The Cube Kore (Without Cube) Multi-Rotor Pixhawk2.1 Carrier Board

Introduction

The primary purpose of the Kore Multi-Rotor Carrier Board for The CUBE is to reduce the rat’s nest of wires and modules typically associated with a multi-rotor assembly. It provides built-in power distribution, redundant power supplies for the autopilot, built-in fail-over power selection, a separate payload power regulator, and many other features.

While this carrier board is geometrically optimized for quadcopters, X8 configurations, and octocopters, it provides connections for every function of The CUBE autopilot. Therefore, this board can be integrated into any vehicle type that is supported by The CUBE, including all other multi-rotor frame types, plane, rover, sub, and antenna tracker.

Power

The system battery should be connected directly to the large pads labeled “MAIN PWR”. Pads are available on both top and bottom of the board. No external power brick is necessary, as voltage and current sense is done directly on the board. Pay special attention to the polarity symbols, as there is no reverse protection. Batteries up to 12S, or 50.4V, may be used.

The power distribution system is rated to supply 140A to the ESCs when exposed to stagnant air at room temperature, with surges up to 280A. If the board will have continuous airflow across it (exposed to prop wash during flight), significantly higher currents may be sourced. Alternatively, if the board will be mounted within an enclosure or if flown on a very hot day, it may be necessary to de-rate the current capacity. For users that expect to operate their vehicle continuously at high currents (over 100A), it is recommended that ground testing is done with a temperature gun prior to flight. The surface of the carrier board should never exceed 100°C.

In order to accurately read the voltage and current using the built-in sensors on the board, the following parameters should be set in The CUBE:

FEATURES AT-A-GLANCE

• Up to 12-cell Lithium battery (50.4V)
• 140A continuous current with 280A surges
• Power and signal for ESCs conveniently located in corners
• 12V navigation light power available at each cornerBuilt-in power distribution
• Built-in voltage and current sense
• Redundant power supplies for flight critical components
• Payload connectors with resettable fuses for 5V, 12V, and direct battery power
• Good power and error indicator lights
• Built-in buzzer with volume control
• Connectors for every function of Pixhawk Cube
• Easily accessible PWM voltage level selector (3.3V or 5V)
• Resistant to ground bounce on PWM signal
• Connector-compatible with standard ProfiCNC carrier board
• Connector ports for debugging IO and FMU processors

STANDARD CABLES:

4-pin JST GH
6-pin JST GH

PAYLOAD POWER CABLES:

4-pin Clik-Mate 1.25mm (for 5V payload power)
5-pin Clik-Mate 1.25mm (for 12V payload power)
6-pin Clik-Mate 1.25mm (for battery payload power)

NOTE: Pixhawk 2.1 Cube NOT included.