PowerBox Systems PBR-14D 14 Channel Receiver Operating Manual

Introduction

Dear PowerBox customer, we are pleased you chose the PowerBox Receiver PBR-14D and the PowerBox remote control system. This represents the most advanced and sophisticated transmission and reception system for your valuable models in the model building sector. Unprecedented ranges in the 2.4GHz band and fast, precise data transmission in both directions characterize this radio link!

1. Product Description

The PowerBox receivers, based on their technical specifications, are not merely "receivers" but "transceivers". They can send and receive with the same data rate and range as the associated remote control. All PowerBox receivers fundamentally include a preamplifier alongside the radio chip, which, in conjunction with other technical refinements, enables the high range. The PowerBox radio transmission is a hopping system that utilizes at least 66 out of 198 possible channels. An intelligent hopping sequence ensures interference-free operation even when the frequency band is heavily occupied.

The suffix D, S/XS, or SL indicates the number of radio units built into the receiver. For the D types, PBR-9D, PBR-14D, and PBR-26D, two entirely independent receiving and transmitting units are installed.

Compared to systems that switch between two antennas on a 50-50 basis, this design offers the advantage that if reception is lost on one antenna, not 50% of the information is fundamentally lost. Furthermore, the incoming signal is not dampened by switching diodes, which would be particularly detrimental to the radio chip.

With PowerBox receivers, both receiving units receive the data packet undamped and evaluate it completely. If one of the two packets is faulty, the signal strength is poor, or it is missing entirely, the packet from the other receiving unit is used and forwarded to the servo or digital outputs. The result is a 100% signal even with complete shadowing of one antenna.

For types PBR7S, PBR9D, PBR10SL, and PBR-14D, an additional receiving unit, such as the PBR26XS, can be connected via the FastTrack connection. Should the main receiver fail to receive data from its built-in antennas, the data from the "satellite receiver" bridges this gap seamlessly.

Another important feature is the integrated iGyro System. The receivers PBR-7S, PBR-9D, PBR-10SL, PBR-26D, and PBR-14D already have the iGyro software built-in for controlling 6 separate axes. To use the iGyro, simply plug an iGyro SAT into the FastTrack connection. If the integrated iGyro detects a GPSIII or a PBS-TAV sensor on the P2-BUS, the gyro sensitivity is even compensated for speed!

All iGyro settings are conveniently managed from the transmitter via the Telemetry Menu.

Image Description: A high-angle view of the PowerBox Systems PBR-14D 14-channel receiver. The device is black and white with various ports and labels. Key labels visible include "Switch", "+", "-", "PBUS", "FastTrack/Data", "LED", "PWM Ausgänge", "Steckplatz für externen MicroSwitch", "MPX Hochstromanschluss", and channel labels "A1" through "N14". The German flag ?? is also present.

2. Features and Connections

• 2.4GHz receiver compatible with the PowerBox remote control system
• One or two receiving units
• Extremely interference-proof reception
• Extreme range
• Integrated electronic switch with over 20A
• Switch function selectable via built-in button or external MicroSwitch
• Powerful 6-axis iGyro software integrated
• iGyro System with speed-compensated regulation
• Powerful real-time telemetry transmits 800 values/second
• Reception quality and battery voltage integrated as telemetry
• Various BUS systems for compatible connection of 3rd Party products
• Receiver updates via transmitter
• Compact design

All PBR receivers can output various BUS signals via the FastTrack output to be compatible with 3rd Party products, such as Heli-Gyros. Besides S.BUS and SRXL, an analog PPM signal can also be output.

A unique feature on the market is the ability to update the receivers from the transmitter. You no longer need to remove the receiver(s) from the model or connect a laptop and USB interface to update the receiver software.

3. Power Supply

The PBR-14D is powered via the MPX High Current Connector. With the integrated electronic switch, no further external components are necessary. The PBR-14D can be switched on and off using the built-in blue button, a separately available MicroSwitch (#3584), or MicroMag (#3585).

