Hi,
Could someone answer the following questions I have about how some bits work.
1) If the control connection/BEC wire from each of the ESCs needs to plug into the flight controller/autopilot in order to control motor RPMs, how would I get power to the receiver or other on board electronics needing a 5V supply? Would 4 sets of powered BEC cables going into the autopilot damage it (perhaps disconnect the red wire on 3 of them)? Is there a Y connector cable I can put on the BEC cable which will let me send the control connection to the autopilot and power to another device?
2) Most multicopters seem to have a power distribution board as part of their airframe to get power from the battery to the ESCs. What is the advantage of this over say, connecting the battery cable and the 4 ESCs together with something like a choccy block connector?
Sorry for the many questions, any advice gratefully received.
EDIT: OK, I've found discussions about cutting the red wire for 3 of the BECs, so that one is answered.
Replies
I don't know what a choccy block conn is, but if it's like soldering all the ESC battery cables to the battery connector, then yes, some people do that. There are even some decent vids I've seen showing some good ways to do it.
I don't know what ESCs you have, but my limited experience is that it's more flexible/easier when it comes to calibrating ESCs if you can power each one separately if needed. e.g. my jDrones ones can't be calibrated all at once, and it would get beep-crazy if I couldn't power each one separately while calibrating.
Less connectors = greater reliability + greater inconvenience :)