PowerBox Systems SparkSwitch RS User manual

Instruction Manual
sparkswItch RS

2PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
The SparkSwitch RS is a compact, high-performance ignition switch featuring
rotational speed (RPM) monitoring and optional voltage regulation for 6V igniti-
on systems. The SparkSwitch RS enables the user to switch the ignition on and
off conveniently from the transmitter. The switched state can be checked at any
time using the external LED or a telemetry status message. These features of
the SparkSwitch RS enhance operating safety as well as simplifying the handling
of petrol engines. In an emergency - such as the failure of a throttle servo - the
SparkSwitch RS can be used to stop the engine quickly.
An important feature is galvanic separation between the receiving system and the
ignition system. The switching process as well as RPM feedback from the ignition
unit are optically isolated from the receiver. This ensures that a fault in the ignition
system shielding, or any other defect, cannot cause interference to the sensitive
receiving system.
The RPM (rotational speed) monitor input can be connected directly to the Tacho
output of the ignition unit - if present. If your ignition system does not include a
Tacho socket, we can supply a separate sensor which can be connected in par-
allel with the Hall sensor. The RPM data can be transferred to any of the current
telemetry systems: the SparkSwitch RS automatically detects the system in use,
eliminating the need for adjustments using the USB interface.
The SparkSwitch RS can be supplied in either of two variants: with or without vol-
tage regulation. The regulated variant reliably reduces the input voltage (max. 9.0V)
to 6.0V. The version without voltage regulation passes the full voltage (max. 13.0V)
through.

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Features
•Optical separation between the receiving system and the ignition system
•External LED switch status indicator
•Regulated (6.0V) or pass-through output voltage
•RPM monitor for all current telemetry systems
•Telemetry function for PowerBox, Jeti, Futaba, Graupner, Multiplex, Spektrum, JR
•Failsafe mode
•Machined aluminium heat-sink
• Compact, low-prole format
1. CONNECTIONS
The connections are clearly labeled on the SparkSwitch RS; the following descri-
bes them in detail:
PWM/BUS:
The PWM socket is not needed if you are using a PowerBox, Jeti, Futaba or Spek-
trum radio control system, as the SparkSwitch RS receives its switching informa-
tion directly via the telemetry servo bus. By default the SparkSwitch RS is set to
channel 12 for switching the ignition on and off. With these systems all you have to
do is connect the unit to the receiver using a patch lead.
All other systems require two patch leads: one connection to switch the SparkS-
witch, and one for the telemetry.
•PowerBox P²-BUS: connect the BUS input to the P²-BUS on the receiver
•Jeti Ex-BUS: connect the BUS input to an EX-BUS output on the receiver
•Futaba S.BUS2: connect the BUS input to S.BUS2 on the receiver

4PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
•Spektrum SRXL2: connect the BUS input to SRXLS2 on the receiver
•Graupner, Multiplex, JR and other systems: connect the PWM input of the
SparkSwitch RS to a servo socket on the receiver. The BUS input of the
SparkSwitch RS should also be connected to the receiver’s telemetry output.
Battery
Connect the ignition battery to this socket. The centre pin is Positive, both outer
pins are Negative. This arrangement eliminates the possibility of reversed polarity
even if you connect the plug the wrong way round (turned through 180°).
It is essential to use a separate battery for the ignition system. Do not take the cur-
rent from the receiver power supply, as this would negate the galvanic separation
of the two power circuits.
Ignition
Connect the ignition unit to this socket. The centre pin is Positive, both outer pins
are Negative. This arrangement eliminates the possibility of reversed polarity even
if you connect the plug the wrong way round (turned through 180°).
RPM
If your ignition unit features a Tacho output, then it can be connected directly to
this socket. For other ignition systems a separate sensor is available which derives
the rotational speed from the Hall sensor. The RPM output also provides power to
external sensors, which means that other types of rotational speed sensor - such
as optical systems - can also be connected.
LED
The external LED is connected directly to the power output for the ignition unit, and
is therefore a reliable indicator of the switched status.

