Two-wire JST from PDB

Posted by nickthecook on July 15, 2014 at 11:18am

I have my PDB connected to the power module via XT60. I have the APM connected to the PDB via the 6-position red and black cable.

I have an extra red and black 2-wire cable with JST connector coming from the PDB. It's not currently connected to anything.

Where does it go? What can I use it for?

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Replies

  • Pedals2Paddles July 15, 2014 at 11:24am

    That is supplying 5v from the motor ESCs.  For the APM with a power module, it is not used.  I used it to power some LEDs instead.  On a Pixhawk, it can be used to supply redundent 5v to the flight controller.

    • nickthecook > Pedals2Paddles July 16, 2014 at 4:10am
      DG, do you know if that's true for APM as well?
    • DG > nickthecook July 16, 2014 at 6:48am

      Sorry I don't.

    • nickthecook > DG July 16, 2014 at 6:49am

      Okay, thanks for the info!

    • Pedals2Paddles > Pedals2Paddles July 15, 2014 at 11:44am

      Only if they're 5v and rather low current.  Most ESC BECs are on capable of handling about 500mah each.  My LEDs are flashers and draw less than the ESC BEC capacity.  It is very easy to exceed that and you don't want to be overloading a component that could make you fall out of the sky.

    • Pedals2Paddles > Pedals2Paddles July 15, 2014 at 12:52pm

      Of course. Think about it. Is there a 5v regulator anywhere on that board? Nope. Do the batteries supply 5v? Nope. If you have the ESC BEC + & - wires removed, or they don't have them to begin, that will be d

    • nickthecook > Pedals2Paddles July 15, 2014 at 1:35pm

      Good to know, thank you.

    • DG > nickthecook July 15, 2014 at 7:10pm

      It is recommended to use a zener diode on the power rail before connecting the backup power wire, but OTOH the instructions say it isn't necessary. That was confusing to me, but have since discovered the zener diode is specifically required if using digital servos which can cause the voltage to exceed 5.7v thereby rendering the backup power useless as Pixhawk has a voltage protection circuit.

      I've checked the voltage and it has never exceeded 5.03v

    • nickthecook > Pedals2Paddles July 15, 2014 at 11:56am

      Wait - that cable is not supplying the current directly from the batteries, but from motor ESCs?

    • nickthecook > Pedals2Paddles July 15, 2014 at 11:26am

      Ah, so no chance of using that to power a gimbal, as the power requirements there are 7.4V-14.8V.

      LEDs are a good idea. Might make it easier to tell which way this thing is facing at a distance.

      Thanks!

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