Powerbox or Emcotec

[RustyTumbles]

I am looking into using a dual power interface/power distrubution device in my next model, to get away from running batteries, and high power servo's straight from the reciver. The model will be in the 28-30% range and all servos will be digital. I'd also like to use li-ion cells to save some weight. My problem is I don't know which device to use. I like the powerbox 40/24 competition as well as the Emcotec DPSI RV Mini. Which one would be better suited to the 28-30% aircraft? and why? The Emcotec sounds like it has more features than the powerbox but that may be the way the sales pitch come across. What do you guys think??

[excelpoint]

Rusty on a 28%-30% model it is not needed. A 28% model(2.3 for eg) you only need one servo per surface including rudder. The only thing you will need would be regulators if you are using lipolys or li Ions

[Kiwi]

Rusty,

Heres a picture of my 2.3 setup. It's a small overkill in some ways but it gives me great peice of mind that I have a system that is as rugged as I can get.

It has a turbo regulator and Power Expander from Smartfly. Two 2400 Fromeco packs and I have a C Volt meter so I can see whats doing as far as voltage goes by roughing up the sticks. It is a true dual power system with filtered signal for the servos as well as an amplified servo signal. Forget about glitching or crazy servo spazms with this setup. And it weighs nothing.

Price wise you wont beat it. I have powerboxes and use them on some of my bigger planes. But that is only because I had them otherwise the Smart-Fly gear is more than sufficient.

If you need any help mate PM me or ask here in the open. Either way if I can help I will.

Kiwi

[notorious_benny]

I have to agree with Matt here Rusty! I actually ran my Yak for nearly a year with two batts running straight into the one rx, and it worked fine. I moved to a powerbox only because blew up a reg and couldnt replace it (with exactly the same one) in time for an event and so ordered my powerbox.

Having said that the little powerbox that I use is great for smaller aircraft and I think it cost me 350 bucks

Check them out here......... But if you get one, get it from Howie, he does the same price.

http://www.intairco.net/default.asp?...cat=195&id=836

[TheTank]

I have two 35% airplanes both running one reciever without a power distribution system and both are fine. I dont know if the advantages will be worth the weight in a 27-30% bird. If you do decide to do it, I would go the inexpensive route and go with the Smart Fly Power Expander, or maybe the Emcotec Mini. I am running the Emcotec DSPI-RV LDO in my 37.5% Yak, and is performing flawlessly so far. In that size bird, only running one reciever, I definetly feel better running a system like that to distribute the power.

[RustyTumbles]

	Quote: Originally Posted by notorious_benny
	I have to agree with Matt here Rusty! I actually ran my Yak for nearly a year with two batts running straight into the one rx, and it worked fine. I moved to a powerbox only because blew up a reg and couldnt replace it (with exactly the same one) in time for an event and so ordered my powerbox. Having said that the little powerbox that I use is great for smaller aircraft and I think it cost me 350 bucks Check them out here......... But if you get one, get it from Howie, he does the same price. http://www.intairco.net/default.asp?...cat=195&id=836

I realise it may be a little bit of an overkill, but the piece of mind that the RX isn't going to burn out (which I have seen happen) would be good. Up to now I have always run my batts striaght into the Rx without a problem. However I have only been using 3-4 high torque digitals at once with the remainder being anolog servos. So if the weight penalty is only minor why not use a power distrubution system and have piece of mind. I'm not after the top of the range 40% setup. Just something that is simple to use, can reliably run to power pack, and will allow me to run/match multiple servo's off one channel for elevator's, etc.

Kiwi,

I have looked at the smartfly gear also. The only thing I don't like about it is the regs and power expander are seperate unit which can make mounting room and issue. I'm not saying I wouldn't use it because of that, but I prefer the all in one unit like the powerbox and emcotec. What did your setup cost you? is it easy to setup and use?

[notorious_benny]

JR 1000 rx can easily handle the current drain of 8 JR 8511's. I, and quite a few other modellers I know have proven this.

I even accidently ran it unregulated ie 7.4volts for a flight without incident. If you are looking at a 30% model you will be looking at single servos per surface, so 5 maybe 6 high torque digi's tops. Spend the dosh on a qualiy reciever dont get too caught up in powerbox's unless you go to a 35%/ 100cc class model.

[bryan01601]

I ahve to think it is way overkill in a 30% bird as well. The 30% class of plane become very porky quick and I would save weight rather than have a power expander set up in a plane of that size. I used to run 2 lipos 2400mha and 2 MPI regulated miracle switches into one reciver on my 2.3m composite arf. On my 35% yak I went with apower expander and like it for ease of use and being simple. On my 42% extra I went with the Powerbox because it gave me the power distribution and regulators all in one. I did not go with the one with servo matching as I would have to plug and unplug 10 connections everytime I fly.

FYI for what it is worth. Qui Qui runs 1 reciever and matchboxes in all his planes and does not use a power distribution device. He says JR tested the powerbus of thier recievers to 60 amps and neverhad a problem. They stopped testing any higher beacuse they thought 60 amps was unrealistic for any airplane application.

[RustyTumbles]

	Quote: Originally Posted by bryan01601
	FYI for what it is worth. Qui Qui runs 1 reciever and matchboxes in all his planes and does not use a power distribution device. He says JR tested the powerbus of thier recievers to 60 amps and neverhad a problem. They stopped testing any higher beacuse they thought 60 amps was unrealistic for any airplane application.

WOW I did not know that!! I also run JR radio gear. The Rx I saw burn out was a futaba 9 channel. But that's what has made me re think my setup's when using high torque digitals.

Some say the weight penalties are very small (especially for the smartfly power expander and the emcotec mini) only appox 150 grams. I'm sure thats not going to hurt a 30% model a great deal.

Maybe the powerbox is an overkill, so the smartfly or emcotec mini may be a better option. Does the emcotec mini have servo matching?

[notorious_benny]

Why do you need servo matching Rusty? I thought you were looking at a Pro Built 28 percenter? You will only need a single rudder servo on that puppy. Hitec 5955 should do it.

The 3.3 Yak that was flying in Cootamundra was running two 5955's on the rudder, thats it!!!

[RustyTumbles]

Sorry disreguard that I was still thinking of the bipe which uses an extra channel. I will still be using the JR 2610 Tx.

But if I was to use the emcotec, wouldn't it be easier to use the multiple servo slots instead of running mixers??

[notorious_benny]

?? I dont get it. I am not familiar with the capabilities of the 2610. On my 9x you just plug left aileron into AUX 1 and left elevator into AUX 2 and away you go!!