The wait is over! We are proud to introduce the next generation 3DR autopilot, Pixhawk Mini. Pixhawk Mini is an upgraded Pixhawk designed in collaboration with HobbyKing and optimized to run the Dronecode PX4 firmware stack and QGroundControl multi-platform ground station (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS).
For just $199, Pixhawk Mini includes autopilot, GPS, and all the cables and connectors needed to get started building DIY quads, planes, rovers, and boats.
What's improved over Pixhawk 1?
One third the size--dimensions reduced from 50 mm x 81.5 mm x15.5 mm to 38 mm x 43 mm x 12 mm. Smaller airframes can now operate autonomously without making sacrifices for the Pixhawk footprint.
Rev 3 STM32 processor allow for full utilization of 2MB flash memory. Pixhawk Mini operates at only 50% compute capacity, 40 percentage points lower than the original Pixhawk. There is significantly more overhead available to run custom code.
Improved sensors, including both primary and secondary IMU (MPU9250 and ICM20608, respectively), lead to much better vibration handling and increased reliability.
GPS module included--Neo M8N with quad-constellation support and upgraded HMC5983 compass.
Micro JST connectors replace DF-13. We can all breath a sigh of relief.
Integrated piezo speaker and safety switch
What's improved over Pixfalcon?
Again, improved sensors, including both primary and secondary IMU (MPU9250 and ICM20608 respectively) for much better vibration handling and increased reliability.
Dedicated CAN port for UAVCAN applications.
Includes 8-channel servo output board for planes and other vehicles requiring powered PWM output.
Includes I2C breakout board for a total of 5 I2C connections.
Pixhawk Mini features an advanced processor and sensor technology from ST Microelectronics® and a NuttX real-time operating system, delivering incredible performance, flexibility, and reliability for controlling any autonomous vehicle.
SPECIFICATIONS
Main Processor: STM32F427 Rev 3
IO Processor: STM32F103
Accel/Gyro/Mag: MPU9250
Accel/Gyro: ICM20608
Barometer: MS5611
Dimensions: 38x43x12mm
Weight: 15.8g
GPS Module: ublox Neo-M8N GPS/GLONASS receiver; integrated magnetometer HMC5983
Dimensions: 37x37x12mm
Weight: 22.4g
Interface
1 x UART Serial Port (for GPS)
Spektrum DSM/DSM2/DSM-X® Satellite Compatible RC input
Futaba S BUS® Compatible RC input
PPM Sum Signal RC Input
I2C (for digital sensors)
CAN (for digital motor control with compatible controllers)
ADC (for analog sensors)
Micro USB Port
What’s Included?
Pixhawk Mini Flight Controller
GPS with uBlox M8N module with
Concurrent reception of up to 3 GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou)
Industry leading –167 dBm navigation sensitivity
Security and integrity protection
Supports all satellite augmentation systems
Advanced jamming and spoofing detection
Product variants to meet performance and cost requirements
Backward compatible with NEO‑7 and NEO‑6 families
Integrated Power Module (up to 6s batteries) and power distribution board for quadcopters
8-channel servo output board for planes and other vehicles requiring powered PWM output.
Cables
4 pin I2C cable and breakout board
6 pin GPS+Compass cable
6 to 6/4 ‘Y’ adapter for additional I2C devices
4 JST to 6 DF13 cable for legacy telemetry radios
External safety switch cable
RCIN cable for PPM/SBUS input
8 channel RC output cable
6 pin power cable for included Power Distribution Board
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
All available here
Comments
we must all understand that it is very hard to fight Chinese products. they copy anything with a matter of weeks and specially electronic PCBs. it is tough for any country in the world let alone be USA. the main reason is that there currency is artificially controlled against USD. fighting against Chinese copy cats become matter of survival. Under the current economic scenario it is a business wise good decision. A version of it can still be manufactured in USA and I am sure people would love to buy something made in USA and would be willing to pay a premium for the USA tag.
@Tridge - so this will not work with ArduPilot?
Gary, In all fairness, it is not correct to call this a Pixhawk Clone. It is a Derivative.
Hein, the I2C breakout is nothing new. I have a bag of them, used to get one with every Pixhawk.
3DR are not innovating. Nor are they creating quality UAV components. They are buying a system engineered and built in China, and rebranding it. That's it. 3DR does not have the internal capacity to do any of this anymore. Maybe you've missed it but they have gone from about 300 people to about 20.
@Marc,
Unfortunately I can't tell you if it will work or not. I have been waiting for 3DR to send me one of these for months but it has never turned up. Brandon Basso told me a few times that he was going to send me one.
I did try and add support for it without actually having one, just going by the description of the sensors and a patch from Jon from before he left 3DR. Brandon tested my patch in early August and told me it didn't work. He thought that sending me one would be the easiest way to get support added. I reminded him a few times but never received one. I think Brandon may have moved on from 3DR now.
Without schematics or a sample board adding support for a new autopilot board is pretty tricky.
It is probably a tiny patch to make ArduPilot work. I would be happy to try a few guesses as to what is wrong and do some test builds for someone if they would like to work with me remotely to add support.
Cheers, Tridge
@Hein du Plessis I guess the confusing thing is that 3DR let go all the hardware developers and become a software company then release new hardware??????
This just seems to be sending the message that the company is confused and does not know where it is. No-one is going to risk buying anything from 3DR when a couple of months down the track they reinvent themselves again.
BTW how is the I2C breakout different?
BTW - I've looked at the pixracer many times, but every time I'm put off by the limitation of 6 channels. This prevents installations were one need pan, tilt, zoom, steering, etc. I hate that sudden realisation that I can't have an option because I'm short of one channel.
Well it has better sensors (not that I found that lacking), but I particularly like the I2C breakout, so now I can have airspeed sensor and lidar on the mini architecture. My "clones" also work well, but there are always little problems like casings not fitting properly, stiff (non-silicon) cabling, zero response on email. It's also a brand thing. Clients tend to raise eyebrows when they open the canopy and read Fixhawk.
Anyway, for me it's a step in the right direction by 3DR - developing and selling components for the drone builders and resellers.
@Hein du Plessis With all due respect as far as I can see the only 3DR thing in this product is the silkscreen logo on the top.
For me it does not seem that different from any of the products on Gearbest or Banggood just twice the price.
Perhaps you know something I don't however the BangGood clone I am using at the moment works fine and has worked fine for at least 18 months now. The Navio+ I bought died after one crash and I have yet to try the PixRacer so I think all hardware manufacturers have problems.
Thanks @Marc - definitely waiting until the PixHawk2.
Keen to try the PixRacer with the PX4 stack though as QGroundControl looks really good the way it has a staged setup.
This is exactly what a lot of us were asking for this last year. Now we have a 3DR guaranteed best of breed (IMO) mini hardware that has many improvements over the venerable Pixfalcon. When building a commercial machine, we all (and the clients) feel a bit more comfortable installing a 3DR brand rather than a Hobbyking.
This what I'd love 3DR to do (and what they're best at IMO) - continue to innovate and create quality UAV components while supporting and leveraging the open source initiatives.
Now we just need a MinimOSD 2.0 and a Lora telemetry unit !
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