To switch, press the button for approximately 2 seconds, release briefly, and press again to confirm the switching operation. If you use the internal button, the switching operation is not visually indicated; you only see the switching status on the LED that indicates reception status. If you use the external MicroSwitch or the MicroMag magnetic switch, you will also see the switching status on the LED built into the switch.

4. Binding

All receivers can be bound in two ways:

1. Connect the receiver first: The LED will blink rapidly for approximately 10 seconds. Press "Bind" on the transmitter. The transmitter and receiver will bind. If you wait longer than 10 seconds, the receiver's LED will switch to a slower blinking pattern. Binding cannot occur again until the power supply is interrupted.
2. Press "Bind" on the transmitter first: Then connect the receiver to a power source. The transmitter and receiver will bind.

5. Detailed Description of Connections

a) PWM Outputs

The PWM outputs are not only numbered 1-XX but also designated A-I. The receiver outputs can optionally output other channel numbers. For example, with the PBR-9D, channels 10-19 can be output instead of outputs 1-9.

b) P2-BUS

This interface is for external, super-fast P2-BUS telemetry and digital servo output. All connected sensors are scanned upon power-up and displayed in the transmitter. The P2-BUS connection is also used for updating receivers with the USB Interface Adapter.

c) FastTrack / Data

This connection can be configured for various functions from the transmitter. You can set it for FastTrack, P2BusOUT, S.BUS, SRXL-16, PPM12, or another servo output.

• FastTrack: The iGyro SAT or an additional satellite receiver (PBR-26XS) can be connected here. FastTrack is a fast real-time BUS system. The iGyro SAT and the optional satellite receiver are connected simultaneously via a Y-cable. With the iGyro SAT connected, you get a 6-axis iGyro system that is fully adjustable from the transmitter.
• P2BusOUT: This option is used to wirelessly supply ground stations, such as those used in Triangle flying, with telemetry data from the model. The receiver "listens" to the radio traffic between the transmitter and receiver in the model and forwards the telemetry information from the model to the connected ground station.
• PWM: If you select this option, you can connect an additional servo to FastTrack/Data. The output channel depends on the receiver used. For the PBR-14D, channel 15 is output here, for example.
• S.BUS and SRXL-16: These digital BUS signals can be processed by many gyro and battery distributors and thus serve as a universal interface for 3rd party accessories, such as Heligyros.
• PPM12: From Version 3.5, all receivers also have the option to output an analog PPM12 signal. A practical application is the wireless connection to PC flight simulators.

6. Meaning of the LED

The built-in LED can indicate various statuses:

• Solid Blue Light: The receiver has a connection to the transmitter and sufficient signal strength.
• Fast Blue Blinking: The receiver is waiting for a bind signal.
• Slow Red Blinking: The receiver has no signal.
• Solid Red Light: An update has failed; the receiver is in bootloader mode. Restart the update using the Rescue-Mode.

7. Installation and Antenna Placement

All PowerBox receiver boards are built using SMD technology, making them extremely resistant to vibration and shock. The PBR-14D is ideally attached using the supplied mounting plate. It can also be attached to a firm surface using double-sided adhesive tape.

Optimal antenna placement is highly dependent on the model, fuselage material, and installation location. We generally recommend routing the antennas out of the fuselage. This ensures the best reception, regardless of the model's material.

8. Other Settings

The receivers have several other setting options, which can be adjusted from the transmitter via the Telemetry Menu:

• Framerate: Defines the repetition frequency of the servo impulses. By default, this setting is 18ms. Modern digital servos can operate more precisely and smoothly with 12ms.
• Output A Start: Shift of the start channel. This allows you to "cascade" receivers. For example, you can have a PBR-9D output channels 1-9 and another PBR-7S for channels 9-16.
• Hold/Failsafe: This setting is not configured in the receiver but in the transmitter's function menu.
• iGyro: A detailed description of the iGyro features can be found in the manual for the iGyro SAT. The iGyro function in the PowerBox receivers is completely identical to the iGyro function in our larger PowerBox Systems or the iGyro3xtra.

