PowerBox Systems PBR-5XS User manual

PowErBox RECEIVER
PBR-5XS • PBR-5S • PBR-7S • PBR-9D • PBR-10SL • PBR-26XS • PBR-26D
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
04/2023

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PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
Dear customer,
We are delighted that you have decided to purchase a PowerBox transceiver, which almost certainly represents
the most highly developed and most advanced transmitting and receiving system for your valuable models avai-
lable anywhere in the modelling world. Unprecedented range in the 2.4 GHz band, and ultra-fast, ultra-precise
data transfer in both directions - these are the outstanding features of this radio system.
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
If you study the specications closely, it is clear that PowerBox receivers are by no means “receivers” in the usual
sense; they are “transceivers”. They are capable of transmitting and receiving at the same data rate and the same
range as the associated system transmitter.
All PowerBox transceivers feature a radio chip, but an essential difference is the integral pre-amplier, which is
one of the factors which make the system’s extremely long range possible. The PowerBox radio link is a hopping
system which uses at least 66 of 198 possible channels. An intelligent hopping sequence is employed, ensuring
interference-free operation even when the frequency band is heavily used.
The sux D, S/XS or SL indicates the number of radio units installed in the transceiver. The D types PBR-9D and
PBR-26D incorporate two fully independent receive / transmit units.
Other systems feature two aerials, switching between them 50-50, but if one aerial loses the signal, 50% of the
information is inevitably lost; our design does not suffer that drawback. There are also no switching diodes which
have a damping effect on the signal as it arrives; this has a particularly adverse effect on the radio chip.
In contrast, both the receive units in PowerBox transceivers pick up the data packet in undamped form, and sub-
ject it to a full analysis. If one of the two packets contain errors, or if the signal strength is poor, or if the signal is
completely absent, the data packet picked up by the other receive unit is used, and passed to the servo outputs
or digital outputs. The result is a 100% signal even if one aerial is completely blocked.
As of software version 3.5 it is possible to connect a supplementary receiving unit, such as the PBR-26, to the
FastTrack socket of receiver types PBR7, PBR9 and PBR10. If the primary receiver should receive no data from
its integral aerials, the gap is lled seamlessly with the data from the “satellite receiver”.
A further important feature is the integral iGyro system. The PBR-7S, PBR-9D,PBR-10SL and PBR-26D receivers
have the iGyro software installed as standard, providing control of six separate axes. To make use of the iGyro
all you have to do is connect an iGyro SAT to the FastTrack socket. If the integrated iGyro detects a GPSIII or a
PBS-TAV sensor on the P²-BUS, the gyro gain is even speed-compensated!
All iGyro settings can be adjusted conveniently from the transmitter using the Telemetry menu.
All PBR receivers are capable of generating various BUS signals at the FastTrack socket, in order to maintain
compatibility with third-part products such as helicopter gyros. In addition to S.BUS and SRXL, as of Version 3.5
an analogue PPM signal can also be available.
One feature which is unique in the market is the facility to update receivers from the transmitter. You do not even
need to remove the receiver or receivers from the model, or connect to the model using a laptop and USB inter-
face, in order to update the receiver software.

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FEATURES:
• 2.4 GHz transceiver matching the PowerBox radio control systemPowerBox radio control system
• One or two receive units
• Extreme interference rejection
• Ultra-long range
• Integrated high-performance six-axis iGyro software
• iGyro system with speed-compensation
• High-performance real-time telemetry transfers 800 values/second
• Integral telemetry for reception quality and battery voltage
• Various Bus systems for compatibility with third-party products
• Receiver updates from the transmitter
• Compact format
2. FEATURES AND CONNECTIONS
3. POWER SUPPLY
To ensure that PBR receivers are as compact as possible, they are not tted with dedicated power supply
sockets. The power supply should always be connected to one of the front servo outputs; use a Y-lead if none
of these sockets is vacant. The data sockets of the PBR-7S and PBR-9D should not be used for the power
supply, as the maximum current they can handle is 5A.
PWM outputs
LED
Fast Track / data connection
P²-BUS telemetry and servo port

