Power Box or Power Expander

[invert0914]

Ok guys another question I need help with. I already have duralite batteries. I have no problems with using 2 batteries , 2 switches into one JR 649s 9 channel receiver. Have decided to better my odds by upgrading to new tech. So the question is why pay 249 for a power box when I can pay 99 for a power expander. HELP PLEASE ALL YOU ELECTRIC GODS.

[invert0914]

I had hoped for some input on the differance between the powerbox or power expander. Once more if there is anyone who can tell me why buy one over the other i would be very greatful.

[3Dkid330]

I think that if you need servo matching, built in regulators, RF filters, etc (the neat built in features of the Powerbox, made by Duralite also I think) then the Powerbox seems like the way to go. I have a Power Expander ready to install into one of my planes, have not turned it on yet but it seems like a great unit too. I don't think it has servo matching or built in regs, but it does have RF filters. (I am pretty sure it does) I think They both will isolate the receiver, keeping the voltage to the RX at around 5 volts and power to the servos at 6v. I am not an expert at them so someone with experience with both can chime in.

[invert0914]

thanks for the input. i have duralite regs already in my cap do you still need them with the power expander. I don't need the servo matching they already are.

[Imac Kiwi]

http://www.smart-fly.com/Products/Expander/expander.htm

With your set up, it sounds like all you need is a power expander.

[ShortBus]

With the power expander you will still need regulators and some type of matching device.

I would just go with the power expander.

[Imac Kiwi]

	Quote: Originally Posted by invert0914
	thanks for the input. i have duralite regs already in my cap do you still need them with the power expander. I don't need the servo matching they already are.

He already has regs and no need for servo matching.

[invert0914]

You guys are awesome!!!!!! Now if one battery kicks the bucket will it draw on the other or does it issolate it and continue to fly off the good one. Also are Jr heavy duty charge switches still good to use or use another type with the expander and if so which is best. I also have to take the hatch off the plane to check the duralites. is there any way to have the charge leads incorperated in a swich or do they have speacial connectors that the charge plugs slide into that you mount on the plane?

[Vic3D]

	Quote: Originally Posted by invert0914
	You guys are awesome!!!!!! Now if one battery kicks the bucket will it draw on the other or does it issolate it and continue to fly off the good one. Also are Jr heavy duty charge switches still good to use or use another type with the expander and if so which is best. I also have to take the hatch off the plane to check the duralites. is there any way to have the charge leads incorperated in a swich or do they have speacial connectors that the charge plugs slide into that you mount on the plane?

Power Expander has two battery inputs so if one of them goes south it will just continue to draw energy from the good one.

For the charge leads, just buy some JR HD Switches, they have the charge jack integrated so you can read ur batts without taking the hatch off.

Vic

[invert0914]

I have the heavy duty jr charge switches now but when I check the voltage there is a big drop if you check them through there vs through the charge plugs directly. Any sugestions

[Rolling Thunder]

The power expander should work great for you. The new expanders also have charge jacks and the failsafe switch built into the unit.

This weekend I put the first flight on a new prototype power expander that has built in equilizers. You can adjust all 10 channels for subtrim, ATV and servo reversing. It will be a great unit when it hits the market.

[3Dkid330]

Agree with all of the above, If you have Regs and Servo matching already, PowerExpander is the way to go. If not, the PowerBox has most of the stuff in one package, but more expensive.

Brandon

[adrian]

give the weatronic system a look - interesting and covers all the basis

[notorious_benny]

I am running the new Power Box Evo. Its only a basic one but does the most important functions. Good price IMO too.

[Kiwi]

Tony.

I had a sneak preveiw of the new Power Expander 10 channel with fully programmable end points and neutrals a few days back. I have to say Robert from Smart-Fly burnt some midnight oil putting that design together.

That thing is going to be a real kick a$$ device as it actually allows you set all the channels as opposed to just four in the other option. You can use NiMh packs direct to it without a regulator, the fail safe switch is built in to the unit and the charge jacks for each pack are also built in.

It is going to be a winner by the looks of it.

Kiwi