Please NOTE: This is a comparison betweent he Powerbox 40/24 unit (NOT the powerbuss pro) and the Emcotec DPSI RV LDO 12-channel unit. This post has been edited to reflect this correction.


I just installed one of the new Emcotec DPSI RV "LDO" powerboxes in my 40% Composite-Arf. In my OTHER 40% plane I have the "Powerbox 40/24". the Emcotec is sold by DA, the Powerbox by Aircraft International, Duralite, and several other sources. In the next few weeks I'll be going over them with a fine-toothed digital oscilloscope, looking at how they handle the rigors of flying, comparing features, and generally thrashing them as hard as possible so I can make an informed comparison of the two units.

For starters, though .. here's a few items to compare:

The Emcotec, with electronic switch, lists for $329 . .The Powerbox 40/24, for 250 or so, but you have to buy a $75 switch package, so the prices are about the same.

The Powerbox will handle 4 servos/channel for 6 channels. . the Emcotec will handle 6 channels with 4 servos, 4 with 2 servos, and 2 with a single servo each.

Both are rated at 40-50 Amps constant current.

Both "equalize" the battery packs voltage, efectively draining the packs charge at an equalized rate so that both packs are within .05 volts of eachother at all times.

The Powerbox has an LED voltage indicator for each battery, the Emcotec does not

The Emcotec is adjustable from 4.5-6 volts output, the Powerbox stabilizes voltage to the receiver only at 4.8-5 volts, and regulates power to the servos at 6 volts.

Both electronically isolate signal to the servos preventing feedback interference form reaching the receiver or other servos.

The Powerbox is an "open circuit" unit, with the circuitry open to outside contamination, the Emcotec is a semi-sealed unit, that has all the circuitry inside a sealed casing, except for the semi-exposed servo lead ports.

The Powerbox has the receiver leads hard-soldered to the motherboard, while the Emcotec uses plug-in dual-servo leads for this purpose. The leads, all 12 of them, are supplied with the unit.

The Powerbox sellers claim it is necessary for the circuitry to be open to airflow for cooling of the regulator circuits, the Emcotec suppliers claim that this is not needed and the casing acts as a heat sink to slough off excess heat.

There will, of course, be supporters and detractors in each units corner. I've "heard" a lot of noise out of the Powerbox camp, but little out of the Emcotec side. To me, they both seem like good units, which is why I intend to go through them, comparing feature for feature, and circuit and signal purity to see which one comes out on top.

Suggestions for tests, comments from other people using either unit, and any problems encountered with either unit are, of course, welcome.