PowerBox Systems PBR-14D Transceiver Instruction Manual

: June 15, 2024
: PowerBox-Systems

PowerBox Systems PBR-14D Transceiver

Product Information

Specifications

Product Name: PBR-14D Transceiver
Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
Data Transfer: Ultra-fast, ultra-precise in both directions
Transceiver Type: Capable of transmitting and receiving at the same data rate and range as the system transmitter
Radio Chip: Includes an integral pre-amplifier for extended range
Hopping System: Uses at least 66 of 198 possible channels with an intelligent hopping sequence for interference-free operation
Number of Radio Units: D, S/XS or SL (indicates the number of installed radio units)
Receiver Types: PBR-9D and PBR-26D feature two fully independent receive/transmit units
Additional Receiving Unit: Compatible with PBR-26XS for seamless data transmission
BUS Signals: Capable of generating various BUS signals at the FastTrack socket for compatibility with third-party products
Software Update: Receivers can be updated from the transmitter without removing them from the model or using a laptop and USB interface

Product Usage Instructions

Initial Setup

Ensure the transmitter is powered on and properly paired with the transceiver.
Connect the necessary servo outputs or digital outputs to the transceiver.
If using a supplementary receiving unit, such as PBR-26XS, connect it to the FastTrack socket of compatible receiver types (PBR7S, PBR9D, PBR10SL).

Updating Receiver Software
To update the receiver software, follow these steps:

Ensure the transmitter is powered on and properly paired with the transceiver.
Access the software update feature on the transmitter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the software update process.
Wait for the update to complete. Do not power off the transmitter or disconnect the transceiver during the update.

Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with the PBR-14D transceiver, please refer to the troubleshooting section of the user manual or contact our customer support for assistance.

FAQ

Q: Can I use multiple PBR-14D transceivers simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can use multiple PBR-14D transceivers simultaneously as long as they are properly paired with separate transmitters.
Q: Can I connect third-party products, such as helicopter gyros, to the PBR-14D transceiver?
A: Yes, the PBR-14D transceiver is capable of generating various BUS signals at the FastTrack socket to maintain compatibility with third-party products like helicopter gyros.
Q: How far can the PBR-14D transceiver transmit/receive signals?
A: The PBR-14D transceiver offers an unprecedented range in the 2.4 GHz band. Please refer to the user manual for specific range limitations and factors that may affect signal strength.

Dear PowerBox customer,
We are delighted that you have decided to purchase a PBR-14D transceiver, which almost certainly represents the most highly developed and most advanced transmitting and receiving system for your valuable models available anywhere in the modeling 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.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

If you study the specifications 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-amplifier, which is one of the factors that make the system’s extremely long range possible. The PowerBox radio link is a hopping system that 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 suffix 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 subject it to a full analysis. If one of the two packets contains 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-26XS, to the FastTrack socket of receiver types PBR7S, PBR9D, and PBR10SL. If the primary receiver should receive no data from its internal aerials, the gap is filled 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-com-pensated!

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, to maintain compatibility with third-party products such as helicopter gyros. In addition to S.BUS and SRXL, as of Version 3.5, an analog 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 interface, to update the receiver software.

FEATURES AND CONNECTIONS

2.4 GHz transceiver matching the PowerBox radio control system
One or two units
Extreme interference rejection
Integral electronic switch for more than 20A
Switch function optionally using integral push-button or external MicroSwitch
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

Product Description

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POWER SUPPLY

Power is supplied to the PBR-14D via the MPX high-current socket. Since there is an integral electronic switch, no additional external components are required. The PBR-14D can be switched on and off using either the integral blue push-button or a separately available MicroSwitch (#3584) or MicroMag (#3585).

This is the switching process: hold the push-button pressed in for about two seconds, release the button briefly, and then press it a second time briefly to confirm the switching process. If you use the internal push-button, there is no visible indication of the switching process, but you will see the switched status from the LED which shows the receiver’s status. If you use the external MicroSwitch or the MicroMag magnet switch, you will also see the switched status from the switch’s integral LED.

