PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 User Manual

Welcome

Dear Customer, We are pleased that you have chosen the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 from our range. We wish you much joy and success with the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2!

Product Description

The PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 is the second generation of the globally known PowerBox DigiSwitch. Due to its compact design and versatile applications, the PowerBox DigiSwitch has been the standard in small to medium-sized models for a good 15 years. The DigiSwitch V2 has been reduced by 20% thanks to the use of state-of-the-art components. The use of an elegant, milled and anodized aluminum housing significantly increases the usable cooling capacity – the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 can deliver approx. 20% more continuous current! The short-term load capacity has even doubled – the DigiSwitch V2 can handle over 10 A for several seconds! The DigiSwitch V2 has four selectable output voltages – for normal servos it can be regulated to 6.0 V, for HV servos regulated 7.0 V, 7.6 V or an option without regulation is available.

Key Features

• Powerful electronic switch
• Very light and compact design
• Regulated output voltage
• Adjustable output voltage 6.0 V, 7.0 V, 7.6 V or unregulated
• RGB LED voltage display for the battery
• Telemetry support for ATOM/CORE
• 4 battery types are supported: 2S LiPo, 2S Li-Ion, 2S LiFePo and 5S NiMH
• Regulator monitoring
• Suppression of servo return currents

As a power supply, four different battery types can be selected: LiPo, Li-Ion, LiFePo and NiMh. Ultra-bright RGB LEDs are used for voltage display of the batteries, signaling the battery charge status with different colors. For ATOM/CORE customers, there is an additional special feature: battery and regulator voltages can be displayed directly on the transmitter via telemetry!

1. Setup and Connections

Diagram Description: The DigiSwitch V2 unit is shown with the following labeled components:

• Tactile Switch: The primary button for operation.
• RGB LEDs: Indicators for voltage and status.
• Output to Receiver: Connector for connecting to the RC receiver.
• Battery Connector (MPX or JR): Port for connecting the battery.
• Telemetry Connector for P²BUS: Connector for telemetry data transmission.

2. Installation and Connecting the Battery

The PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 should be installed in the model in a vibration-damped location. For pure GRP side panels of a motor model, it is recommended to reinforce them with a 3-4 mm thick plywood board glued from the inside to minimize vibrations and provide secure mounting for the screws.

Connect a battery of your choice – correctly polarized – to the battery input. 2S LiPo/Li-Ion, 2S LiFePo or 5S NiMH batteries can be used. We recommend using the PowerPak 2.5x2 Pro batteries, which are particularly safe and easy to handle thanks to their integrated charging technology.

Note for self-configured battery packs: If the battery is connected with the wrong polarity, the built-in linear regulators will be destroyed immediately!

The output of the DigiSwitch is plugged into the battery input or a free slot in the receiver. If no servo output is free, a Y-cable can be plugged into a servo output to connect the DigiSwitch V2 and the servo. For the ATOM/CORE system, proceed as above; the cable with the single signal line is plugged into the P²BUS input of the receiver.

3. On and Off Procedure

As with the predecessor model and all PowerBox devices with a single button, the on and off procedure is as follows: Press the button for one to two seconds until the LEDs light up violet (?), briefly release the button, and confirm the switching operation with a second, short press. Once switched on, the switch can only be switched off again using the button. Loose contacts or interruptions during operation do not cause the PowerBox to switch off. The last switching state is always saved.

4. Setting the Battery Indicator

To ensure the LED battery indicator functions correctly, you must set the battery type. To do this, first switch on the PowerBox. Now press and hold the button again. After approximately 5 seconds, the LEDs will turn off and a sequence with different colors will begin. Each color is assigned to a battery type. Release the button when the color corresponding to your battery type is displayed. The battery type is then saved.

Battery Type Indicators:

• Green: LiPo
• Blue: Li-Ion
• Red: LiFe
• White: NiMh

Information on LED display: The display is not linear to the battery voltage. Various common battery types have been measured, resulting in an average discharge curve. This discharge curve is used to enable a percentage display.

LED Display Meaning for Battery Content:

• Green: 80-100%
• Yellow: 60-80%
• Orange: 40-60%
• Red: 20-40%
• Dark Red: 0-20%

5. Setting the Output Voltage

The PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 can be set to two different output voltages: one to 6.0 V for regular servos and the other to 7.0 V, 7.6 V, or completely unregulated for HV servos. When making this setting, ensure that all connected components are suitable for high voltage.

An advantage of regulating the voltage to 7.6 V instead of simply passing through the battery voltage is that the high battery voltage present after charging is regulated down. This ensures a constant voltage from the start and thus a longer-lasting, consistent servo speed and power.

To change the output voltage, press the button and connect the battery while holding the button. The LED will first light up green (?), then red (?) after 3 seconds. Depending on which color you release the button, the output voltage will be changed. The color mapping is as follows:

• Green (?): 6.0 V
• Orange (?): 7.0 V
• Violet (?): 7.6 V
• Red (?): Unregulated

Finally, the LED will flash white to confirm the setting process.

