| PowerBox-Systems manufactures high-quality power supply equipment and has now been working for more than a year on its own independent radio control system. On the face of it, we may seem a little tardy in introducing a new 2.4 GHz RC system, but upon closer inspection, it is precisely this belated entry that gives us one unique advantage:
During the development of this new platform we have not been obliged to make any compromises with regard to compatibility with other systems, and this has enabled us to create new standards in the sphere of 2.4 GHz RC equipment. We placed top priority on the CORE’s security and functional stability.
Radio transmission and power supply
The radio link employs the thoroughly tested frequency-hopping process developed by the Weatronic company. This process is already renowned for its outstanding interference rejection and long-range. The CORE’s radio link features integral redundancy, which is monitored by the receiver. For example, if a fault should develop in a transmitting circuit, then the receiver immediately warns the user of this via telemetry. PowerBox is famous for its redundant power supplies, and the CORE’s power system naturally incorporates this: two separate Li-Ion battery units are used, each rated at 3400 mAh / 7.2 V, and the entire power regulation circuit is also duplicated - a feature currently available only in the CORE. The transmitter’s operating time is around ten hours, measured with the screen set to maximum brightness and the system at maximum load.
Telemetry
We believe that telemetry will increase very greatly in importance over the next few years, and the demands made upon it will intensify. For this reason, we have invested tremendous effort in developing this aspect of the system. At present, there are a few manufacturers of telemetry sensors, and the devices are already in use by many modelers. However, current transmitters’ telemetry systems are either unable to handle a large number of sensor values, or transmission speed is reduced markedly as the number of connected sensors rises. This is the aspect where the strength of the CORE system is most evident:
Telemetry handling and transmission have been the subject of a comprehensive redesign process, with the result that up to 240 sensors can be connected to the P²-BUS, each generating 32 data values, and the system is capable of transmitting up to 800 x 16-bit values per second. For the future, this level of performance opens up entirely new possibilities, such as real-time servo monitoring in the model. Our P²-BUS telemetry interface is accessible to third-party manufacturers, which means that customers are not obliged to switch to new sensors for their models; a software update of the sensor system would be sufficient. The configuration and parameter setting procedure for the telemetry system as a whole is conveniently carried out from the transmitter using the radio link.
Linux with smartphone features
The basis of the CORE transmitter is a modern, high-performance Linux PC, which is controlled entirely using the integral touch-screen. The software’s basic look and feel are identical to the typical smartphone. An intuitive user interface provides fast access to all associated settings, with the result that models can be programmed with the minimum of input effort.
Every feature of the user interface has been programmed using Toolkit Qt. Nowadays this development environment is virtually the standard in the sphere of Embedded GUIs and is employed by many renowned manufacturers.
| | The transmitter screen is manufactured to the specification of PowerBox-Systems and is very clearly legible even in bright sunshine. A light touch on the surface of the capacitive touchpad is all that is required. The smart keys (quick-select buttons) located at the bottom edge of the screen provide instant access to important functions such as Servo Monitor and Screen Lock. Internal data communication is implemented via the CAN-BUS. This proven bus system is absolutely ideal for our use and has already been employed successfully in the car and aviation industries for several decades. Clear evidence of our system’s high-speed processing is found in the Servo Monitor: when the transmitter controls are moved, the screen responds totally in real-time! As standard, the Linux computer features OpenGL support, which provides almost unlimited scope for graphics, even in the future.
Features
In terms of physical controls, the transmitter is fully expanded as standard - with the exception of the stick-switches. If these are required, they can be retro-fitted by the customer himself or by our Service Department; the transmitter’s hardware provides the appropriate sockets. The standard controls are two primary stick units machined from the solid, exploiting Hall sensors with 16-bit resolution and a further four linear controls. These are also based on totally wear-free Hall sensor technology, and each features twin ball races.
The transmitter is equipped with eight toggle switches, of which the bottom pair are two-position types; all the others are three-position switches. However, this arrangement can be altered at any time by the user; for example, it would be possible to fit latching switches or switches with different-length toggles. If the customer so desires, potentiometers could even be fitted. The inputs for the transmitter controls are designed to offer maximum flexibility. Another new feature in the overall design is the pair of momentary switches to the left and right of the primary sticks: these are the perfect choice for controlling wheel brakes, electric starters, or smoke pumps.
Look and feel
When you pick up and hold the CORE transmitter, you immediately feel at home with it: all the switches are laid out in the pattern familiar from other High-End systems. Our aim has always been to give pilots a professional “tool” that they can immediately use to the full. The Alcantara leather hand-holds facings are immediate evidence that this is a very high-grade device. And just as important: the transmitter simply fits perfectly in the hands.
High-speed signal transmission
The CORE provides 26 channels, each with a 4096-bit resolution. Despite this, the control data are transmitted using a 10 ms frame rate with zero delays. All channels have a full resolution, and there are no limitations to the frame rate.
Further highlights
Special features of the transmitter include integral GPS, a 9-axis motion sensor, USB, and a WLAN socket. Amongst other uses, the latter is employed for updating the software for the entire system. Receivers can be updated very conveniently via the radio link, i.e. it is not even necessary to remove them from the model. |
