Manual

Digital Multifunctional RC-Soundunit

TBS Mini

Set control mode at delivery

O Encoder (PROP3) O Direct sound selection (PROP2)

-> Page 5 -> Page 7

O Indirect sound selection (PROP3) O Autostart

-> Page 8 -> Seite 9

Loaded sound: _________________________________________________

Flashing output: O None O Out1 O Out2

Comment: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

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 1. Features

The TBS Mini is developed for all kind of RC controlled models, including airplanes, tanks,
trucks, crawlers,...
It is a enhanced version of the proofed TBS Micro soundunit.

 Fully customer programmable. Your own sounds can be loaded!

 Large soundlibrary of original recordings available. Please check www.benedini.de
 Soundquality 22KHz, 8Bit
 Capability to play two sounds simultaneously (engine and one special sound)
 16Mbit soundmemory, enough for 93sec. at 22KHz
 Internal amplifier with 1,2W at 8 Ohm speaker
 External high power amplifiers available
 Remote volume control (depending on control mode)
 Up to 6 switching outputs
- Triggerable by sound (f.e. Muzzle flashing) or independantly (universal switching unit)
- Switching-, momentary- or flashing mode adjustable
 Only one proportional channel necessary to control all functions of the unit.
 Speed signal derived from the receiver. This allows combination with brushless or brushed
motors.
 Horizontal plug connections. This allows total electric isolation by shrinking plastic tube.
 Very little dimensions and weight
 USB or RS232 programming cable available (optional)
 Totally programmable by the free of charge software “TBS Flash”:
- You can load your own sounds or any of the Benedini sounds available at
www.benedini.de
– Firmware update! This means you have always the latest software at you unit.
– FREE OF CHARGE sound libraries available at www.benedini.de

The TBS Mini soundunit can be fully configured by the optional programming cable and a
common PC. Please see the separate programming manual.

The unit can be controlled by a spare proportional channel by one of the following modes:

 12-position encoder (combination of rotary switch and push button)

 3-position switch for direct sound selection
 3-position switch for indirect sound selection
 Autostart (without any additional proportional channel for control)

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2. Connection

Plugs (from top to bottom)

1. 8 Ohm speaker or ext. amplifier

2. Prop1 Input (Speed IN)
Learn Button
3. Prop1 Output (Speed OUT)
4. Prop2 Input (Receiver), optional
5. Prop3 Input (Control channel)
6. PWM1 (Servosignal 1) or Out 10
Prog. Cable
7. PWM2 (Servosignal 2) or Out 11
8. Out 1+2 switching output
9. Out 3+4 switching output

Watch plug orientation

!!! ORANGE (or white) signal lead always on TOP !!!

Top: Signal (orange)

Center: Power (red)
Bottom: GND (black)

Speaker PROP 1 PROP 1 PROP 2 PROP 3 PWM 1 PWM 2 OUT OUT

/ Ampl. In Out In In (OUT10) (OUT 11) 1+2 3+4

Speaker Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal Signal OUT 2 OUT 4

Plus (Input) (Output) (Input) (Input) (Output) (Output) (negative) (negative)

Speaker
Power Power Power Power Power Power Power Power
Minus

Out 1 OUT 3
Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground
(negative) (negative)

Speaker connection:
If a speaker is connected directly at the TBS Mini, make sure using the Speaker Plus and Speaker
Minus pins (upper two ones). You must NOT use the Ground pin at the speaker connector!
Use 8 Ohm speaker.

Switching outputs (Out 1..4, Out10, Out11)

All outputs are switching to NEGATIVE of the receiver supply voltage. PLUS is available at the
center pins of the according plugs.
Out 10 is available at the PWM1 plug
Out 11 is available at the PWM2 plug

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 2.1. Installation schematic
See also last page !

Programming by USB
Prog.cable
Amplifier (Sound und Parameter)
(optional)

speaker

ESC + BEC

Battery

Receiver

Speed

Optional
Control

optional

Universal switching outputs

- + OUT 2
Z

Z - OUT 1
+

- + OUT 4
Z

Z - OUT 3
+

Resistors for LEDs

All switching outputs (Out1-6) can be configured to different modes (switching, latching, flashing) and
can be routed to different sounds for simultaneous action. Most common is using them for gun muzzle
flashing. High power LEDs, including pre wired cable sets are available.

