Why does the Pegasus 20m USB cable need an external power supply?
Over a 20 m run, the cable relies on 4 signal amplifiers. Pegasus Astro states that the included 5V / 1A power supply must be connected to the DC socket on one of the amplifiers to ensure reliable data and power transmission.
Can I use this Pegasus Active USB cable without the power supply for a low-power device?
No. Pegasus Astro states that the included power supply must be connected for reliable data and power transmission, so always connect it.
What does "active" mean for this 20 m USB cable?
An "active" cable contains powered electronic circuits to boost and regenerate the data signal. This Pegasus Astro cable has 4 signal amplifiers, one every 5 meters, which allows it to maintain a high-speed 5 Gbps signal over a 20 m length, far beyond the capabilities of a standard "passive" USB cable.
Will the 5 Gbps speed of this Pegasus cable be enough for my high-frame-rate planetary camera capturing Jupiter?
Yes. The up to 5 Gbps transfer rate is equivalent to the USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard and is more than sufficient for the data demands of modern high-speed planetary cameras. This ensures you can capture video streams at maximum resolution and frame rate without dropped frames, which is critical for lucky imaging of targets like Jupiter and Saturn.
I'm setting up my gear with the PC 60 feet away. Is this 20 m Pegasus cable a good solution?
Absolutely. At 20 m (65.6 ft), this cable is specifically designed for this scenario. It provides a single, reliable link from your telescope pier to your indoor desk, eliminating the need for multiple, less-reliable extenders while ensuring your camera gets stable power and a fast data connection.
What are the connectors on the Pegasus Astro 20 m Active USB cable?
The cable has a USB Type-A male connector on one end to plug into your computer. The other end has a USB Type-B male connector, the square-shaped USB 3.0 plug, along with a DC jack for the mandatory power supply.