Notes on Regulator Performance

The maximum current that the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 can deliver depends on external factors such as battery type, set output voltage, and also heavily on cooling. Ideally, the unit is mounted externally on the model or installed internally in such a way that at least slight airflow provides cooling. Especially when the DigiSwitch V2 is operated with LiPo/Li-Ion cells with a 6.0 V output voltage, the number of connected servos should remain within the recommended range. Here too, it applies that, for example, 6 small surface servos require less power than 4x 30 kg servos.

In the 7.6 V or unregulated setting, the DigiSwitch hardly needs to regulate or dissipate energy. This significantly increases the output power of the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2! The same applies to the 6.0 V setting when LiFePo or NiMh batteries are used, which are already connected to the input of the DigiSwitch with a lower input voltage.

If you are unsure whether the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 can meet your current requirements, move all servos on the ground for approximately 30 seconds. If the DigiSwitch heats up significantly (over 60 °C), servos, linkages, and control surfaces should be checked. If everything is in order, the PowerBox Sensor, designed for higher loads, should be used.

6. Regulator Errors

The voltage regulator is constantly monitored for function. If the output voltage deviates from the setpoint, this is indicated by a rapid violet (?) flashing of the LEDs. Regulator errors can occur, for example, after connecting the battery with reversed polarity. In this case, please contact service!

7. Technical Data

8. Dimensions

Diagram Description: The dimensions of the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 are illustrated:

• Top View: Shows a length of 50.30 mm and a width of 42.30 mm.
• Side View: Shows a width of 17.80 mm and a height of 14.80 mm.
• Front View: Shows heights of 8.90 mm and 10.90 mm.

9. Scope of Delivery

• PowerBox DigiSwitch V2
• 2x Mounting screws
• User manual in German and English

10. Service Information

To provide good service to our customers, a support forum has been set up for all questions concerning our products. This greatly relieves us, as we do not have to answer frequently recurring questions repeatedly, and it gives you the opportunity to receive quick help around the clock and on weekends. The answers are provided by the PowerBox Team, which guarantees the accuracy of the answers.

Please use the support forum before contacting us by phone. You can find the forum at the following address: www.forum.powerbox-systems.com

11. EU Declaration of Conformity

This device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directives 2011/65/EU + 2015/863/EU (RoHS) and 2014/30/EU (EMC). The EU Declaration of Conformity for the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 can be found at the following link: www.powerbox-systems.com/de/content/zertifikate

12. Warranty Terms

PowerBox-Systems places particular emphasis on the highest quality standard in development and manufacturing, guaranteeing 'Made in Germany'! Therefore, we grant a warranty of 24 months from the date of sale for the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2. The warranty consists of us rectifying proven material defects free of charge. We would like to point out that we reserve the right to replace the device if repair is not economically feasible. Any repairs carried out by us in our service department do not extend the warranty period.

Incorrect use, e.g., due to reversed polarity, very strong vibrations, excessively high voltage, moisture, fuel, short circuit, excludes warranty claims. This also applies to defects resulting from particularly heavy wear and tear.

13. Safety Information for Intended Use

a) Intended Use

The PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 is exclusively intended for use in remote-controlled model building applications – particularly in the field of model aircraft. It is not intended for manned aviation, safety-critical, or medical applications. Use must be carried out exclusively by qualified persons.

b) General Safety Instructions

• Read the complete user 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. There is no polarity protection – incorrect polarity will permanently damage the integrated voltage regulators.
• Each battery must be able to reliably supply the model independently; redundancy through two independent power sources is recommended.
• Keep all components dry and dust-free.

c) Commissioning and Operation

• A full range test must be performed before the first flight.
• Before each use, check the function of all channels and telemetry data.
• Use only approved batteries and observe the permissible voltage ranges.
• Install in the model mechanically stress-free and vibration-damped.
• The use of two receivers is strongly recommended to ensure fail-safety. Place receivers as far apart from each other as possible.
• Before each flight, activate both batteries separately and check voltage values.
• Place only in dry environments – never bring into contact with water, moisture, or fuel.
• Before each flight, check all connections, cables, and telemetry data.
• Never open the device – this leads to loss of warranty.

d) Approval Information

This device complies with the requirements of 2011/65/EU + 2015/863/EU (RoHS) and 2014/30/EU (EMC). 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. Hand it in for proper disposal at a designated collection point (observe WEEE directive).

14. Disclaimer of Liability

Neither compliance with the installation instructions nor the conditions during operation of the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2, nor the maintenance of the entire remote control system, can be monitored by us. Therefore, we accept no liability for losses, damages, or costs arising from the application and operation of the PowerBox DigiSwitch V2 or related in any way. To the extent permitted by law, the obligation for compensation, for whatever legal reason, is limited to the invoice amount of the products from our company involved in the event.

We wish you every success with your new PowerBox DigiSwitch V2!

Donauwörth, July 2025