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
Does anyone know where the ADC port is on the pixhawk mini?
Another random question: on pixhawk, if I want to pass receiver RSSI (taranis X8R), I get the RSSI out, put an RC filter, and plug that into the sbus port of the pixhawk and configure
RSSI_PIN: 103
Pixhawk mini does not have that port. Can I use the spektrum port for that, or is there no way to pass in analog RSSI readings to a pixhawk mini?
(with openlrsng I'd be able to pass that on channel 11 as a PWM value, but I'm planning on using an X8R on that model so that I can use smaller antennas hidden in the fuselage)
Thanks, 30A indeed sounds like the most I'd feel comfortable putting through that power module.
As far as how much my motor will use, no worries, I know exactly how much it will be drawing before I take off (through bench testing and a 100A in line current/volt sensor device).
And in this case, it will be a 3.7m glider where the motor will probably peak at 50A-ish (I need to test some props to verify that). The good news is that it glides very well without the motor :) but if the trace on the power module dies, that makes all power to even my ESC could get cut off, including servo control. That would be bad [tm]
I'll use a better power module since I can't trust this one (and before someone asks why I have a pixhawk mini in such a big glider, it's to save on weight)
The FC only uses a few hundred mA. The question is whether the power module can safely and continuously handle the peak current that the aircraft requires.
IMHO the Mini 10S power module is good for about 30A or put another way, a 350-450 size aircraft.
Take a look at your motor spec - multiply by the number of motors - add 25% and that is the peak current you can expect. Now all of that energy passes from batteries to ESCs through the power module. If the PM and its associated wiring and connections cannot handle the peak load, you will discover that at some point in your mission. Also known as an unscheduled hard landing.
Wait, I don't need to pass 10 through the little power connector going to the pixhawk's power module plug.
I just need to pass 50-60amps (unlikely that I'd peak at 80, but if so it'd be a very short peak) from the XT60 in to the XT60 out (which I need to solder on the board).
IT does mean that 50-60A would need to go through the power module through the current sensor and back to the other XT60 connector that I'd solder on one of the 4 power out traces.
the problem is that those power out traces are not rated for any known amount of amps.
I can't tell if they top out at 20amp (small quad) or 40 or 60, but I'm dubious that they'll take that much since the trace on the board will have to carry the amps across, and it does not look robust.
I'm not expecting miracles, but I do need a number I know has been tested as safe.
The quoted ratings for most small electronics in this hobby are usually very exaggerated. The 14awg wire used for the 10S power module is normally considered suitable for up to 10 amps. The XT60 connector is considered appropriate for up to 60 amps. I cannot comment on the amount of copper on the board, but it is pretty minimal compared to the amount of copper in the wires. Remember the system will fail at the weakest point.
Even 20 amps at 25v is enough to melt 16awg wire and 14awg will get very hot.
If you are looking for serious power components to properly handle the currents found in any large aircraft, the Mauch products may be a good solution.
Thanks Chris, but that was not my question :)
I need the amps rating, both for the current sensor and if the printed circuit board has a lower rating due to the lack of size on the copper traces from power in to power out, I'd need the lower one of the two.
The PM in the standard Pixhawk Mini kit is 6S. The 10S power module is an optional extra.
Can the power module really do 90A?
The documentation sometimes says it's 10S capable, and I've read elsewhere it's 6S. I only need 4S but I'm not sure if I can trust the amp rating. The current sensor shunt says 0M50 on it, and I'd love confirmation that running bursts of 80A through it will not burn the current sensor.
Never mind the sensor, I'm worried the circuit board can handle that much current...
Does the voltage on the RC out need to be stepped up from 3 volts to 5 volts like with the Pixhawk?
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