PowerBox Systems PowerBox Pioneer User manual

Instruction Manual
PowErBox
PionEEr

2PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
Dear PowerBox customer,
Congratulations on your decision to install a PowerBox Pioneer in your model. This
unit is currently the most modern integrated power management system available
anywhere in the model world. The Pioneer offers full telemetry capability in additi-
on to a high-performance power supply featuring electronic switches. Furthermore,
in conjunction with an iGyro SAT the Pioneer operates as a highly sophisticated
gyro system. Nine gyro axes can be set up in just a few minutes, while the multitude
of expert settings enable you to ne-tune the unit perfectly to meet your personal
preferences.
We wish you many hours of pleasure and success with the PowerBox Pioneer!
1. INSTALLATION, CONNECTIONS
In order to minimise the Pioneer’s physical size the case does not feature moun-
ting lugs; the unit is simply installed using the self-adhesive pad supplied. This
mounting method is extremely secure since the unit is so light and compact.
The Pioneer can be used with three types of radio control system: PowerBox CORE
P²BUS, Jeti EX-BUS and Futaba S.BUS2. These three systems share one common
attribute: servo signals and telemetry data are carried on a single bus cable. This
eliminates the need for a second patch lead for telemetry data, as required with
older systems.
The Pioneer automatically detects the system to which it is connected – the rst
time you plug it in, it may take a few seconds until it unambiguously recognises
the system. However, the system type is stored once detected, and the unit sub-
sequently starts without delay the next time it is switched on. This means that the

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basic system is Plug ‘n’ Play, and no further adjustments are required to operate it.
This does not apply if an iGyro SAT is installed, or if you wish to change the frame
rate or the capacity reset channel.
Users of Core and Jeti systems have the facility to carry out all adjustments at the
transmitter. The alternative - which must be used by Futaba pilots - is to use a USB
lead or BlueCom adapter. In this case all set-up work can be carried out using the
associated App.
Connecting the receivers
- PowerBox CORE
Connect the P²BUS output of one or two receivers to RX1 and RX2. If only one recei-
ver is connected, then it must be connected to RX1 for telemetry transmission.
- Jeti EX-BUS
Set one output of the receivers you wish to use to EX-BUS. The frame rate should
be set to 10 ms, and the Failsafe function must be set to “OFF”. If only one receiver
is connected, then it must be connected to RX1 for telemetry transmission.
- Futaba S.BUS2
Connect the S.BUS2 output of one or two receivers to RX1 and RX2. If only one
receiver is connected, then it must be connected to RX1 for telemetry transmis-
sion. This receiver must also be set as the telemetry receiver at the transmitter.
In order to receive telemetry data you must enter the Telemetry Sensor menu at
the transmitter, and carry out a “Load New” process; this completely erases the
list of sensors. Now move to Slot 16 of the sensor list and select “PowerBox”. The
telemetry data are now displayed in Slot 16 and above.

4PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
Connecting the batteries
Ideally the two batteries connected to the Pioneer should be of the same type and
capacity. It is essential to maintain correct polarity. It is also possible to connect
batteries of different capacity, but this always results in a more severe load on the
larger battery. The basic rule is that each battery should be of a size capable of
securely supplying power to the model on its own.
Connecting the switch
Plug the switch into the appropriate socket. As an option, the Pioneer is supplied
with a button switch or a MicroMag magnetic switch.
The method of operating the button switch is the same for all PowerBox systems:
press the button until the LED starts to ash green at a high rate. Release the
button for a moment, then press the button again briey: the LED now lights up
solid green to indicate that it is switched on. Repeat the procedure when switching
off.
Using the MicroMag switch: hold the magnet against the switch until the Pioneer
is switched on. The LED lights up blue as soon as a magnet is detected, then
changes to red to indicate the end of the switching process. After this the LED
lights solid green to indicate that the system is switched on.
Connecting an iGyro SAT
If you wish to exploit the Pioneer’s gyro functionality by tting an iGyro SAT, it is
essential to install the unit at the correct angle in the model.

