Operating Instructions
Digi-Switch
Dear customer,
Congratulations on your decision to purchase the Digi-Switch from our range.
This innovative product is the world’s first multi-function switch system, developed and pro-
duced by PowerBox Systems (Modellbau-Deutsch). Designed specifically for use with
modern, lightweight Lithium-Polymer cells, the unit incorporat es an ultra-reliable electronic
switch which provides a substantial improvement in switch security.
The robust switch housing accommodates the modern electronic switch itself, a highperformance linear IC-controlled voltage stabilization circuit and a four-stag e voltage monitor (LED: green, orange, red, flashing red) designed for use with a two-cell (7.4 V) LiPo battery.
The dual connecting leads have a conductor cross-section of 0.34 mm², and are both soldered directly (i.e. in a straight line) to extra-wide solder pads, where they are encased in a
special support adhesive for additional protection from possible vibration damage.
We recommend the Digi-Switch for the following applications and types of model:
- Small to medium-sized model aircraft with up to five standard-sized servos
- F3A models - for which it is the perfect solution
- Gliders with up to seven or more servos, according to servo size, model size and type
of flying (thermal flying or aerobatics)
- Helicopters, electric or glow-powered, with a rotor diameter of up to 1.0 m and max. fiv e
standard servos
- RC cars - electric or glow-powered (1 : 10 to 1 : 8)
- Model boats
- Ignition systems for petrol engines designed to be operated on the voltage of a four-cell
NC battery (DA, ZDZ and many others)
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Digi-Switch
Operation:
The only control on the Digi-Switch is the push-button, which makes it extremely easy to
use. All this button does is pass the switch signal to the elec tronic switch; the button itself
has nothing to do with the actual switching of the current.
Connect a two-cell (7.40 V) Lithium-Polymer battery to the battery lead, which is fitted with
a Universal connector. Take care to connect the pack with correct polarity.
Caution: connecting a battery with reversed polarity will destroy the switch’s integral
regulator IC.
When you connect the battery, the LED immediately glows green (safety circuit).
You can now connect the consumer system (receiver, ignition unit etc.) to the second connecting lead.
To switch the circuit off, hold the sensor button pressed in for about 0.5 seconds. The LED
now glows orange. Immediately press the button a second time briefly. T he LED goes out,
and the Digi-Switch is switched off.
To switch the circuit on, hold the sensor button pressed in until the LED glows orange (0.5
sec.). Immediately press the button a second time briefl y. The LED now glows green, and
the circuit is switched on.
The process of pressing the button twice, with a precisely defined inter val, eliminates the
possibility of the switch being turned off accidentally, e.g. by vibration.
If the LED glows orange or red instead of green when you switch the circuit on, this indicates that the battery connected to it is not fully charged, or is even discharged. If this
should occur we recommend that you recharge the LiPo pack with a suitable battery
charger before using it again.
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Digi-Switch
The current handling capacity of the Digi-Switch stated in the Specification (2 - 3A) does
not relate to the switching capacity of the Digi-Switch, but to the capacit y of the regulator
when cooled with good efficiency. To ensure that th e unit is cooled e ffectivel y, and i s ther efore able to provide its full performance, we have attached a heat-sink to the outside of the
Digi-Switch. The switch is normally installed in the out side wall of the model, a nd the he atsink is therefore constantly subjected to a flow of air when the model is in fli ght. The silvercolored internal heat-sink is soldered to the regulator circuit board for maximum heat transfer. The heat-sink is mounted in a recess in the housing which ensures that it is not covered
completely even if the switch is installed imperfectly. In electronic terms, the Digi-Switch
regulator and associated components are designed for up to 12 A (according to manufac turers’ specifications).
If the heat-sink of the Digi-Switch should become ver y hot in use (above 60°C), you can
assume that the servos installed in the model are consuming a disproportio nate amount of
energy. The first remedy should be to install the Digi-Switch in a different position in the
model (fuselage side, not concealed inside the fuselage), where it is subject to a better cooling airflow. If this is not sufficient, you should consider installing our Pow erBox Sensor,
which is designed to cope with higher currents.
If the maximum regulator capacity is inadequate for your system, or if the battery voltage
falls below the regulator voltage, the Digi-Switch will not switch on!
If you leave the Digi-Switch connected to the LiPo batter y when it is switched of f, then the
unit goes into “stand-by” mode. The idle current in this state is around 5.0 µA, which is
lower than the battery’s natural rate of self-discharge. Even so, we recommend that you
disconnect the LiPo battery from the switch if you know the model will not be used for a
long period.
Please don’t just throw away the inner packaging, as it i s designed to be used as a template for marking the switch aperture on the model. Cut the opening using a knif e or saw,
working slightly outside the marked line (see photo).
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Digi-Switch
Even though our product is very well protected from the effects of vibration, the Digi-
Switch should always be mounted in a part of the model where vibration levels are relatively low.
Please note the following point:
The GRP fuselage sides of a large power model are not suitable for mounting the DigiSwitch - nor any other type of switch - as they are always subject to considerable vibration.
You can remedy the situation by cutting a ply plate (2.5 - 3 mm thick) about 2 - 3 cm larger
than the switch aperture, and gluing it over the inside of the opening.
The plate damps the vibration, and at the same time provides plenty of “meat” for the switch
retaining screws to bite into.
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Digi-Switch
For your receiving system power supplies we particularly recommend our own make of
batteries: the PowerBox Battery 2800 or PowerBox Battery 1500. These packs feature
an integral electronic monitor / security circuit and charger (for 12 Volts and 110 / 220 Volts)
to ensure reliable charging. They feature low-voltage monitoring, are protected in a robust
case, and are supplied complete with a practical mounting frame.
During the in-house production process (these units are Made in Germany) each Digi-
Switch undergoes a series of tests. We take the maintenanc e of high quality standards
very seriously, and this includes bought-in items. That is why we are able to grant a 24
month guarantee on all our battery backer and switch systems. The guarante e covers
proven material faults, which will be corrected by us at no charge to you.
Misuse and maltreatment, such as reversed polarity connections, excessi ve voltage, damp,
external mechanical influences or damage (crash damage) or inappropriate mounting (serious vibration) invalidate the guarantee.
The guarantee does not cover any additional claims, such as consequent damage. We do
not accept liability for damage which is caused by the uni t or its use, because we are unable to ensure that it is installed and operated in accordance with our instructions.
Specification :
Voltage range : Two-cell LiPo battery, max. 8.40 Volt
Output voltage: 5.50 Volts (corresponding to a charged four-cell NC battery)
Regulator capacity: 2 - 3 Amps, according to cooling efficiency
Weight: 15 grammes, including cables
Temperature range : - 10° C to + 75° C
Accessories:
• Retaining screws
• Installation template
Order No.: 6410
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Digi-Switch
We wish you every success using your new Digi-Switch, and hope you have loads of fun
with it.
Donauwörth, September 2005
PowerBox Systems
Modellbau-Deutsch
Hindenburgstraße 33
86609 Donauwörth
Tel: +49-906-22559
Fax: +49-906-22459
info@PowerBox-Systems.com
www.PowerBox-Systems.com
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