Hi.. I realize this is a basic and confused as it comes but I purchased a 'full' package of pixhawk setup, to put into a fixed wing platform and am now a bit baffled by the connections which dont seem to correspond to some things I am finding online.

So heres what I am fairly confident I do understand.


19631082746_644f504da9_c.jpgClose up on the pixhawk for plug locations

19470659329_7349d16192_c.jpg

Seems ok so far !!


My Rx isnt plugged in (need to make a F to F servo cable) and I believe I can output the SBUS from my X8R into the RC IN on the pixhawk, some compatibility issues mean I shouldnt use with the SBUS pixhawk port. All the servos then come off the pixhawk ??

If that doesnt work I can always this which I think is the PPM encoder ?? I also am going to guess that the cable to the right is for Spektrum/DSM plug connections ?? So not relevant for me..

19469554750_2911558079_c.jpg

Heres what I dont get.. My 915 telemetry (airside radio) has 2 cables.. One with a 5 hole plug (4 cables) and a fat 6 hole plug with 3 cables..

19469286890_553d102be6_c.jpgThose were listed as '3dr radios'.. I think I may have been lied to ?? 

19661742061_909dafb087_c.jpg

Clearly that isnt looking like it should go into telem1 as per what I read online ?? So how does that hook up ?? Thats where the wheels start coming off !!

Is this somehow connected to the MAVlink part of the package ?? If so how ??

19650422212_72cded6906_c.jpg[

I am going to guess this out of focus doohicky is an IC2 distribution board ??


19650195442_22c7ccd980_c.jpg[

I need this for ??

Possibly with my USB connector.. Which has one cable marked USB (which seems to neatly go to the pixhawk) and another looking like IIC??


19631634356_e0b7443b7a_c.jpg

19662303201_dc86dd5dd2_c.jpg

Does it for some reason go like this ?? If so why and where does it plug ??

19035271894_e9a6f1dd7f_c.jpg

So as you can see, already baffled by the easy bits.. I would feel a lot better if the radio had what seems to be the expected 6 pin cable on it..  

Havent even got into my airspeed sensor yet !!


Any help at all very gratefully received.

You need to be a member of diydrones to add comments!

Join diydrones

Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • By the way, the small PCB is I2C splitter, used to connect more sensors.
    • Thanks..

      My challenge tomorrow is to get the radio split open and the correct cabling on that.. Test telemetry.. Then look into how the airspeed sensor is to connect.. 

      Then its onto starting to try to lay all these elements out, with access... 

      • Hi!

        IMHO do not open the radio and split your cable,

        It is a special one made to connect both Radio AND OSD to your "PixHawk".

        OSD need +- and Rx (Tx from the PixHawk), radio need all and establish the com protocol (MavLink)

        I2c splitter: As you have a Led module (combined with USB plug) communicating via I2c with the PixHawk, and also a GPS/Compass module (compass is I2c), and only one I2c port on the PixHawk, you need the I2c splitter to plug both I2c units to the PixHawk...

        X8R user may confirm? PixHawk is working with X8R sBus when plugged in port 1 (PPM), not 2 (sBus).

        Marc

        • well some light pressure and leverage already popped that case open without damage. Once open easy cable swap and cables now look good for the radio. It's late here so testing waits for tomorrow.

          I would probably skip the usb plug on this build if the telemetry handles all comms.. Plus I am trying to mount the pixhawk in the accessible space under the wing, so can link to the side if needed. Might mean the i2c splitter isn't required (unknown if airspeed sensor needs it yet) and I am trying to keep it as simple as I can.

          A thread seemed to state the x8r worked on rc in not the sbus.. I am sure I will find out soon enough.
          • Id just buy the newer style telemetry for $50-79 so you dont have to butcher the mavlink plug. Also the one the APM plug is the air unit.

  • A great example of knockoff, lookalike, fake, or whatever words people use about it.
    Hopefully can do a decent job regardless what's inside.
    The board with USB and IIC (misspelled I2C) is a mystery to me, but three worst is that people can expect other cut corners and creative solutions inside.
    • Moderator

      I agree with @Andre K, this is not genuine, because 3DR has not sold that type of telem radio with those connections for quite awhile.  (gen 1)

    • Yeah rushed into it without realizing the clones and variation in quality.. Even claimed it was '3dr radios'


      I dont mind paying the cost, but one downside with ordering Stateside to here (asia) is shipping and import tax.. Chinese stuff comes through a lot cheaper and easier. USA stuff is almost always item + plus shipping then 30 % of that total and a nice final 7% cumulative. 

  • OK I think I may be narrowing it down.. 

    It looks to me like this airside radio is hardwired with a 5 pin plug for APM and the MAvLink daisy chain adapter ?? At least this image seems to show what is discussed about half way in this video 

    19469286890_553d102be6_c.jpg

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZooogJNdDE4

    Why they would bundle an APM plugged radio with a pixhawk is a bit baffling but that looks correct ??

    So as I dont want to run the Mavlink or FPV at this point in time.. I need to cut that wired in cabling and splice it to a 6 pin plug ?? Or crack open the radio casing and swap out the plug thats fixed in there with the last mystery cable. 

    Looking at it they mystery cable looks right.. Same black 'space' red yellow green and o the other end red yellow green space space black. 

    If the air radio would only release the 'plug' it would all be easy (and less confusing !!).See how mach damage trying to get that out causes ?? 


This reply was deleted.

Activity