More and more pilots are keen to build models which are not only 100% true to scale visually, but also lack nothing in terms of working systems. Naturally these functions include a fully controllable lighting system which simulates every function of the full-size machine. The newly developed LightBox SR from PowerBox Systems can control different light sequences in your model, and is easy to set up using the Terminal PC interface, which is available at no charge. For this the PowerBox USB Interface is required. The interface is child’s play to operate, and provides the user with every option required to set up the airborne lighting system individually.

The system caters for landing lights, flashers, double flash, and simulated beacons, and even an afterburner control system. The intervals and burn times for the flashing light function are user-variable, as is the speed of rotation for the beacon. The switching point for all functions is also user-variable. Only one channel is required to switch the various lighting circuits on and off independently.

As you would expect, the LightBox SR is pre-configured in such a way that it can be used immediately, without any adjustment. Landing lights, two flashers and one beacon can be switched on and off by a PWM signal.

The special feature of the LightBox SR is, that it can also process serial signals! The LightBox SR is compatible with all current bus systems, such as Futaba S-BUS, Spektrum SRXL, HoTT SUMD, Jeti UDI, JR X-BUS and Multiplex M-Link. This means that it is also possible to control all four outputs using different channels – and all this with only one cable! The LightBox SR is very simple to incorporate into an existing bus system, and can be installed at any location in the model.

A further highlight is the power supply for the LightBox SR: the outputs can either be powered directly from the receiver, or from an external battery; In the latter case the input voltage range is from 2.5 V to 13 V. A special circuit is present which automatically switches over to the external power supply when an external battery is connected. The external battery can be left plugged in when the system is switched off: the external battery is switched to stand-by as soon as the RC system is turned off.

To ensure that safety also has priority, all outputs are fitted with special fuses. This is particularly important when power is supplied through the receiver, as the output must be isolated if a short-circuit occurs in a cable. The fuses automatically reset themselves when the overload is eliminated.

A further feature is a user-variable voltage threshold, which switches the lighting system off when the battery is almost depleted; this ensures that the battery cannot become deep-discharged.

Naturally the unit includes integral fail-safe detection which causes all connected outputs to flash continuously if the signal is lost.