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 sys-
tem requirements. We have managed to reduce the backer’s size by optimi-
sing 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 smartphone and a BlueCom Adapter, or a laptop or
PC using our USB interface.
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 CORE telemetry system. An additional teleconver-
ter is not required for Futaba.
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.

www.powerbox-systems.com 3
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 BlueCom or USB interface
Supports ve different telemetry systems: CORE 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 or BlueCom Adapter
CONNECTIONS, CONTROLS
Telemetrie socket USB/BlueCom socket
Regulated output
to receiver
Switch socket
Battery inputs
Display socket

4PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
INITIAL STEPS, OPERATING THE BACKER
a) Connections
First connect the receiver to the PowerBox Source using the patch leads sup-
plied 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 bat-
tery backer function is bypassed. Now connect the Sensor Switch to the
appropriate socket on the backer. If your model is subject to severe vi-
bration, 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 pro-
tection. The +symbol is visible on the case cover.
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 CORE
By default the PowerBox Source is set up for the P²BUS. Connect the Tele
output 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.

www.powerbox-systems.com 5
- Futaba S.BUS2
Connect the backer’s Tele output to the receiver’s S.BUS2 port. A teleconver-
ter 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.
b) Switching on and off
The procedure for switching on and off is very simple, and represents an ef-
fective 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 but-
tons 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 switched 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.

6PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
c) Settings
There are several methods of entering settings, such as battery type and out-
put 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.
- Using the USB Interface and PowerBox Terminal
Download the free PowerBox Terminal program from our website, and in-
stall 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.
- Using the BlueCom Adapter and Mobile Terminal
Install the PowerBox Mobile Terminal app from your App store or Playstore.
Connect the BlueCom Adapter to the PowerBox Source’s data port. Start the
app, and select the Source in the menu.
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.

www.powerbox-systems.com 7
d) Resetting residual capacity
After each charge process it is important to reset the residual capacity dis-
play. 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 si-
multaneously for about two seconds.
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
SET CONTENTS
- PowerBox Source
- SensorSwitch
- 2 PowerPatch-leads (1x MPX / MPX and 2x MPX / JR)
- 4 rubber grommets and brass spacers, factory-tted
- 4 retaining screws
- Operating instructions in English and German

8PowerBox-Systems − World Leaders in RC Power Supply Systems
DIMENSIONS
SERVICE
We make every effort to provide a good service to our customers, and have
now established a Support Forum which covers all queries relating to our
products. This helps us considerably, as we no longer have to answer fre-
quently asked questions again and again. At the same time it gives you the
opportunity to obtain assistance all round the clock, and even at weekends.
The answers come from the PowerBox team, which guarantees that the ans-
wers are correct.
Please use the Support Forum before you contact us by telephone.
You will nd the forum at the following address:
www.forum.powerbox-systems.com
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”!

www.powerbox-systems.com 9
That is why we are able to grant a 36 month guarantee on our 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 wish 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. rever-
se polarity, excessive vibration, excessive voltage, damp, fuel, and short-cir-
cuits. The same applies to defects due to severe wear.
We deny any further liability, e.g. for consequent damage. We also deny liabi-
lity for damage caused by the device or the use of the 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 de-
scription of the defect:
LIABILITY EXCLUSION
We are not in a position to ensure that you observe our instructions regarding
installation of the , 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 , 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 .
Donauwoerth, october 2019
SERVICE ADDRESS
PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5
D-86609 Donauwoerth
Germany

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
10/2019
PowErBox
SourcE