Gemini Power Box Hub Advanced v3
Features
Section titled “Features”The INDI driver for the Gemini Power Box Hub Advanced v3 provides:
- Automatic USB serial device discovery and device identification
- Four independently switchable 12V DC outputs
- Six independently switchable USB outputs
- Two independently configurable dew heater channels with Automatic, Manual, and On/Off modes
- Environmental monitoring (controller temperature, ambient temperature, humidity, and dew point)
- Power monitoring (input voltage, current, and power consumption)
- Firmware version detection and compatibility checking
IMPORTANT
Firmware below 308 is rejected by the driver. Firmware 308 is accepted with a warning. Firmware 309 or newer is recommended - update the controller before using it with the INDI driver.
Connect
Section titled “Connect”
Connect the Gemini Power Box Hub Advanced v3 to the PC/StellarMate using a USB cable, then apply external DC power to the device. Select Gemini Power Box Hub Advanced v3 from the Power device category and press Connect.
The driver automatically discovers the serial port and verifies that the connected device is a supported Gemini controller before establishing a connection.
The Connection tab exposes the following if manual configuration is ever needed:
- Connection Mode — the Gemini Power Box Hub Advanced v3 communicates over USB serial
- System Ports — serial ports currently detected on the system
- Port — manual port selection when automatic discovery is disabled
- Baud Rate — fixed at 19200 baud; leave at the default
- Auto Search — when enabled (recommended), scans available ports and connects to a compatible controller automatically
For most installations, leave Auto Search enabled. Manual port selection is primarily intended for systems with multiple serial devices or for troubleshooting.
Operation
Section titled “Operation”Main Control
Section titled “Main Control”
Once connected, the Main Control tab displays the firmware version, input voltage, current draw, power consumption, and connection status. Telemetry refreshes automatically.
The Power tab controls the four 12V DC outputs independently. Toggle each port on or off; changes are transmitted immediately to the controller and reflected in the interface once the device confirms them.
The USB tab controls the six USB outputs independently, in the same way as the DC outputs - useful for power-cycling USB devices or managing overall power consumption.
Two independent dew heater channels can each be set to:
- Automatic mode, driven by the environmental sensors
- Manual PWM output
- On/Off (switch) mode
NOTE
Automatic mode requires both the AHT20 environmental sensor and the DS18B20 temperature probe to be connected and detected by the controller. If either is missing, Automatic mode is unavailable and only Manual or On/Off modes can be used.
Environment
Section titled “Environment”
Continuously displays device (lens) surface temperature, ambient air temperature, relative humidity, and calculated dew point, updated automatically as new telemetry arrives.
Usage & Tips
Section titled “Usage & Tips”- Update the controller firmware to version 309 or newer when available.
- Use Automatic dew heater mode whenever both environmental sensors are installed.
- Assign descriptive names to power and dew heater outputs in your INDI client to simplify equipment management.
- Verify the reported supply voltage matches your expected power source before an imaging session.
- Disconnect from the device before removing USB or DC power.
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Driver cannot connect
- Verify the device is powered and the USB cable is connected.
- Ensure no other application is using the serial port.
Automatic dew heater mode is unavailable
- Verify that both the AHT20 environmental sensor and DS18B20 temperature probe are connected and detected by the controller.
Environmental readings are unavailable
- Verify the required sensors are installed and functioning correctly.
- Update to firmware version 309 or newer.
Issues
Section titled “Issues”There are no known bugs for this driver. If you found a bug, please report it at INDI’s GitHub Issues page, including the driver version, firmware version, and an INDI debug log.