PowerBox Systems GPS III User manual

Instruction Manual
GPS Iii

2PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
Dear customer,
congratulations on your choice of the GPS III from our range of products.
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The new GPS III is the result of a continuing programme of development of the
GPS II, which has now been on the market for a good eight years. The software
has been completely restructured, enabling us to improve the unit’s performance
signicantly. Amongst other new features, measured values are now transferred
with greater precision.
The GPS III automatically detects the make of radio control system or PowerBox/
iGyro to which it is connected, and sets up correct communication completely au-
tomatically.
Futaba users can select different slots using PowerBox Terminal. For HoTT and
Multiplex systems it is possible to set up various alarms for altitude or distance.
With most systems the GPS III can display additional information, such as the num-
ber of satellites, the accuracy of the positional information and the 2D distance.
The new unit utilises the proven Helix Radial antenna introduced with the GPS II.
This provides an important feature which is unique to the PowerBox GPS III: it is the
only unit to guarantee GPS reception in all ight attitudes.

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FEATURES
+ Latest generation of GPS
+ Helix antenna for reception regardless of ight attitude
+ Reception even under difcult conditions
+ Fast response to speed changes
+ Automatic system detection
+ LED status indicator
+ Accurate 3D speed
+ Height measurement (altimeter)
+ Distance, optionally as 2D or 3D value
+ Distance covered
+ Geo-coordinates
+ Number of satellites, measurement accuracy
+ Supports the following telemetry systems: PowerBox CORE P²BUS,
iGyro/Royal SRS/Mercury, Futaba S.BUS2, Multiplex M-Link,
Jeti EX-BUS, Graupner HoTT

4PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
2. FIRST USE
As already mentioned, the GPS III automatically detects the system to which it is
connected. This applies both to internal PowerBox protocols and those of other
manufacturers. When rst plugged in, the unit may take a few seconds to detect
the connected telemetry system. This information is then stored, and will automati-
cally be set next time the system is switched on.
- CORE P²BUS
If you intend to use the GPS III purely as a telemetry sensor, you should plug it
directly into the receiver’s P²BUS input; the system will be detected automatically.
You may nd that a rescan is required the rst time you switch on after connecting
the unit.
- Royal SRS / Mercury SRS / iGyro SRS / iGyro 3xtra
Connect the GPS to the GPS or MISC input as appropriate. The system will be
detected automatically, and is immediately ready for use. If you are using a Royal
or Mercury, you should see the GPS data displayed on your transmitter. With imme-
diate effect, the installed gyro now operates with speed compensation.
- Jeti EX-BUS
A new feature of the GPS III is inclusion of the faster Jeti Ex-BUS protocol; the
Jeti-Box protocol is no longer implemented. Please switch one of the receiver’s
Telemetry inputs to Jeti Ex-BUS from the transmitter, and connect the GPS III to
that socket. The protocol will be detected automatically, and you will see all the
GPS data in your sensor list.

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- Futaba S.BUS2
The GPS III should be plugged into the receiver’s S.BUS2 input socket. If other
sensors are also connected, use a Y-lead or the P²-Dock, which allows up to ve
sensors to be connected simultaneously. The GPS III detects the S.BUS2 auto-
matically.
By default the GPS III will be present at Slot 8 as GPS-1675. You can also shift the
Start Slot to Slot 16 or Slot 24 using Terminal and the USB interface or BlueCom
adapter.
The transmitter will not inform you of the presence of the GPS III. Press Slot 8 in
your Sensor menu, and simply select GPS-1675. The GPS data are now immedia-
tely available.

6PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
- Multiplex M-Link und Graupner HoTT
These two systems are also detected automatically. In both cases it is possible to
alter the alarm settings using a USB interface or the BlueCom™ Adapter, if – for
example – you wish to set up a warning when a particular distance is exceeded.
M-Link system users can set any address using Terminal.
Users of HoTT systems can also select whether 2D or 3D distance is to be dis-
played.
3. CONNECTING THE UNIT TO POWERBOX TERMINAL
If you are a Futaba, Multiplex or HoTT user and wish to adjust the GPS III settings,
you should connect the USB interface or BlueCom™ Adapter in the following way:

