A lil' history ...
This page describes a few new ideas in the area of power busses.  With the advent of more and more electric powered R/C models, there has begun a need for a "power-strip" like device in order to tidy up the multitude of power connectors plaguing the ordinary Do-It-Yourself R/Cer.  These devices are designed to be used as a "power bus" for your electric devices, those being brushless motor controllers (ESC), lighting systems, LiPo monitors, cooling fans, camera systems (snapshot and wireless video), and remote on-board telemetry systems to name just a few.

 

PLEASE BE ADVISED THOUGH THAT THIS IS SIMPLY A PASSIVE POWER BUS.  BOTH THE DEANS CONNECTIONS BUS AND THE MINI-CONNECTORS BUS SUPPLY IDENTICAL VOLTAGE AS THEY ARE TIED IN PARALLEL WITH THE BATTERY SOURCE.  THE REMOVABLE JUMPER LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE BOARD ALLOWS THE POSITIVE SIDE OF THE MINI BUS TO BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE MAIN BATTERY BUS.  WHEN THE JUMPER IS REMOVED/DISCONNECTED, YOU COULD THEN PLUG A BEC/REGULATOR INTO THE MAIN DEANS BUS AND THEN PLUG THE OUTPUT OF THE BEC/REGULATOR ONTO ONE OF THE MINI CONNECTORS ON THE MINI BUS.  IN THIS CONFIGURATION, ALL THE REMAINING MINI CONNECTORS WILL ALL PROVIDE A VOLTAGE SET BY THE BEC/REGULATOR. 

IF THE MINI CONNECTORS ARE NOT USED, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE JUMPER BE REMOVED SUCH THAT SHORTING OF THE MINI CONNECTORS WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE (better safe than sorry)

A FEW OTHER BUS DESIGNS ARE IN THE WORKS, PARTICULARLY ONE THAT INCLUDES AN ONBOARD USER PROGRAMMABLE VOLTAGE REGULATOR (5v-12v), AND OTHERS THAT INCLUDE MULTIPLE VOLTAGE REGULATED BUSSES, MAINLY FOR POWERING DEVICES THAT USE DIFFERENT VOLTAGE SOURCES.

I hope to soon add more information regarding this new VPB design, with help from an avid electric helicopter pilot from Scotland who originally requested such a device.  Below are a few pictures that show the initial design notes, a PCB design and final prototype which he is currently installing in his Corona helicopter.  I'll be sure to post more pictures and feedback. 

 

 

Parts ...

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Building Instructions...

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Testing & Operating Instructions...

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Additional Notes...
Summary of precautions:

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Earthmen Productions
© Dec-00-Mar-12

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