is a 12V-powered device. We provide a standard DC 5.5*2.5 Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter Cable.

Q13: Can you recommend a  power supply in particular? 

A: We recommend purchasing professional outdoor power supply device, such as: DXPOWER.

Q14: Does you have an API so you can control this as part of a script ?Can you turn the power & USB's on and off ?

A: SV241 does not support this function, but the remote station version released in the fourth quarter supports it.

Q15: Can you please clarify the data connection available using the new power box?

A: It is connected to the computer via a USB3.0 data cable (USB Type-B -USB Type-A data cable).

Q16: Is the SV241 waterproof?

A: No, it is not waterproof. Please avoid exposure to high humidity environments. If water droplets get on it, wipe them off promptly. Do not expose it to rain.

Q17: Is the SV241 power box compatible with ZWO or other astronomical powerboxes?

A: Yes, it is compatible. The power box only serves as a data transmission channel and can also supply power to astronomical powerboxes.

Q18: Does the SV241 power box need to be connected to a computer? What happens if it's not connected?

A: The powerbox also functions as a hub. Devices such as astronomical cameras and guide cameras that need to be connected to a computer can be plugged directly into the SV241. By using the SV241’s data cable to connect to the computer, only one data cable is needed between the devices and the computer, improving efficiency and simplifying cable management. This is the typical usage. If the SV241 is not connected to a computer, the power supply interface may not be activated, leading to no power output.But you can use the ZWO powerbox as a computer. It can be understood as an industrial computer, which is the shooting control center.

Q19: Is the only 12V DC power input on the SV241 a 5.5mm×2.5mm interface?

A: Yes, the power input interface of the SV241 is DC 12V 5.5mm×2.5mm, and the power output interface is DC 12V 5.5mm×2.1mm, which can prevent reverse connection. The package contains a power cord with a car charger interface, so as long as you have an outdoor power supply with a 12V car charger interface, you can use it.

Q20: What is the standby power consumption and conversion efficiency of the power box?

A: The standby power consumption of the SV241 for the field version is around 0.9W, with a 91% conversion efficiency for 5V, and a 98.5% conversion efficiency for 12V. The remote version has a standby power consumption of around 1.3W, with similar conversion efficiencies.

Q21: What are the power requirements for the SV241 power box?

A: This powerbox requires a 12V DC power supply with a 5.5mm×2.5mm interface. It is recommended to use a professional outdoor power supply with a car charging (cigarette lighter) interface.

Q22: There are 7 USB ports on the power box for data communication and power, correct?

A: Yes, there are 7 USB ports. Three of them are for data input and power supply, two are for power supply only, one Type-B port is used for data output (to connect to a computer or astronomical power box), and one Type-C port is primarily for connecting to harmonic equatorial mounts, electronic focusers, electric filter wheels, etc., for data transmission.

Q23: The power box does not come with a dovetail plate, so you need to configure it yourself. What is the distance between the two M4 screw holes?

A: The screw hole distance is 20mm.

Conclusion

The SV241 astronomy powerbox is a efficient power product for astronomers and astrophotographers. It provides the necessary power for multiple devices while simplifying cable. It is an essential tool for simplifying your equipment setup and ensuring reliable power distribution during long sessions of stargazing or astrophotography.