I have a large Hexa and want to make sure that I power it up correctly. I have already fried one APM and I think it may have been an over current through ground issues. My set-up is:
3S Battery to power
1: APM (radio, GPS.....) thru the Power module - JP1 removed (actually think I can leave it on as I take no other power from APM for servos or other) -
2: 2 UBEC's for gimbal servo's
3: video transmitter
6S battery to power
40 AMP ESC's and motors only.
My questions are as follows:
1: what should I do with the + and - back from ESC? I do not need any 5V supply... Should I just connect signal wire to outputs? or ground as well?? If I connect ground, then the ground from 6S battery circuit has two path's. One back thru APM and one back to PDB for 6S
2: What about a common ground?? I worry that the APM controls ESC's and Motors off of one battery (6S) but itself is powered from another. Should the grounds be tied together to be common???
Really need and looking for expert advice based on this two battery scenario
Replies
Keith -
I know a couple of APM:Plane users that have a similar 2-battery setup. That way they can still control the plane and glide into a landing if they run out of power to the motor. In answer to your questions:
1. Cut the + line on the ESC's. Keep the - to ensure you have a common ground. The 2 paths (via the ESC or via the APM) won't be a problem.
2. The APM will provide a common ground between PDB and ESC's.