Archived Topic: PXFmini Wiring Quick Start

Note

PXFmini uses JST-GH connectors instead of DF13. This is the latest adoption made by the DroneCode Foundation

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This article provides high level information about how to power PXFmini and connect its most important peripherals.

PXFmini Wiring Chart

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Power PXFmini

PXFmini is typically powered via its “power” port, as shown in the picture below. The power port simultaneously powers PXFmini and reads voltage and current analog measurements.

It can be also powered using a BEC, you just need to connect to the PWM rail.

Additionally, for developing/configuration purposes, it can be powered using a micro USB charger (2A recommended).

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Warning

Always use a power module to feed PXFmini while flying your drone

HDMI Connector

If you wish to work straight under your Linux based autopilot, you can use the HDMI connector

and make your own configurations:

../_images/PXFmini_GettingStarted4.jpg

Connect remote control inputs

PXFmini is compatible with PPM remote control (RC) receivers. For traditional single-wire-per-channel (PWM) receivers a PPM encoder can be used to convert the receiver outputs to PPM-SUM.

For more information see Compatible RC Transmitter and Receiver Systems (Erle-Brain 2). The PXFmini is compatible with the tecnology used in Erle-Brain 2.

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FRSky Taranis Transmitter

GPS+Compass

The uBlox GPS + Compass Module is the recommended GPS for PXFmini. The GPS port is connected with the six-position DF13 cable, and the Compass port is connected to the I2C port with the four-position JST-GH cable, as shown in the next image:

../_images/PXFmini_GPS.jpg

Connect Motors

Use the PWM rail in order to connect them:

../_images/PXFmini_PWM.jpg

Note

Be aware of how you connect ESCs wires to PWM rail. The signal wire (white or orange color) should be connected at the top, the ground wire (black or brown color) at the bottom.

For planes connect the control channel wires to the main output signal pins:

  • Pin 1 = Aileron

  • Pin 2 = Elevator

  • Pin 3 = Throttle

  • Pin 4 = Rudder

USB ports

You could attach different dongle/devices to the USB ports that includes Raspberry Pi 2/3/Zero:

WiFi dongle

Use a (regular or high gain) WiFi dongle to create a hotspot that can, for example, be used for sending telemetry data and commands to a Ground Station. If you use the images provided by Erle Robotics, they automatically generate a WiFi hotspot.

../_images/PXFmini_wifi.jpg

Note

Edimax AC (regular and high gain) are the officially supported dongles. These can be purchased from Erle-Brain with your autopilot/vehicle.

Bluetooth dongle

Use a Bluetooth dongle to connect additional devices, such as joysticks.

Note

You will need to configure BlueTooth interface to make it work

Connect other peripherals

Depending on your hardware there may be any number of other peripherals attached, including sensors, cameras, grippers etc. These can be found as sub-pages of the topic Optional Hardware.

More information in official documentation.