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First setup
Important:
! Watch safety aspects at the end of this manual before first flight !

The TBS Mini is delivered full programmed and ready to run, according to your order.
It MUST only be teached to the radio!

The set control mode of the TBS Mini is checked at the first page of this manual.
Please see the following chapters how to teach the Mini according to the set control mode:
Encoder: Page: 5
Direct sound selection: Page: 7
Indirect sound selection: Page: 8
Autostart: Page: 9

!! Any changes on the sound system should be made AFTER the first setup was successfully !!

Remote volume control

If “Encoder” or “Indirect sound selection” control mode is used, the volume can be set from the
transmitter.
Standard setting: Funktion Nr. 11: Volume up Nr. 12: Volume down
Operation:
Select the desired function and KEEP it triggered → Volume changes
If the desired volume is reached, release the trigger button.

3. Control modes
3.1. Encoder (12-Key coder)
The most comfortable way of controlling the sound unit is using the so called “12-position
encoder”. It consists of a 12 position rotary switch in combination with a push button. The desired
sound is selected by the rotary switch and is triggered by the push button.
The encoder is mounted in your transmitter and connected at a spare proportional channel.
It is optional and must be ordered separately!
After installation you should test the encoder by a common servo at the according receiver channel.
Keep the encoder push button pressed and move the rotary switch through all positions. The
attached servo must move to a new position at each rotary switch position. The total movement of
the servo should be about the same as at a normal joystick channels set to 100% travel.

Rotary switch for The total resistance of the encoder can be

sound selection adjusted to your TX by two solder bridges at
the rear side of the encoder pcb:

Connect to spare prop. BOTH bridges Total resistance

trigger switch
Channel of your TX. open app. 22 KOhm
closed app. 5 KOhm

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 The installation of the encoder in your transmitter is on your own risk
Proper functionality is not guaranteed at ALL transmitter brands / types

3.1.1. Push button encoder

A simple resistor array combined with some push buttons can be also used to control the
soundunit. This is only a suggestion and needs to be build by your own:
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11
P1 P2
390 390 390 390 390 390 390 390 390 390
820
5k
CW

CW
5k

R12 S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 R13

5k6 5k6

1
2
3
ST1

Zum Sender

You should check the operation by a common servo. Adjust the min. and max. travel range with
the potentiometers P1 and P2 in comparison to the travel at a common joystick channel(f.e.Ch1).

The installation of this circuit in your transmitter is on your own risk

Proper functionality is not guaranteed at ALL transmitter brands / types

3.1.2. Teaching the sound unit for encoder control

1) Power transmitter and receiver. LED blinks fast -> normal mode
Bring all joysticks to neutral position. Model must not move.
2) Press the TEACH. button until one beep occurs -> LED cont. lit.
At this moment all neutral / idle positions are stored.
3) Move throttle stick to your desired acceleration point (throttle stick position where
engine idle sound changes to moving sound) and push the button of the encoder.
-> A short sequence of acceleration is played
4) Move throttle stick to full speed and push the encoder button again
A short sequence of full speed is played.
5) Bring the encoder rotary switch to its first position and push the encoder button
-> Engine start/stop is stored to this position
Hint: The rotary switch has no mechanical limits. You can define any position as the
“first” one.
6) Bring the encoder rotary switch to the next position, wait about 2s and push the
encoder button again.
-> Reeving up the engine is stored to this position
7) Repeat step 6 until all 12 rotary switch positions are stored
8) After teaching all positions the sound unit beeps 3x and is back in normal operation
mode.

Hint:
If you are using the resistor network shown above instead of the encoder, each rotary switch
position is represented by one of the push buttons.

