3D Robotics

New 3DR autopilot: Pixhawk Mini

DSC_0343.jpg

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

3B3FytiZ9aBC7N1xM9mkVE2LtETaxoqrgFAo_5Dp2hetpbvuYqCWjy6GkC5PnREW1XekrloCNwg-laNm6sI3ERq6DHl5Bx3aPNzdFNVyQd-_MczJwSIpd-TcgCVlZ4il1SU5jUjc

  • 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

3Im6wXwv4oHZ81nl6aARLkPJJNnyj6-ibPJ4lew51mPvtg_hBbic67qH2WuCSHKikEQEXXTXR2pgWF8HAr2VGdYod6kFjPntRJnivhntxCCbxulsYDn6WhyxLrdcGewyyJBlNatv

 

E-mail me when people leave their comments –

You need to be a member of diydrones to add comments!

Join diydrones

Comments

  • Thanks for the info Chris.

  • 3D Robotics

    You can use any of the RC out channels. The old APM A9 method has not been needed for years. 

  • Thanks Chris, but that does not address the Pixhawk Mini specifically. I have used the method outlined here with an APM and it works perfectly.

    http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/apm-to-chdk-camera-link-tutorial

    Does the mini have an output for triggering the camera like the A9 pins on the APM or the AUX out pins on the Pixhawk?

  • 3D Robotics

    Yes, see this: http://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/common-chdk-camera-control-tutorial...

    CHDK Camera Control Tutorial — Plane documentation
  • Can the Pixhawk Mini be used to trigger a CHDK enabled camera? If so what is needed?

  • 3D Robotics

    There's a compatible cable set available here

  • Does anyone know if the connector type on the PixHawk Mini on 3DR's website is JST-SH 1.0? That is the connector type of the PixFalcon, which I believe is the predecessor to the Pixhawk Mini. I'm finding cables in the JST-SH 1.0 format to be hard to find.

    Kelly
  • Oh boy, I can't believe I managed to miss that somehow. I sure do need sleep...

    Sorry about this Chris, thanks for your answer and patience.

    Given that the pixhawk 2.1 + I/O board is way too big for many of my planes, I'll make sure to give the pixhawk mini a try for my next aircrafts. Thanks much.

  • 3D Robotics

    All that is addressed in the very post you're commenting on (and yes, the servo extension rail is powered). Quoting from the above:

    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.

  • Thanks Chris. I did read the 3dr page, it was just hard to tell how it was different from the pixfalcon since it compares against the pixhawk.

    Does the board power itself from the servo rail as backup, or is that missing like the pixfalcon?

    First, I saw you had the same signal only servo cables and I was unhappy, but now I see you also have a separate servo rail board, which would work. Honestly the servo cable breakout cable is actually handy to use, but not if it's missing power, if you make more, just adding the missing wires to it would work fine over the separate servo plug board that's fully wired, that you added, but the later will work.

    The power module is the same than the one I got with my pixfalcon. At least the one I got is terrible for measuring amps in a linear way (I got rid of it)

    The GPS is the same M8N I got with my kit too I think (it's a good one)

    But back to the main question: is the actual board inside the module the same than the pixfalcon, or if it's different, where can I find the list of changes/improvements (and again I mean the actual control unit, not the things that plug into it).

    Thanks, Marc

This reply was deleted.