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PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
4. BINDING
The transceivers can be bound using either of two methods:
a) Connect the transceiver rst
The LED now ashes rapidly for about ten seconds. Press “Bind” at the transmitter, and the transmitter and
receiver are bound. If you do not press Bind within ten seconds, the receiver LED switches to a slower as-
hing rate. At this point the receiver can no longer be bound to the transmitter unless the power supply is rst
disconnected.
b) Press “Bind” at the transmitter rst
After this you connect the receiver to a power supply: the transmitter now binds with the receiver.
5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SOCKETS
a) PWM outputs
The PWM outputs are sequentially numbered from 1 - XX, but are also assigned the letters A - I. As an option,
you can also set the receiver outputs to generate different channel numbers. For example, the PBR-9D can be
set to generate outputs 10 - 19 as well as channels 1 - 9.
b) P²-BUS
This interface is used for the external ultra-fast P²-BUS telemetry system and digital servo output. When the
system is switched on, all the sensors connected to this socket are scanned, and displayed at the transmitter.
The P²-BUS socket can also be used for updating the receiver using the USB interface adapter.
c) FastTrack / Data
This socket can be set to various functions from the transmitter: you can set it to FastTrack, P2BusOUT,
S.BUS, SRXL-16, PPM12 or even one further servo output.
• FastTrack:
The iGyro SAT or a supplementary satellite receiver (PBR-26D or PBR-26XS) can be connected to this so-
cket. FastTrack is a high-speed real-time bus system. If you wish to use both the iGyro SAT and the optional
satellite receiver simultaneously, they can simply be connected using a Y-lead. Once an iGyro SAT is connec-
ted, you have a six-axis iGyro system whose full range of functions can be adjusted from the transmitter.
• P2BusOUT:
The purpose of this option is to feed telemetry data wirelessly from the model to ground stations, as are
typically used in Triangle ying events. The receiver “listens” to the radio trac between the transmitter and
the receiver in the model, and passes on the telemetry information from the model to the connected ground
station.
• PWM:
If you select this option, you can connect an additional servo to the FastTrack/Data socket. The channel
generated varies according to the type of receiver you are using. For example, if your receiver is a PBR-9D,
then channel 10 is available at this socket.
• S.BUS and SRXL-16:
These digital bus signals can be processed by many gyros and battery backers, and therefore serve as a uni-
versal interface for third-party accessories such as helicopter gyros.
• PPM12:
As of version V3.5, all receivers also offer the option of generating an analogue PPM12 signal. One practical
application for this is a wireless connection for PC ight simulators.

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6. MEANING OF THE LED DISPLAY
The integral LED can indicate various types of receiver status:
• Continuous green or blue light: the transceiver is bound to the transmitter; signal strength is adequate
• Flashing rapidly green or blue: the transceiver is waiting for a binding signal
• Flashing slowly red: the receiver is picking up no signal
• Continuous red light: the update has failed, and the receiver is in bootloader mode. Use the Rescue mode to
restart the update process.
7. INSTALLATION, DEPLOYING THE AERIALS
All PowerBox receivers pcb´s are manufactured using the SMT method, and are therefore extremely resistant
to vibration and shock. In most models the receivers can simply be attached to a smooth surface inside the
model using double-sided adhesive tape.
The ideal method of aerial deployment varies greatly according to the model, the fuselage material and the
receiver’s position in the model. For most cases we recommend routing the aerials out of the fuselage, as this
guarantees optimum reception regardless of the materials of which the model is made.
8. OTHER SETTINGS
The transceivers offer a number of optional settings which can be selected at the transmitter and sent via the
radio link:
• Framerate
This denes the servo signal repeat frequency. The default value for this setting is 18ms. Modern digital
servos can operate more accurately and smoothly at 12ms.
• A Start Output
Offsetting the Start channel. This feature can be used to “cascade” receivers. For example, you can set up a
PBR-9D to generate channels 1 - 9, and an additional PBR-7S for channels 10 - 16.
• Hold/Failsafe
This setting is adjusted in the Function menu at the transmitter, and not at the receiver.
• iGyro
You can nd a detailed description of the iGyro’s features in the instructions supplied with the iGyro SAT. The
iGyro function integrated into PowerBox receivers is completely identical to the iGyro function in our larger
PowerBox systems or the iGyro 3xtra.
9. NOTES ON OPERATION
All PowerBox transceivers are able to transmit battery voltage and reception quality by default. The following
values are transmitted:
• Battery voltage
This shows the voltage present at the servo sockets. Please note: if you are using a regulated battery backer,
the value shown here is the regulated voltage, not the battery voltage.

