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
Marc: All those were addressed and improved in the Pixhawk Mini, with many changes (power module, powered 8ch servo rail, airspeed sensor) especially for planes. You can read the full list of improvements over the Pixfalcon here
And before someone tells me about pixhawk 2.1, it's useless to me until it has a very small carrier board. Right now, it's huge (bigger than pixhawk actually with carrier board and then big cube on top)
Until it comes into something that barely bigger than the current cube which itself is already twice the size of a pixfalcon/pixhawk mini, it's not very use for planes that don't have a lot of room inside for avionics.
Sorry if I should have found the answer (I didn't). How is this different from the pixfalcon I already have? It looks exactly the same except for pixfalcon scratched out and pixhawk mini written in its place...
Things I didn't like with the pixfalcon:
1) the servo out wiring harness assumed that you were powering a multirotor and only needed the signal wire. Sucks for a plane, I wasted a long time making my own cables as a result
2) it is not dual powered from the servo rail like real pixhawk
3) the power module that came with it was very bad for counting amps accurately, and clearly meant for multirotors
More details on my build if anyone is curious:
http://marc.merlins.org/perso/rc/post_2016-07-11_Bixler2-conversion...
I'd happily buy a pixhawk mini, but only if it's actually better than the pixfalcon, which is ok, but not great.
@Hein du Plessis ! yes wires are pain in compact setup...only miss a 'clever' wire distribution board and it will be easier for everyone.
Nice job, those cables are a nightmare.
If some people are looking for a 3d printed support for the pixfalcon, I made a 3d support with dampers for the Pixfalcon (v1).
Hope it could help some people: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2348176
Just wire RTS to CTS on the sending side and you will be good to go. i.e. loop back to trick that hardware flow is available. (though you can disable HW flow control in the parameters)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Null_modem#Loopback_handshaking
You won't see any issue in transmission reliability, unless the receiving side ie. Pixhawk is somehow becoming swamped with with data. 3-wire serial will work just fine. (and then most of the time it will either tell the sending side to hold off sending, to just drop data bits, it's the same effect in the end, i.e. NO DATA!)
3-wire telemetry will be just fine.
From what I read, serial communication to a modem is possible without CTS and RTS, but not recommended since it is less reliable. I was going to try it myself, but I wasn't willing to even try if it's known from the beginning reliability may suffer.
Well then the only way is to try it. I'll report back.
I don't know one way or the other. The mini is sold with a 4-wire cable to connect the 4 pins of the minit to the six wires of a legacy telemetry module. A module that does have CTS and RTS pins while the mini does not. So I assume RTS and CTS are not required since they are sold with the idea that a legacy telemetry module will work without them. It's implied a legacy telemetry will work, though 3DR does not explicitly say it will work.
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
of 16 Next