Iris details: #1 The 4-1 ESC/Power Module

3689543760?profile=originalWe begin the tour of Iris' guts by looking at the new 4-in-1 ESC/Power Module. Each ESC is rated at 20amps capacity and is running the SImonK firmware for enhanced response and stability. The onboard Power Module provides regulated power to the flight control board, in addition to voltage and current monitoring.

3689543688?profile=originalAn aluminum heatsink is attached to the power handling transistors

3689543787?profile=original

This 4-in-1 represents an elimination of 110 grams when compared to four individual ESCs, Power Module, and Power Distribution Board.

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Comments

  • Forrest, The parallel power wires are most likely for powering a gimbal.

    Sounds like the ESCs should stay cool in your setup.

  • MR60

    Oh ... $142.31 with shipping.  So it costs more, but so do light-weight carbon frames.

  • MR60

    That was fast!

    Voltage says it's parallel to the batteries, which I didn't expect.

    Naked meant removing the:

    - heat sink (18.8 gram savings)

    - heat sink glue 

    - large power wires and XT60 connector (only need 16 AWG w/ 2mm bullets for the duration quad; (8 gram savings)

    - the bolt connector rivets (2 gram savings)

    When the ESC is mounted, the power modules that normally require a heat sink are put at an angle near the prop wash.  In that way, the power modules are indirectly fan cooled.  Also, the max per module is 4 amps (runs between 2.5 and 3 amps).  Experience so far says that the heat sink isn't needed if that is done.

    Any thoughts? And what is the parallel power wires used for?

  • Forrest,

    The small red/black circuit is most likely for gimbal power, is it parallel to the battery inputs or 5v?

    On question 2&3: Yes, Pixhawk Main Out 'S'(1-4) connect to 4-1 Pwm In, and ground wire connects between Pix Main Out ' - ' and 4-1 'GND'

    Are you using the aluminum heat sink on the ESC transistors?

  • MR60

    IRIS 4-in-1 ESC Quick Look

    Just received one.  Hope to highlight it + the Pixhawk on the multi-copter targeted to break the world duration record.


    For those that are curious, the naked weight is only 37.9 grams.  That's 6.8 grams per ESC making it lighter than other 4-in-1s and slightly lighter and a whole lot tidier than the lightest naked 20A ESCs out there.  Will be testing its efficiency soon.

    Have a few question on hooking it up.

    1) Is the small red/black wire with the small red plug only needed if using servos?  If yes, I assume it connects to the same rail as the servos.  If it is for something else, where does it connect?

    2) I assume that the Pixhawk ESC output rail S pins connect to the respective IRIS PWM IN pins

    3) and the PWN IN GND pin connects to the Pixhawk ESC rail GND pin.

    Love the integrated power module!  The build looks superb.  Easy to solder and wire up.  Well done!

  • ^ that one has no onboard voltage and current monitoring, or simonK

  • 42715.jpg

    http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__42715__Q_Brain_4_x_25A_B...

    looks very similar except this one has 5more amps each!

  • I just ordered a 4 in 1 25 amp ESC from Off Grid Water and was wondering why it hadn't been shipped.

    I was informed there is a 3 to 7 day delay before it gets shipped if you do not select a premium shipping option.

    No real criticism intended here, it just was not mentioned on the site and I thought people potentially buying from them ought to be aware of it.

    I know we have other problems with shipping with other Companies as well.

  • Agreed,

    A mass produced I2C setup with individual current/temp/voltage sensors would be great (similar to the MK).  I'd welcome the telemetry functionality to see how well balanced your copter is by monitoring live the output current of each motor.  I love my MK for that!

  • Great compact design! Especially with the power module.

    Though I'm curious why the move to 12c wasn't made. It seems like the higher update frequency and bidirectional communication would be a huge benefit.

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