Hey guys,
I'm rather new to octos; I've just been reading and designing on eCalc like madness. Thus far I've got a pretty good virtual setup with eight 320kv 720W max motors, 18x4 props, and I'll be using a PixHawk to run it all. With four 5000mAh packs, it should fly for over 15 minutes with a heavy payload.
The question is when it comes to ESCs. Although yes, some people have reliability issues with Turnigy Plush ESCs; they're cost effective and programmable which is advantageous. (I'll be buying a few extra in case they blow).
ESCs with BECs, from what I understand, can route power off the main pack(s) and run accessories - mainly the PixHawk controller. Which with a telemetry setup, I should be able to read the pack voltage, right?
I'm just having difficulty imagining the wiring setup. I've got 8 separate ESCs... I imagine all with BECs... one of these BECs can feed power to the PixHawk... and then another to run the gimbal controller (BaseCam/AlexMos 32-bit)? and the other 6 just power the motors? does that create a power inequality?
I plan on stringing the four onboard packs in parallel into a single + and -. I take it that they should stay pretty well balanced and not cause issues, yeah?
thanks.
Sim
(also, a quick note to admins; perhaps consider having less specific categories, and only a few broad ones. It makes for better traffic and communication. For example: Technical Difficulties, Performance, Showroom, Off-Topic. I certainly don't lurk all the categories, and it's difficult to find the correct one to post new threads into.)
Replies
Normally I use an APM power module to power the brain rather than esc becs, but it might not have current capacity you need looking at your battery flight time estimates.
as for the gimbal, my 8 bit alexmos powers direct from battery not via a bec.
What motors do you mean are powered from bec?
ah - with a bunch more reading/watching youtube videos, I've determined just how the BEC supplies power to the PixHawk/receiver.
The question now is, should I run all 8 BECs into the PixHawk, or just buy ESCs without BECs, and buy a seperate UBEC to power the electronics? From what I understand, linear BECs simply scrub off power with heat, which I don't imagine is very efficient. So if I can get a single switching BEC, perhaps I can save a little energy? and a second BEC for the gimbal?