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3.2. Direct sound selection

If you want to run only the engine sound and ONE special sound (f.e. MG), you can use this
control mode.
You need a proportional channel having a 3 position switch or a common joystick channel.
A attached servo must leave its center/neutral position when the switch is pressed in one direction
and must return to its center position when the switch is released. Pushing the switch in the opposite
direction causes the servo moving to the other side.
Please compare the very left and very right positions of the servo with a common joystick channel.
They should be about the same.
This is the first test you should do before teaching the sound unit.

3.2.1. Teaching direct soundselection using Prop2 input (recommended)

The 3pos switch receiver channel must be connected to Prop2 input of the TBS Mini. Prop2 input
mode must be set to “Function ½” at the TBS Flash software. The desired sounds must be selected
too. These settings are already done if this control mode was ordered.
Teaching is very simple and is the same as described below in “3.4. Autostart” → Page 9

Hint:
The triggered sounds are fix (as set by the TBS Flash program) and can not be selected during
teaching. They can be changed by the optional USB programming cable.

3.2.2. Teaching the direct sound selection using Prop3 input

This is a alternative method for direct sound selection. It can be used if the model has two speed
channels. In this case Prop2 input can be used as a second speed input.

1. Power on transmitter and receiver. LED blinks fast -> normal mode
Bring all joysticks to neutral position. Model must not move.
2. Press the prog. button until one beep occurs -> LED cont. on.
At this moment all neutral / idle positions are stored.
3. Move throttle stick to your desired acceleration point (throttle stick position where idle dead
band stops and engine running sound starts) and flick the toggle switch.
-> A short sequence of acceleration is played
Now the dead (neutral) band of the speed channel is defined
4. Move throttle stick to full speed position and flick the switch again
-> A short sequence of full speed is played.
5. Flick the switch UP
-> Engine start/stop is stored to this switching direction of the switch
6. If you want to skip the next sound, flick the switch again UP. A section of the next sound is
played but NOT stored to this direction of the switch, because it is already occupied.
7. Repeat step 6 to skip further sounds
8. If your desired special sound comes up next flick the switch DOWN
9. Switch soundunit off and on.
10. Now you can select the two selected sounds directly by the switch.

Hint:
– The control mode for Prop3 must be set to “12 position encoder”
– The 3-pos switch receiver channel must be connected to Prop3
– You may run the teaching sequence several times because you don't know at the very first run
which sound appears next in the soundlist.
– Advantage of this direct sound selection is, that you can choose the desired sounds during
teaching

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3.3. Indirect soundselection “2-Key Coder” on Prop3

Another control mode is using a 3 position switch with neutral position at a spare proportional
channel. A common joystick can also be used.
A attached servo must leave its center/neutral position when the switch is pressed in one direction
and must return to its center position when the switch is released. Pushing the switch in the opposite
direction causes the servo moving to the other side.
Please compare the very left and right positions of the servo with a common joystick channel. They
should be about the same.
This is the first test you should do before teaching the sound unit.

Selecting a Sound:
The desired sound (f.e. sound #3) is selected by pushing the switch/stick 3 times from its center
position into one direction. The now selected sound is triggered by pushing the switch to the
other direction. The last selected sound can be triggered multiple times, without new selection.

1: Selection of sound / action (1-12)

2: Triggering of selected sound / action

3.3.1. Teaching the sound unit for “2-Key Coder” control

1. Power on transmitter and receiver. LED blinks fast -> normal mode.
Bring throttle stick(s) to neutral and the 3-position control switch at the transmitter to its
center position
2. Press the programing button -> Beep and LED permanent on.
At this moment all neutral positions are stored.
3. Move throttle stick to your desired acceleration point and keep this position.
(throttle stick position where the engine sound leaves idle)
4. Flick the 3-position control switch at the transmitter and set it back to center
-> A short sequence of acceleration is played.
5. Move the throttle stick to full speed and keep this position
6. Flick the 3-position control switch at the transmitter and set it back to center
-> A short sequence of full speed is played.
7. Soundunit returns to normal operation mode → Green LED is blinking fast

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3.4. Autostart

If you are interested only in engine sound, the “autostart” mode can be used. The engine starts
automatically at first short acceleration.
If the engine is more than 20s idle, it shuts down automatically. There is no extra control channel
necessary.

