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Problem powering APM 2.5 with ESCs 5.0V

Posted by CES on March 25, 2013 at 3:24pm

Hello everyone,

i'm trying to build my first quadcopter with APM 2.5.

I don't have any power module, so i want to power my APM through BEC of the ESC, delevering 5.0V.

The problem is that my APM is not working when powered through ESC on output entries.

I have put the JP1 link as requested in this case.

Btw, my APM is working great when plugged on USB.

I have also checked the power coming from ESC (with multimeter), and they are delivering a good 5.0V

Is there something i forgot to do ?

I'm telling you that the APM is not working because all LED are off.

Thank you for your precious help !

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Replies

  • Developer
    Bill Bonney March 26, 2013 at 4:29am
    You only need one ESC with the power line connected. Connecting multiple ESCs to the Outputs connects then in parallel, so you would only output 5V, not 20V. That said its not a good idea to have more than 1 ESCs 5V line (middle wire on the servo plug) connected, as depending on the type BEC (its a voltage regulator) in the ESC it can be a bad idea.

    Some BECs have selectable output voltages, in your case it looks like you are limited to 5.0V if you use the ESCs internal BEC.

    This is why it helps to have the APM PM has it helps with power issues.

    If you want to check if you have blown the fuse, plug one ESC into the outputs and measure the voltage from the middle pin and the outside pin on an Inputs channel. It should read about 4.5V if you have a good circuit in your case.
  • Developer
    Bill Bonney March 25, 2013 at 5:06pm
    You need 5.3 - 5.5V on the outputs as there is a protective diode and fuse that will drop the voltage to 4.8V to 5.0V for the APM.

    Have you measured the Vout from your ESCs BEC?
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