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  • Very nice design. Plugs & ports are better than 3dr I think.

  • There is no HK Pixhawk clone that I can find, you must be referring to the HKPilot which is an APM 2.5.2 clone.
  • This clone is still in pre-order. However, the (pre-order)price is China is cheaper than $180. Also it's pre-loaded with OTP data, so it's easier to upgrade firmware in MP. This manufacturer is famous for its high quality APM clones in China. So this pixhack should be more reliable than other Chinese clones. But one thing I'm still afraid of it that, in order to reduce costs, some parts are removed from some clones, for example the ESD filter on USB or USART port.

  • Developer

    These connectors are great, I have some, easy to remove with positive latch! I got them from a Sharp LED TV recycle. Very Good choice!

  • Very nice design, easy to make modular setup.

    I would guess the IMU support is soft silicone, wouldn't be much point in it otherwise.

    Input connectors will hopefully work better than DF13's and not require corporate loan to purchase crimper for cable ends.

    Aluminum case should have no appreciable negative effect on the magentometer, aluminum can damp DC EM field but lag should be small.

    And the aluminum will actively damp the AC field generated by the ESCs and motor which is a good thing.

    Also, they are really bound by the Open Commons requirement to provide (adequate) schematics and PCB layout although what we have seen so far is that the Chinese are playing very fast and loose with their interpretation of what they are actually providing.

    HK's Pixhawk clone for example provides a PDF with unusable PCB layout pictures, not files and no schematics (last time I looked anyway).

    • I didn't know Hobby King made a Pixhawk clone. Got a link?
    • Nice design - side ports cable interface instead of top ports.

      Hope it would be available soon.

  • MR60

    From the rcgroups post, this is yet another Chinese pixhawk alternative board from a so called CUAV company which apparently does not have a web site. The cost indicated on rcgroups will be about 180$ which is too high vs the original.

    Connector type is not known nor its mechanical robustness, a metallic casing might disturb the compass, there are apparently no servo line electrical protections.

    Weight and size are said to be the same as pixhawk, so no gain there.

    Caution, caution...

    • I have tried almost every brand of flight controller over a decade. Micropilot, DJI, 3DR and a number of other Chinese systems. One thing I have learned is that the value is not necessarily in the functionality, it's in the maturity. i.e.;

      1) The number of users

      2) The available on-line support (forums, FAQ, instructions - regularly updated).

      3) The availability of parts

      4) The freely available database of known issues.

      5) The well structured software update and documentation process.

      You can jump to something that looks shiny and new. The grass is always greener. However, everytime you jump, you have to ensure that the additional functionality/value you perceive is there outweighs the crashes/learning curve/frustration/investment in time and effort that it requires.

      5 years ago we were paying thousands and thousands of dollars for small autopilots that did not have the functionality of the Pixhawk. Other than the fact that you can't actually buy them at the moment, why on earth would you chase something else for a few dollars saving?

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    • fully agree with you sixtimeseven!

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