No special sounds can be played in this mode and NO switching outputs can be used !!!!

Teaching the autostart mode:

1. Power on transmitter and receiver. LED blinks fast -> normal mode
Bring throttle stick to idle. Motor must not move.
2. Press the programing button until beep -> LED cont. on.
At this moment the idle position of the throttle stick is stored.
3. Move throttle stick to your desired acceleration point and wait for a beep
4. Move the throttle stick to full speed position and wait for three beeps.
5. After this the sound unit is back in the normal operation mode.

During the programing sequence:

After you left the last stored throttle stick position, a very short beep is played. Since then,
you have about 2 seconds to adjust the new throttle stick position to be stored next.

4. Changing a already set control mode

It is possible to change the set control mode without the optional programing cable:

1. Press the programing button DURING powering the soundunit

2. Release the button
3. Press the prog. button momentarily and wait for the “Beep-Code”
4. Repeat pressing the button until the desired control mode is signalized by the according
“Beep-Code”
5. Switch soundmodule off and on again

„Beep-Code“
1 x Beep -> Autostart
2 x Beep -> Indirect sound selection (2-Key coder)
3 x Beep -> 12 position encoder

Note:
If the control mode “Autostart” is selected, there is no control channel defined.
If you want to switch from Autostart back to another control mode you need to select a
control channel by the optional programming cable!

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5. Connecting an external amplifier
If you want to connect an external amplifier, other than a Benedini one, please follow this
schematic: Watch ground connection !!!!
Volume poti: 220Ohm
TBS Mini speaker plug
Speaker Plus 220R
Speaker Minus Audoinput
Gnd Amplifier

6. Configuration of the soundunit by the optional programming cable and a

common PC
Please see the separate manual for the configuration software called “TBS Flash”.
The manual as well as the software is available free of charge at www.benedini.de.
Note: The soundunit must be powered from the receiver or a receiver battery while being
connected. It is NOT powered by the USB cable!

7. Technical datas
Supplyrange: 3,5 – 12V (from receiver)
Internal amplifier: 1,2W at 8 Ohm and 5V supply
Switching outputs: Negative switching, max. 12V/0,5A each
Dimensions: 55x25x10mm
Weight: about 6g

!!!! SAFETY ASPECTS !!!!

- You must do a range check of your remote control with running sound system !
- Ensure a proper working radio under ALL conditions !
- Receiver Power supply:
If a speed controller BEC is used for powering the receiver, it is highly recommended using a
separate servo Y-cable for connecting the receiver to the ESC and the TBS Mini (speed channel).
In this case the receiver is powered directly and not via the two Prop1 connectors of the TBS Mini.
Maximum current of the Prop1 connectors is 3A, if according wires are used!

- The switching outputs of the TBS Mini MUST not be used to trigger any dangerous actions in the
model (f.e. triggering any firing mechanisms)

Disclaimer
a.) www.benedini.de provides the equipment solely to be used by each purchaser in accordance with the specific
instructions supplied with each Sound Module and that the purchaser undertakes that the Sound Module and any
associated equipment e.g. Amplifier, Speakers, etc. will be operated within the parameters contained therein.
b.) www.benedini.de accepts no liability for any damage to any Sound Module if it is determined that the damage has
been caused by either non adherence to the instructions or due to any malfunction by any cause or reason whatsoever
within the model or its equipment and thereby outside of the control of www.benedini.de.
c.) www.benedini.de supplies each Sound Module on the strict undertaking that it will be used in such a manner to
comply with the laws of the purchaser’s country of residence.
d.) www.benedini.de has no control over the final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage
resulting from any use by user of the final assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

Technical changes reserved Not suitable for children under 14 years

Benedini Modellbauelektronik
Müllergasse 15, 52159 Roetgen, Germany
Web: www.benedini.de
Mail: Thomas@Benedini.de

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 Standard wiring of TBS Mini in “Autostart” control mode, together with 1x40W amplifier

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