I'm not very familiar with the Pixhawk or other off-the-shelf autopilots. I was wondering, if I bought a drone that was already set up with a Pixhawk, would it be a cheap and simple process to change out the Pixhawk (in case of damage, etc)? Can I simply spend $200 on a replacement and plug it in? Or will it not be possible due to the programming/firmware that the manufacturer has developed for that drone?
You need to be a member of diydrones to add comments!
Replies
usually yes, no problem backing up parameters.
Unless it's a very nasty manufacturer, they could do anything from changing bootloader, firmware, or even mask ESC/servos that require unusual signalling and work only with some bizzarre proprietary code.
It is most likely just common hardware with common open source software, but to be sure you should ask the vendor - expect them to respect the open licenses, and share the source/modifications they could have made.
(Some will also lie about "own/better" firmware just to make you feel "extra value" and cover that they are in fact selling something that is accessible for free to anyone. )