Electrical Interfaces
I/O and Electrical Panel
USB-C
Configured as ethernet adapter.
Functionality:
connection to payload
mass storage (e.g. flash drive)
firmware updates
It is not possible to power Astro via this port. For example, to update firmware or download logs, power Astro with a battery.
Payload
Connector type: JST-ZPD 26-pin
This connector can be accessed directly or to pass connections to the Smart Dovetail connector.
The mating connector to build a payload cable is ZPDR-26V-S.
TELEM3
Connector: JST GH 6-pin
AUX UART
Connector: JST GH 6-pin
PWM
Connector: headers, 0.1 inch spacing
PWM outputs are active when the aircraft is powered on.
Setup
In AMC, select the output pins by navigating to Menu > Vehicle Setup > Parameters. Possible outputs are:
IO board label | Parameter name |
1 | RC_MAP_AUX1 |
2 | RC_MAP_AUX2 |
3 | RC_MAP_AUX3 |
4 | RC_MAP_FLAPS |
For each output, select an input source channel (i.e. Herelink hardware button you will push to trigger a change in PWM).
Herelink | Channel |
Wheel | 5 |
Button D | 10 |
PWM output values (e.g. 1100 us) are controlled by these parameters (read more in the PX4 Parameter Reference).
Parameter | Function |
PWM_AUX_DIS1 | PWM output when autopilot is not armed. When set to -1 the value for PWM_AUX_DISARMED will be used. a similar parameter is availabel for each channel |
PWM_AUX_MIN1 | Minimum PWM pulse for this output. When set to -1 the value for PWM_AUX_MIN will be used. |
PWM_AUX_MAX1 | Maximum PWM pulse for this output. When set to -1 the value for PWM_AUX_MAX will be used. |
PWM_AUX_REV1 | Invert direction. |
PWM_AUX_FAIL1 | PWM output if autopilot is in failsafe mode. When set to -1 the value is set automatically depending if the actuator is a motor (900us) or a servo (1500us) |
CAN
Connector: JST GH 4-pin
Console pinout
Console is a special serial (UART) port that is useful for troubleshooting applications running on the IMX8 processor inside Astro.
Connector: JST GH 6-pin
Ethernet
Connector: JST GH 6-pin
Bind Button
Not active or user configurable. This button is included for future expansion.
Battery V
Connector: XT-30
Battery Voltage: 18 - 25.2 VDC
Continuous current: 5.5 A (overcurrent protection set at 6 A)
The XT-30 connector is direct access to the raw battery output, with overcurrent protection cutoff at roughly 5 Amps from the entire IO board. If you have no gimbal attached, you can pull all 5A from the XT-30, but if you have approximately 1A from a gimbal, you'd only be able to use 4A.
In order for the XT30 to behave as expected, the Herelink needs to be powered on and in communication with Astro.
Last updated