9. Operating Notes

All PowerBox receivers transmit battery voltage and reception quality by default. The following values are transmitted:

• Battery Voltage: Shows the battery voltage present at the servo sockets. Note: For regulated battery distributors, this displays the regulated voltage, not the battery voltage.
• RSSI: This value indicates the antenna input level. It is given in dBm – a logarithmic power value.
• LQI: This value shows the reception quality in percent. The value is calculated in the receiver from the number of lost data packets of an antenna and the power level over time. Use this value to determine if the installation position of the individual antennas is well chosen.

The LQI is a very informative measurement of the radio link quality. For optimal monitoring, create a widget with the LQI value on the telemetry screen. Set an alarm threshold between 60% and 70%. This will immediately notify you of a reception problem via an alarm.

From Version 3.5, an additional LQI value is available, which calculates the LQI value across both antennas. Only data packets lost simultaneously by both antennas are used for this evaluation.

• Status: Status messages are displayed here, for example, the status of a connected iGyro SAT or GPSIII.

10. Technical Data

11. Scope of Delivery

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

12. Service Information

To provide good service to our customers, a Support Forum has been established for all questions concerning our products. This gives you the opportunity to receive quick help around the clock and on weekends. The answers are provided by the PowerBox Team, who guarantee the accuracy of the responses. Please use the Support Forum before contacting us by phone.

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

13. EU Declaration of Conformity

This device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directives 2014/53/EU (RED) and 2011/65/EU (RoHs). The EU Declaration of Conformity for the PowerBox receiver can be found at the following link: www.powerbox-systems.com/de/content/zertifikate

Operating frequencies and maximum transmission power per band:

14. Warranty Provisions

PowerBox-Systems places great importance on the highest quality standards in development and manufacturing, guaranteeing "Made in Germany"! We grant a warranty of 24 months from the date of sale for the PowerBox receivers.

The warranty covers the free repair of proven material defects. Incorrect application, e.g., due to polarity reversal, very strong vibrations, excessive voltage, moisture, fuel, or short circuits, voids warranty claims. This also applies to defects resulting from particularly heavy wear.

We cannot assume liability for transport damage or loss of your transmission. In case of warranty claims, please send us the device along with the proof of purchase and a description of the fault to our Service Address:

SERVICE ADDRESS
PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Dr.-Friedrich-Drechsler-Str. 35
86609 Donauwörth
Germany

15. Safety Information for Intended Use of the Receivers

a) Intended Use

The PowerBox receivers are exclusively intended for use in remote-controlled model building applications – especially in the field of model aircraft. They must only be used with suitable PowerBox-Systems remote control systems or compatible devices. Operation must be carried out exclusively by knowledgeable persons.

b) General Safety Instructions

• Read the complete operating manual before commissioning.
• Installation and connection must only be performed when the system is switched off.
• Always ensure a secure power supply and correctly polarized connections.
• Keep all components dry and dust-free.

c) Commissioning and Operation

• A full range test must be performed before the first flight.
• Check the function of all channels and telemetry data before each use.
• Use only approved batteries and observe the permissible voltage ranges.
• Receivers should be mounted vibration-protected and mechanically decoupled.
• Antennas must be routed freely and must not be kinked or shielded during mounting.

d) Radio and Approval Information

• This device complies with the requirements of RED Directive 2014/53/EU.
• When operating in other countries, country-specific approvals and regulations must be observed.

e) Disposal

This product must not be disposed of with household waste. Please take it to a designated collection point for proper disposal (observe the WEEE Directive).

16. Disclaimer

Neither adherence to the installation instructions nor the conditions during operation of the PowerBox receivers, nor the maintenance of the entire remote control system can be monitored by us. Therefore, we assume no liability for losses, damages, or costs arising from or in any way related to the application and operation of the PowerBox receivers. To the extent legally permissible, the obligation for compensation for damages, for whatever legal reason, is limited to the invoice amount of the products from our company involved in the event.

We wish you much success with your new PowerBox Receiver!

Donauwörth, May 2025

Contact Information:

PowerBox-Systems GmbH
Dr.-Friedrich-Drechsler-Straße 35
86609 Donauwörth
Germany

? +49 906 99999-200

✉️ sales@powerbox-systems.com

www.powerbox-systems.com