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2. SETTINGS AT THE TRANSMITTER
You must assign a dedicated channel at the transmitter for switching the ignition
switch. The travel of the switched channel at the transmitter should be -100% to
+100%; the switching threshold is located at around +50%.
If you are using a system which supplies the switching signal via the telemetry
bus (PowerBox, Jeti, Futaba and Spektrum), the simplest method is to use chan-
nel 12, as this is the default setting on the SparkSwitch RS.
If this channel does not conform to your preferred transmitter layout, you can ch-
ange the channel from the transmitter if you are a PowerBox (Telemetry menu) or
Jeti (JetiBox MX) user. If you use a Futaba or Spektrum system, you can change
the channel using PowerBox Terminal and the USB Interface.
If you are using a Multiplex, Graupner or JR system, simply connect the PWM
output to the assigned channel at the receiver.
No other settings have to be changed, as the SparkSwitch RS detects the teleme-
try system automatically.
3. INSTALLATION
Install the SparkSwitch RS close to the ignition unit. Under no circumstances in-
stall the unit close to the receiver. The cables to the ignition unit should be as short
as possible, and should not be bundled together with other cables which feed into
the receiving system - such as the throttle servo lead.
In contrast, the cables to the receiver can be any length you like, as they are “clean”
thanks to the optical isolation from the ignition system.

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4. IGNITION BATTERY
Any type of ignition battery can be used: LiPo, LiIon and LiFe up to 3S, 8S NiCd or
NiMh. When connecting the battery, it is essential to maintain correct polarity!
Reversed polarity will destroy the electronics in the SparkSwitch RS.
The regulated version of the SparkSwitch RS incorporates an integral regulator
which basically limits the voltage to 6.0V. This makes the SparkSwitch RS suitable
for all ignition units whose label states 4.8V and 6.0V.
The unregulated version passes the full, unregulated input voltage (max. 13V) th-
rough, with low losses.
This means: if you connect a 2S LiPo, the ignition unit is fed a voltage of up to 8.4V;
with a 3S LiPo it is up to 12.6V.
The ignition battery can be left permanently connected to the SparkSwitch RS.
The current drain when switched off (1 μA) is so low that the battery will not be
discharged even over a period of months.
5. RPM DIVIDER / MULTIPLIER
Depending on the type of RPM sensor you are using, it may be necessary to set up
a divider or multiplier to obtain the correct rotational speed. PowerBox (Telemetry
menu) and Jeti (JetiBox) users can set this directly from the transmitter; other sys-
tems require these settings to be changed using Terminal and the USB Interface.

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6. SET CONTENTS
•1x SparkSwitch RS
•2x patch lead, 3-core
•1x external LED
•1x self-adhesive pad
•1x operating instructions
7. DIMENSIONS

8PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
8. 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
9. GUARANTEE CONDITIONS
At PowerBox Systems we insist on the highest possible quality standards in the de-
velopment and manufacture of our products.
They are guaranteed “Made in Germany”!
That is why we grant a 24 month guarantee
on the SparkSwitch RS from the initial date of
purchase. The guarantee covers proven mate-
rial 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.
SERVICE ADDRESS
PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5
86609 Donauwoerth
Germany

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Repairs which our Service department carries out for you do not extend the origi-
nal 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 liabili-
ty for further claims, e.g. consequential damage. We also deny liability arising from
the equipment or the use of the same.
We accept no liability for transit damage or loss of your shipment. If you wish to
make a claim under guarantee, please send the equipment to our Service depart-
ment address, together with proof of purchase and a description of the defect.
10. LIABILITY EXCLUSION
We are not in a position to ensure that you observe our instructions regarding ins-
tallation of the SparkSwitch RS, 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 SparkSwitch RS, or which are connected with such use in
any way. Regardless of the legal arguments employed, our obligation to pay com-
pensation 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 SparkSwitch RS.
Donauwoerth, May 2023

PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5
86609 Donauwoerth
Germany
[phone]
[phone]
www.powerbox-systems.com
05/2023