PowerBox Systems PowerBox Source User manual

Instruction Manual
Powerbox
Source

2PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
Dear customer,
we are delighted that you have decided to purchase the PowerBox Source power
supply from our range. We hope you have many hours of pleasure and great
success with your PowerBox Source.
The PowerBox Source is a logical development of the successful BaseLog,
taking due account of requests from customers and modern telemetry system
requirements. We have managed to reduce the backer’s size by optimising the
heat-sink design, and as a result the PowerBox Source is now also suitable for
small models with high power requirements. This small energy package offers
enormous performance reserves, and compares very well even with larger battery
backer systems.
The unit can be connected to an optional small O-LED screen which provides a
display of all battery data even when the backer itself is inaccessible in the model.
However, the full capability of the PowerBox Source can still be exploited even
without the screen: the Data socket enables the user to access all settings either
using a laptop or PC and using our USB interface.
ATOM/CORE pilots, in particular, can control all aspects of the PowerBox Source
from the transmitter without any extra accessories.
Reecting the current state of technology, all battery-relevant data can now be
transferred to the transmitter via the telemetry system. The PowerBox Source
can transfer telemetry data to Jeti, Graupner, Multiplex and Futaba transmitters
as well as the ATOM/CORE telemetry system. An additional teleconverter is not
required for Futaba.

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The PowerBox Source can be set to any of four different output voltages:
5.9 V – 7.4 V – 7.8 V and unregulated; in the latter case the battery voltage is
passed through with minimal loss. The MPX inputs and outputs are tted with
retaining clips / lugs to prevent the connectors slipping out when subjected to
severe vibration.
FEATURES:
+ High performance
+ Optimised cooling
+ Small size
+ Optional OLED screen, 128 x 64 pixels
+ Four different output voltages
+ Suitable for use with all battery types
+ Can be controlled by the switch or USB interface
+ Supports ve different telemetry systems: PowerBox P²BUS,
Jeti EX-Bus, Futaba S.BUS2, Multiplex M-Link, Graupner Hott
+ Redundant regulator design
+ Suppression of servo feedback currents
+ Protection against electro-static discharge
+ Integral regulator monitoring
+ Can be updated using the USB Interface

4PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
1. CONNECTIONS, CONTROLS
Telemetrie socket USB socket
Regulated output
to receiver
Switch socket
Battery inputs
Display socket

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2. INITIAL STEPS, OPERATING THE BACKER
a) Connections
First connect the receiver to the PowerBox Source using the patch leads supplied
in the set. If your receiver features an MPX high-current input, use the MPX/MPX
patch lead. If you have any vacant sockets, the second connection can be made
by connecting an MPX/JR patch lead to a servo socket on the receiver.
CAUTION: If your receiver is tted with an integral battery backer, connect
both sockets to the servo sockets; in this conguration the receiver’s battery
backer function is bypassed. Now connect the Sensor Switch to the appro-
priate socket on the backer. If your model is subject to severe vibration, we
recommend securing the ribbon cable at one additional point at least. If the
connector should fall out, this would have no effect on the backer’s switched
state, but it would prevent you switching it off.
The batteries can now be connected to the backer’s MPX inputs, taking care to
maintain correct polarity. We recommend the PowerPak 2.5X2 ECO or PRO,
or - for larger models - the PowerPak 5.0X2 ECO or PRO.
If you prefer to use other makes of battery, or packs you have prepared
yourself, please take particular care over polarity, as the regulator ICs will be
destroyed if you connect a battery with reversed polarity. In order to minimise
power losses we decided against providing reverse polarity protection. The +
symbol is visible on the case cover.

6PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
If you wish to display all the battery-relevant data on your transmitter screen,
connect the Tele output of the PowerBox Source to the receiver’s Telemetry
input before switching the system on.
- PowerBox ATOM/CORE
By default the PowerBox Source is set up for the P²BUS. Connect the Tele out-
put on the Source to the receiver’s P²BUS socket. The PowerBox can now be set
up from the transmitter, and the telemetry data can be transferred.
- Jeti EX-Bus
Connect the backer’s Tele output to an EX-BUS capable receiver input.
- Futaba S.BUS2
Connect the backer’s Tele output to the receiver’s S.BUS2 port. A teleconverter is
not required. Select the “Load new” point in the Telemetry Sensor menu in order
to empty all the telemetry elds. Set the “PowerBox sensor” to slot 16.
- Multiplex M-Link
Connect the backer’s Tele output to the receiver’s Tele port. The telemetry value
addresses can be set on the PowerBox Source.
- Graupner Hott
Connect the backer’s Tele output to the receiver’s Tele port. The PowerBox
Source appears as a “General Electric” module at the transmitter.