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PowerBox Terminal for the PC is available for downloading from our website. The
mobile apps can be found in the Play or App store under Mobile-Terminal.
4. POSITIONING IN THE MODEL
When installing the GPS III please ensure that it is not too close to other cables
carrying current or data. The GPS satellite signals from space are very weak, so
the GPS III is tted with a highly sensitive RF signal amplier in order to condition
the signals. The amplier also magnies potential interference from the immediate
environment, which could have an adverse effect on reception. If possible, keep the
unit at least 5 cm – better 10 cm – from all other cables in the model.
It is also essential to keep the GPS III well away from materials such as carbon
bre or metal, which would shield the signal.
The patch leads to the GPS III may safely be extended up to a length of 5 m – the
digital bus systems still work without error with extended cables.
5. AFTER SWITCHING ON
Once switched on, the GPS III searches for as many satellites as it can nd; this
process takes about 30 – 60 seconds. Four different operating modes are available
with the GPS III:
a) No x
The LED ashes slowly – The bus system has been detected, satellite search in
progress.

8PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
b) Speedx
Double ashing of the LED – The unit has located sufcient satellites to guarantee
reliable speed detection. Positional accuracy is greater than 5 m, providing the ba-
sis for speed compensation in combination with iGyro units.
c) Positional x
LED glows continuously – The unit has located sufcient satellites to guarantee
reliable speed and position detection. Positional accuracy is less than 5 m.
d) No x, no system detected
Rapid ashing of the LED means that no Bus system has been detected within ve
seconds of switching on. The GPS III switches to Terminal mode, in which various
settings can be altered.
6. INFORMATION ON ACCURACY
There is a widespread belief that GPS cannot measure speed accurately in three-di-
mensional space, but this is not so. The GPS III employs the latest generation of
receivers which measure speed by exploiting the Doppler effect, rather than by
comparing the current position with the previous one. This measurement process
is fast and very accurate.
The positional accuracy of a GPS system is subject to the usual uctuations, and
even the latest receivers have not improved on this aspect of performance. Howe-
ver, the error is generally less than 10 m, and is therewith negligible for modelling
applications.

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7. SPECIFICATION
Max. horizontal speed: 1200 km/h
Max. vertical speed: 360 km/h
Operating voltage: 4.0 V – 9.0 V
Current drain: max. 60 mA
Weight: 14 g incl. patch-leads
Dimensions: 58 x 18 x 17 mm
9. SERVICE NOTE
We are anxious to offer good service to our customers, and to this end we have
set up a Support Forum which deals with all queries concerning our products. This
relieves us of a great deal of work, as it eliminates the need to answer frequently
asked questions time and again. At the same it gives you the opportunity to obtain
help quickly all round the clock - even at weekends. All the answers are provided by
the PowerBox Team, guaranteeing that the information is correct.
Please use the Support Forum before you telephone us.
You can nd the forum at the following address:
www.forum.powerbox-systems.com.
8. SET CONTENTS
- GPS II - Self-adhesive pad
- Patch-lead, 24 cm - Operating instructions

10 PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
SERVICE ADDRESS
PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5
D-86609 Donauwoerth
Germany
10. GUARANTEE CONDITIONS
At PowerBox-Systems we insist on the highest possible quality standards in the
development and manufacture of our products. They are guaranteed “Made in
Germany”!
That is why we are able to grant a 24 month guarantee on our GPS lll from the
initial date of purchase. The guarantee covers proven material faults, which will be
corrected by us at no charge to you. As a precautionary measure, we are obliged
to point out that we reserve the right to replace the unit if we deem the repair to be
economically unviable.
Repairs which our Service department carries out for you do not extend the original
guarantee period.
The guarantee does not cover damage caused by incorrect usage, e.g. reverse
polarity, excessive vibration, excessive voltage, damp, fuel, and short-circuits. The
same applies to defects due to severe wear.
We accept no liability for transit damage
or loss of your shipment. If you wish to
make a claim under guarantee, please
send the device to the following address,
together with proof of purchase and a de-
scription of the defect:

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11. LIABILITY EXCLUSION
We are not in a position to ensure that you observe our instructions regarding ins-
tallation of the GPS lll, full the recommended conditions when using the unit, or
maintain the entire radio control system competently.
For this reason we deny liability for loss, damage or costs which arise due to the
use or operation of the GPS lll, or which are connected with such use in any way.
Regardless of the legal arguments employed, our obligation to pay compensation
is limited to the invoice total of our products which were involved in the event, inso-
far as this is deemed legally permissible.
We wish you every success with your new GPS lll!
Donauwoerth, August 2020

PowerBox-Systems GmbH
certied according to DIN EN ISO 9001
Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5
D-86609 Donauwoerth
Germany
[phone]
[phone]
www.powerbox-systems.com
08/2020