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PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
• RSSI
This value shows the input level at the aerial, and is displayed in dBm - a logarithmic power value.
• LQI
This value indicates the reception quality in percentage form. The value is calculated by the receiver, based on
the number of lost data packets and the power level over time.
LQI is a very instructive value providing information about the quality of the radio link. In order to monitor
it fully, we recommend that you set up a widget at the Telemetry screen showing the LQI value, and set an
alarm threshold of 60% to 70%. This ensures that any reception problem immediately triggers an alarm to
make you aware of the situation.
As of version 3.5 an additional LQI value is available which calculates the LQI value taking both aerials into
account. The assessment only takes into account those data packets which are lost at both aerials simulta-
neously.
• Status
This displays status messages, such as the status of an iGyro SAT or GPSIII connected to the system.
PBR-5XS PBR-5S PBR-7S PBR-9D PBR-10SL PBR-26XS PBR-26D
Frequency 2.4 GHz
Operating voltage 4,0 – 9,0 V
Number of transmitted channels 26 (at the P²BUS interface)
Number of PWM outputs 5579 10 0 0 (1)
Servo output resolution 4096 Steps (12 Bit)
Number of receive units 1 1 1 2 1 1 2
Range (line of sight) > 1 km > 9 km
Telemetry yes
P²BUS telemetry interface yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
FastTrack interface no no yes yes yes yes no
Parameter settings from the radio yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Dimensions in mm 32 x 18 x 4 44 x 20 x 12 52 x 22 x 12 57 x 27 x 12 60 x 18 x 10 48 x 13 x 4 48 x 25 x 10
Weight in gram 1,5 g 7 g 12 g 17 g 12 g 4 g 10 g
Temperature range -10 °C to + 85 °C
10. SPECIFICATION

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11. FCC
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful inter-
ference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
12. IC
This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Econo-
mic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
Appareils radio exempts de licence (ISDE) L‘émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent
appareil est conforme aux CNR d‘Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux
appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
1. L’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
2. L’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
13. RF EXPOSURE STATEMENT (PORTABLE DEVICE)
This device complies with the RF exposure requirements for portable devices. The device is intended for hand-
held use, with the transmitter antennas kept more than 30mm from the hands in normal use.
13. DÉCLARATION D‘EXPOSITION AUX RF (APPAREIL PORTABLE)
Cet appareil est conforme aux exigences d‘exposition aux RF pour les appareils portables. L‘appareil est
destiné à être utilisé à la main, les antennes de l‘émetteur étant maintenues à plus de 30 mm des mains en
utilisation normale.

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PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
14. SET CONTENTS
- PowerBox receiver
- adhesive pad
15. SERVICE NOTE
We make every effort to provide a good service to our customers, and have established a Support Forum which
covers all queries relating to our products. 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 contact us by telephone:
www.forum.powerbox-systems.com
16. GUARANTEE CONDITIONS
We are able to grant a 24 month guarantee on our PowerBox receiver from the initial date of purchase. The
guarantee covers proven material faults, which will be corrected by us at no charge to you.
The guarantee does not cover damage caused by incorrect usage, e.g. reverse polarity, excessive vibration, ex-
cessive voltage, damp, fuel, and short-circuits. The same applies to defects due to severe wear.
17. LIABILITY EXCLUSION
We are not in a position to ensure that you observe our instructions regarding installation of the Power-
Box receiver, full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 Power-
Box receiver, 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 loads of fun with your new PowerBox receiver!
Donauwörth, April 2023