PowerBox Baselog
05-16-2010 | 08:31 PM
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From: Jasper,
GA
PowerBox Baselog
I always use a battery backup and dual regulator system in my planes and I just installed and flew the PowerBox BaseLog system for the first time today. Thought I would share my observations.
The really nice feature of this unit is the very bright, very clear OLed display. It shows a significant amount of data for each battery, including actual voltage in digital and graphic form, system output voltage, time since last reset, remaining capacity in both digital and graphic form and a parameter called minimum value memory. This takes the form of a black line on the graphic voltage display that shows the minimum voltage during the flight. On a LiPO battery, for instance, the graphic display has a range of 6.8 to 8.4 volts. If the voltage drops to a low of 7.6 volts during use, the black bar will appear approximately at the mid point of the graphic voltage display. The significant value of this data is that it will point to batteries that may not be up to the loads imposed, particularly if they develop problems as they age.
I am experimenting with A123 and the BaseLog handles these along with LiPo, NiMH and NiCd. Battery chemistry is selected in programming mode using the Sensor Switch that comes with the unit. No extra programming device needed. Battery capacity and output voltage are also programming selections, as is the reset function. The unit utilizes high capacity multiplex connectors for input and output, but Duralite Flight Systems has patch cords available for all major receiver systems on the output side. The BaseLog measures 2.5 by 3.25 by .75 inches and weighs a very light 3.2 ounces. The unit will handle peak current of up to 20 amps on each side.
The BaseLog has one other unique and very interesting feature. In keeping with coming telemetry trends, the unit is capable of transmitting real time battery information utilizing either the Multiplex or Spektrum telemetry standards. Spektrum already supports telemetry for surface use, and recently announced an air transmitter with telemetry capability at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. I suspect that it will only be a short wait before a telemetry capable receiver is available. I called them to see if I could get any info and they hinted that there would be an annoucement in June, but left me guessing as to what it would be.
While the Baselog doesn't directly display current info, it does keep track of the mah used, so you can actually track average current utilization per flight pretty easily.
The unit is available from Duralite Flight Systems here in the US.
The really nice feature of this unit is the very bright, very clear OLed display. It shows a significant amount of data for each battery, including actual voltage in digital and graphic form, system output voltage, time since last reset, remaining capacity in both digital and graphic form and a parameter called minimum value memory. This takes the form of a black line on the graphic voltage display that shows the minimum voltage during the flight. On a LiPO battery, for instance, the graphic display has a range of 6.8 to 8.4 volts. If the voltage drops to a low of 7.6 volts during use, the black bar will appear approximately at the mid point of the graphic voltage display. The significant value of this data is that it will point to batteries that may not be up to the loads imposed, particularly if they develop problems as they age.
I am experimenting with A123 and the BaseLog handles these along with LiPo, NiMH and NiCd. Battery chemistry is selected in programming mode using the Sensor Switch that comes with the unit. No extra programming device needed. Battery capacity and output voltage are also programming selections, as is the reset function. The unit utilizes high capacity multiplex connectors for input and output, but Duralite Flight Systems has patch cords available for all major receiver systems on the output side. The BaseLog measures 2.5 by 3.25 by .75 inches and weighs a very light 3.2 ounces. The unit will handle peak current of up to 20 amps on each side.
The BaseLog has one other unique and very interesting feature. In keeping with coming telemetry trends, the unit is capable of transmitting real time battery information utilizing either the Multiplex or Spektrum telemetry standards. Spektrum already supports telemetry for surface use, and recently announced an air transmitter with telemetry capability at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. I suspect that it will only be a short wait before a telemetry capable receiver is available. I called them to see if I could get any info and they hinted that there would be an annoucement in June, but left me guessing as to what it would be.
While the Baselog doesn't directly display current info, it does keep track of the mah used, so you can actually track average current utilization per flight pretty easily.
The unit is available from Duralite Flight Systems here in the US.