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b) Switching on and off
The procedure for switching on and off is very simple, and represents an effective
means of preventing accidental switching. This is the procedure:
Press the SET button on the Sensor Switch, and hold it pressed in: the central LED
lights up red to indicate that the unit is ready for switching. Continue holding the
SET button pressed in while you press buttons I and II in turn. The backer is now
switched on with both batteries.
Switching off requires the same procedure, exactly as described: hold the SET
button pressed in and wait until the central LED lights up red. Now press buttons
I and II in turn.
Note: The PowerBox Source stores its last switched state. This means that a
backer switched off using the Sensor Switch remains switched off. Once swit-
ched on, the backer can only be switched off again using the Sensor Switch.
Intermittent contact or a break in contact while the unit is operating cannot
switch the backer off.

8PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
c) Settings
There are several methods of entering settings, such as battery type and output
voltage:
- Using the Sensor Switch and the optional OLED screen (Order No. 4766)
Locate the SET button on the switch, and hold it pressed in for about four to ve
seconds: this causes the menu to open. The cursor can be moved using buttons
I and II. If you wish to adjust a value, press the SET button. The value can now be
altered using buttons I and II. Press the SET button again to conrm the selected
value.
In this menu you can set the battery type, battery capacity, your preferred output
voltage and the telemetry system in use.

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CAUTION:If you intend to select an output voltage higher than 5.9 V you must
make certain that all the consumer units connected to the system - including
servos, receiver and gyro - are approved for HV use. You will nd information on
this point in the operating instructions supplied with these components.
d) Resetting residual capacity
After each charge process it is important to reset the residual capacity display.
The crucial factor determining the remaining battery charge is always battery
voltage, and the capacity display can also be very helpful in detecting defective
or ageing batteries. For example, if little capacity has been drawn from the pack,
but the voltage display already indicates a at battery, it is essential to check that
battery.
The residual capacity can be reset by holding buttons I and II pressed in simulta-
neously for about two seconds.
- Using the USB Interface and PowerBox Terminal
Download the free PowerBox Terminal program from our website, and install it
on your computer. Connect the USB Interface to the PC or laptop and connect
the Uni connector to the PowerBox Source’s Data input. Select PowerBox Source,
and follow the on-screen instructions.

10 PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
3. SPECIFICATION
Operating voltage 4.0V - 9.0V
Power supply 2S LiPo, 2S LiIon, 2S LiFePo, 5S NiCd/NiMH
Current drain Power-on state 85mA
Current drain Standby 10µA
Maximum load current Peak 2x20A
Drop-out voltage 0.3V
Output voltage 5.9V / 7.4V / 7.8V / 8.4V
Screen OLED 128 x 64 pixels (optional)
Supported telemetry systems PowerBox, Jeti, Futaba, Graupner, Multiplex
Dimensions 54 x 88 x 23 mm
Weight 77 g
Weight Sensor Switch 15 g
Temperature range -30°C to +85°C
4. SET CONTENTS
- PowerBox Source
- SensorSwitch
- 3 PowerPatch-leads (1x MPX / MPX and 2x MPX / JR)
- 4 rubber grommets and brass spacers
- 4 retaining screws
- Operating instructions in English and German

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5. DIMENSIONS

12 PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
6. 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, and 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 will nd the forum
at the following address: www.forum.powerbox-systems.com
7. 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 PowerBox Source
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.

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SERVICE ADDRESS
PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5
86609 Donauwoerth
Germany
We deny any further liability, e.g. for consequent demage. We also deny liability
for demage caused by the device or the use of de device. 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
description of the defect:
8. LIABILITY EXCLUSION
We are not in a position to ensure that you observe our instructions regarding
installation of the PowerBox Source, 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 PowerBox Source, or which are connected with such use
in any way. Regardless of the legal arguments employed, our obligation to pay
damages is limited to the invoice total of our products which were involved in the
event, insofar as this is deemed legally permissible.
We wish you every success using your new PowerBox Source.
Donauwoerth, June 2023

06/2023
PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5
86609 Donauwörth
Germany
[phone]
www.powerbox-systems.com