BINDING

The transceivers can be bound using either of two methods:

Connect the transceiver first
The LED now flashes 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 flashing rate. At this point, the receiver can no longer be bound to the transmitter unless the power supply is first disconnected.
Press “Bind” at the transmitter first
After this, you connect the receiver to a power supply: the transmitter now binds with the receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SOCKETS

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 *.
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.
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-26XS) can be connected to this socket. 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 connected, 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 flying events. The receiver “listens” to the radio traffic 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-14D, then channel 15 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 universal interface for third-party accessories such as helicopter gyros.
- PPM12
  As of version V3.5, all receivers also offer the option of generating an analogous PPM12 signal. One practical application for this is a wireless connection for PC flight simulators.

MEANING OF THE LED DISPLAY

The integral LED can indicate various types of receiver status:

Continuous blue light: the transceiver is bound to the transmitter; signal strength is adequate
Flashing rapidly 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.

INSTALLATION, DEPLOYING THE AERIALS

All PowerBox receivers PCB´s are manufactured using the SMT method and are therefore extremely resistant to vibration and shock. The ideal method of mounting the PBR-14D is to use the retaining plate supplied in the set. However, it can also be secured to any firm surface 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.

OTHER SETTINGS

The transceivers offer many optional settings that can be selected at the transmitter and sent via the radio link:

Frame rate
This defines 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-14D to generate channels 1 – 14, and an additional PBR-7S for channels 15 – 21.
Hold/Failsafe
This setting is adjusted in the Function menu at the transmitter, and not at the receiver.
iGyro
You can find 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 iGyro3xtra.

NOTES ON OPERATION

All PowerBox transceivers can 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.
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 in providing information about the quality of the radio link. 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 simultaneously.
Status
This displays status messages, such as the status of an iGyro SAT or GPSIII connected to the system.

TECHNICAL DATA

Frequency 2.4GHz
Operating voltage 4,0V – 9,0V
Number of transmitted channels 26 (at the P²-BUS interface)
Number of PWM outputs 14
Servo output resolution 4096 Steps (12Bit)
Number of received units 2
Range (line of sight) > 9km
Telemetry yes
P²-BUS telemetry interface 2x
FastTrack interface yes
Parameter settings from the radio yes
Dimensions in mm 62 x 42 x 13
Weight in Gramm 29
Temperature range: -10°C to +85°C

FCC

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference, and
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, under part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used under 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 the receiver.
Connect the equipment to 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.

The grantee is not responsible for any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance. Such modifications could ‘void the user s authority to operate the equipment.

IC
This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause interference.
This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

FCC WARNING
To maintain compliance with FCC‘s RF exposure guidelines, the distance must be at least 20cm between the radiator and your body, and fully supported by the operating and installation configurations of the transmitter and its antenna(s).

IC WARNING
The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements. To maintain compliance with RSS-102 – Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure guidelines, this equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.

SET CONTENTS

PBR-14D
Mounting plate with rubber grommets and screws
Operating instructions in English and German

SERVICE NOTE

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 frequently asked questions again and again. At the same time, it allows you to obtain assistance all round the clock, and even at weekends. The answers come from the PowerBox team, which guarantees that the answers are correct.

Please use the Support Forum before you contact us by telephone.

You will find the forum at the following address:www.forum.powerbox- systems.com.

GUARANTEE CONDITIONS

We can 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, excessive voltage, dampness, fuel, and short circuits. The same applies to defects due to severe wear.

We accept no liability for transit damage or loss of your shipment. If you wish to claim a guarantee, please send the device to the following address, together with proof of purchase and a description of the defect:

SERVICE ADDRESS
PowerBox-Systems GmbH Ludwig-Auer-Straße 5 86609 Donauwoerth Germany.

LIABILITY EXCLUSION

We are not in a position to ensure that you observe our instructions regarding the installation of the Power-Box receiver, fulfill 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 that arise due to the use or operation of the PowerBox 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 that were involved in the event, insofar as this is deemed legally permissible.

We wish you every success with your new PowerBox receiver!

Donauwoerth, August 2023

PowerBox-Systems GmbH