User Manual Q&AAnswer
Jan 23, 2025 - 01:18 AM
To properly install and wire the KDE Direct Pixhawk UAS Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) to the Pixhawk autopilot, please follow these steps:
1. Power the Pixhawk autopilot using the power module (PMU) included with the system. Refer to the Pixhawk Autopilot Website for correct installation instructions.
2. Note that power is not provided to the ESCs via the MAIN OUT control-lead signal ports on the Pixhawk autopilot.
3. The KDE Direct UAS ESCs require a 5V or 6V external power line to arm the internal circuitry. The KDE Direct KDEXF-UBEC22 can be used to provide clean, voltage-regulated power for the ESCs. Set the voltage-selection jumper on the KDEXF-UBEC22 to 6V.
4. For quadcopter systems, connect the UAS ESC control leads into ports "1 - 4" on the Pixhawk autopilot. Connect the UAS UBEC power leads into ports "5 - 7" for triple-redundancy. Connect the PPM/S.BUS (RX) into the "RC" port.
5. For hexacopter systems, connect the UAS ESC control leads into ports "1 - 6" on the Pixhawk autopilot. Connect the UAS UBEC power leads into ports "7 - 8" for dual-redundancy. Connect the PPM/S.BUS (RX) into the "RC" port.
6. For octocopter systems, connect the UAS ESC control leads into ports "1 - 8" on the Pixhawk autopilot. Connect the UAS UBEC power leads into ports "7 - 8" for dual-redundancy. Connect the PPM/S.BUS (RX) into the "RC" port.
7. It is recommended to use at least one power-output lead from the KDEXF-UBEC22 to provide the necessary 5V or 6V power for the KDE Direct UAS ESCs.
8. The KDE Direct UAS ESC series is programmable using the KDEXF-DMA Programming Kit or direct PC-USB connection. Refer to the Instruction Manual for detailed information on advanced settings.
9. To ensure compatibility with the Pixhawk autopilot, change the "THROTTLE CALIBRATION MODE" to RANGE in the KDE Direct Device Manager software. Use the default settings of MIN(LOW) = 1100 and MAX(HIGH) = 1940 for the "THROTTLE CALIBRATION RANGE" option.
10. After programming the ESCs to the RANGE mode, set the Output PWM Min = 1100 and Output PWM Max = 1940 in the ArduPilot Mission Planner software.
Please refer to the Instruction Manual and the Mission Planner software documentation for further guidance and troubleshooting.
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