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In turbinepowered models the iGyro SAT should be located as far as possible
from the engine in order to prevent turbine noise inuencing the sensor. The lead
attached to the iGyro SAT can be extended to any length. The iGyro SAT should be
connected to the Pioneer’s FastTrack input.
Connecting the GPS for the gyro
At the moment this feature can only be used by PowerBox CORE customers, but
in the near future it will also be available for all systems. If you are using the GPS II,
set the telemetry system to P²BUS. Connect the GPS II to the receiver’s RX1 socket
using a Y-lead or the PBS-DOCK.
Connecting the USB or BlueCom adapter
Plug the USB or BlueCom adapter into the Data input. For ease of access
this input is located separately on the top of the case. The BlueCom adap-
ter draws current from the Data output, and therefore requires no additional
power supply. The adapter can be plugged in at any time – even when the system
is operating. Now start the App on the smartphone or your PC. You can down-
load the PowerBox Terminal App to your PC from our website. Mobile Terminal
is available from the corresponding App Store for Android or iOS.

6PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
2. BASIC SETTINGS
If you are not using an iGyro with the PowerBox Pioneer, only a few settings have
to be entered. You will nd all the settings either in the transmitter menu (CORE,
Jeti) or the Mobile App and the PC program.
To access the menu on the PowerBox CORE transmitter, create any Teleme-
try widget for the Pioneer; you will then nd the Menu button in the widget.
On a Jeti transmitter you will nd the Jetibox point under Additional functions. Se-
lect this point, then select MX at far right. If you now press at the bottom, you will
nd yourself in the Pioneer menu again.
a) Frame rate
This menu point allows you to set the servo signal repeat rate. If you are using older
analogue servos, use the 18 ms setting. For more recent digital servos the 12 ms
setting can be selected.
The default setting is 16 ms.
b) Capacity reset channel
The purpose of this function is to select the channel you wish to use for resetting
consumed battery capacity; the default setting is Channel 16. This channel resets
the consumed capacity as soon as the travel exceeds 100 %. You can use a switch
or button for this and reset the capacity every time you charge the batteries.
c) Reset Gyro
Selecting this function resets all gyro settings.
Caution: there is no security query for this function!

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d) Failsafe
This menu is used to select an output which will move to a pre-dened servo po-
sition if the radio signal is lost. Always use this function for Throttle. It is a legal
requirement in many countries!
Select the output you wish to use, and set the Failsafe mode to Failsafe. Pressing
the Teach button stores the current servo positions for all outputs for which Fail-
safe has been set.
3. GYRO SETTINGS
None of the iGyro settings have a function unless an iGyro SAT is connected. The
procedure differs according to whether the model is new, or has already been test-
own without a gyro:
a) A new model
- Set all model functions including a channel for gyro gain
- Set up all model functions (travel, centre, Expo, etc.)
- Test-y the model, including trims, differential etc.
- Assign the gyro outputs
- Learn the installed position
- Learn the centre and end-points
- Adjust the iGyro in ight using the gain control
- Fine-tune the individual axes if necessary
- Store the established gain value on a switch

8PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
b) an already test-own model
- Assign the gyro outputs
- Learn the installed position
- Learn the centre and end-points
- Adjust the iGyro in ight using the gain control
- Fine-tune the individual axes if necessary
- Store the established gain value on a switch
As you can see, while you are carrying out basic adjustments to a new model, or
test-ying a new model without the gyro, no adjustments of any kind are required
at the iGyro SAT or the Pioneer. For this reason we start the set-up procedure in
the menu where the gyro outputs are assigned.
The Pioneer’s gyro functions are identical to the settings in PowerBox PBR recei-
vers with an iGyro SAT connected. The only difference is that the Pioneer provides
nine gyro axes, whereas the PBR receivers provide six.
Start with setting up the iGyro as described in the iGyro SAT Instructions, starting
at Point 3.2.
Note: CORE and Jeti transmitter menus are arranged identically, and differ only
in their appearance and the method of operation using touch-screen or buttons.
The Pioneer’s gyro functions are identical to the settings in PowerBox PBR recei-
vers with an iGyro SAT connected. The only difference is that the Pioneer provides
nine gyro axes, whereas the PBR receivers provide six.
Start with setting up the iGyro as described in the iGyro SAT Instructions, starting
at Point 3.2.

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4. MENU STRUCTURE
General Settings
Firmware
Version
Reset Gyro
Framerate
CH Reset Cap.
Fine Tuning
Axis Selection
Stick Priority
Attitude Assist
Airspeed Factor
Gain
Lock Feel
Characteristic
Input Mapping
CH Aileron A
CH Elevator B
CH Aileron C
CH Rudder A
CH Rudder C
CH Aileron BRange Selection
CH Elevator C
CH Elevator A
CH Rudder B
CH Gain
Gyro Setup
Teach Mounting
Pos.
Teach Stick
Endpoints

10 PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
5. DIMENSIONS