Power Expanders?
 

What is everybody using for equal power distrubition. I'm looking at the EQ10 by Smart-Fly and just wondering what people think of it. Maybe just let me know what you are using and why?

Dale

RE: Power Expanders?
 

power box, emcotec , wetronic and act (dual channel). based on how many servos. if few servos then no need for power management just use a good regulater.

RE: Power Expanders?
 

i use a power expander 14mz in my 40% IMAC planes. I might do the same with my tamjet f-16, even though it is not necessary.

RE: Power Expanders?
 

I think U were asking "which", not "if".

I went w/ Powerbox. When I bought it from Dreamworks tho, Todd seemed to express a preference for Smartfly (?)

I think you need to exhaustively research both of those brands' lines of products to evaluate YOUR own needs. Lay out the features side by side and then ask Someone like Todd who's been around a long time (and sells BOTH brands) to help you decide. I find him to be honest and helpful and he actually talked me OUT of purchasing an accessory I'd called to order once because he thought it was a waste of money.

My own choice for Powerbox 40/24 competition was based on wanting to stay within the same brand after deciding to buy the RRS (redundant reciever system). I also loved the external batt warning led's, the dual batt features, the nicd/lipo switching, and the RF suppression ceramics.

Since my purchase [:@] they've come out w/ the ROYAL, which incorporates the RRS into the P-box.

Their line is extensive, the website well laid out and informative. [link]http://www.modellbau-deutsch.com/e/powerbox_systeme/produktuebersicht/start.php[/link]

I'm sure the Smarftfly folks are just as good.

It's a complex decision. Good luck!!

PS; in all fairness to you (and counter to so many opinions you'll read) I want to admit up front that I really don't know what the hell I'm talking about.:D But I hope I've helped you to become someone who does!!

RE: Power Expanders?
 

Dig It,

You will not be disappointed witht he EQ-10 AT ALL. Bob Ritchie puts out a great product and provides great customer service, not that you'll need it because you won't have any problems. Most of his calls are from people who don't read the manual.

I won't build another turbine without an EQ-10!

RE: Power Expanders?
 

Because I didn't need the servo output distro of the EQ10, I'm using the Smart-Fly [link=http://www.smart-fly.com/Products/Regulator/3.htm]SuperReg[/link] with their failsafe switch. I've got them in more than airframe. As near as I can tell that regulator is all but bullet proof.

RE: Power Expanders?
 

Thanks for the replies. Just what I was looking for. I'll do some more reading and go from there, but I'll be between the powerbox and the EQ-10, I think...


Dale

RE: Power Expanders?
 

How many servos do you need to match? How many channels will you be using on your project?

RE: Power Expanders?
 

Well...

2 Ailerons
2 Flaps - matched
2 Stabs matched to nose steering
2 rudders
retracts
wheel brakes
air brake
throttle to ecu

RE: Power Expanders?
 

After the Weatronic receivers came out, I can't see why you would want to have more than one unit combining these functions:
- 2 receivers
- 2 antennas
- power distribution
- 2 battery connections
- servo matching/reversing
- gyro
- gps
- upgradable software
- memory card with flight statistics like preferred battery, preferred antenna, glitches (if any) etc..
- full 2D or 3D flight readout on your PC with the bundled software (with the GPS-version)

I think almost 50% of the guys in Jets of Norway are already using them, and none of us are connected/sponsored by the factory,
it just seems to be a superior product. Great range, no glitches so far and the built-in security of 2 receivers and twin power sources.

Just my 2c... :D
Tor

RE: Power Expanders?
 

Powerbox, Emcotec, Smart Fly and Weatronic all great products all have advantages and disadvantages. Pick whichever 1 fits your budget. I have used Smart Fly and Weatronic both great products. I have a DPSI 2001 RV but haven't used it yet. All 4 of these manufactures have great support.

RE: Power Expanders?
 

It looks like the eq10 will be a good fit for your project. The eq 10 is a great tool for mateing servos, it's built in equalizers are very high resolution for precise matching.

Will you be useing a regulator in your setup?

RE: Power Expanders?
 

I haven't decided on batteries yet.

Dale

RE: Power Expanders?
 

The reason I ask is Smart Fly is starting production on a new powersystem. It is called the EQ-6 powersystem. It is an 8 channel unit that as servo equalization on 6 channels. It also has the adjustable voltage regulator built in. With this unit I could run my Flash on 6 channels. (brakes and retracts are one valve) This system will be available with either the Turbo Reg or Super Reg. It also has an optical ignition kill built in for electronic ignition gas engines. Like the EQ 10 it also has the failsafe switch built in. It should be available by Xmas.

RE: Power Expanders?
 

I was personally leaning there except that I plan to convert to 2.4 asap and didn't want to be stuck w/ an "obsolete" dual recvr. No flames from w-tronic desciples plz, just my personal choice.

RE: Power Expanders?
 

Will the EQ-6 be for NiMh or LiPo? Or both?

Dale

RE: Power Expanders?
 

Both. It has a built in regulator, so you can use whatever power source you would like.

RE: Power Expanders?
 

I went to the shop and snapped a photo of both units. The Turbo reg unit is the final prototype, the super reg version in the picture is the first proto, it is missing the ignition kill transmiter on the front of the unit (the black knob). The final version of the Super reg EQ 6 is already installed in a plane.

RE: Power Expanders?
 

Great news. My only complaint on Smartfly was 2 seperate units. Couple questions. Can you get it without kill switch and is the EQ-10 going to be combined with Super Reg.
Thanks

RE: Power Expanders?
 

Smart Fly will be selling the unit without the Ign kill receiver that connects to the Ignition module. I don't think the eq 10 will be integrated into an all in one unit, I think that the next "Super Unit" will be more even more channels. I know that Robert is working on some very cool features for the big unit. I don't have any idea when I will have a prototype unit to start flight testing.