Payload Mounting Interfaces
Smart Dovetail
Smart Dovetail is a payload quick release with mechanical connection and electrical connections for power and data. It's an open standard that implements the Pixhawk Payload Bus.
CAD
This model contains the entire smart dovetail assembly. You are welcome an encouraged to use this model to Integrate Smart Dovetail into your payload! This also serves as the reference design for the Pixhawk Payload Bus Quick Release.
Alpha
Initial design release
11/12/2021
Beta
Complete model released
3/24/2022
Production
Available in store
6/17/2022
Pinout
Plate KEL
Smart Dovetail Plate uses KEL DY11-040L to connect with the Aircraft side. Integrate this connector into your payload (e.g. for mass production).
Pinout is defined in the Pixhawk Payload Bus standard doc. See page 5 for pinout table and pin identification diagram.
Plate ZPD
VBAT is on the IO Panel bus, which includes the XT30, and is protected at 5 A.
Max current per pin is 2 A.
The mating connector needed to build a payload cable is ZPDR-26V-S.
What's in the Box
The Astro Smart Dovetail Kit, which includes both the vehicle and payload side of the dovetail, can be found in the store.
Smart Dovetail Receiver (vehicle side)
Smart Dovetail Plate (payload side)
Fasteners, SHCS M3 x 8, qty 4
Payload connectors, ZPDR-26V-S, qty 2
Payload Ribbon Cables, 13 conductor, 28 AWG, qty 4
The Universal Dovetail Kit, which includes only the payload side of the dovetail, is also available in the store.
Smart Dovetail Plate (payload side)
Payload connectors, ZPDR-26V-S, qty 1
Payload Ribbon Cables, 13 conductor, 28 AWG, qty 2
Limitations
No hotswap protection. Do not mate or demate Smart Dovetail while the aircraft is powered.
If the payload has even modest capacitance or other inrush current the connector contacts on both aircraft and payload side will be eroded.
Not all ZPD pins are implemented. Power, ethernet, serial, and usb are present. Please let us know if unimplemented pins are blocking you: support@freeflysystems.com.
Hard-mounting to Astro chassis requires standoffs (M3 male-female, 8mm length included in the kit). The requirement is due to interference between the cable bundle and Herelink Air Unit.
Astro Vibration Isolator
The Astro Vibration Isolator is designed to be adaptable. By default, it comes preconfigured to work best with the Astro Mapping Payload, and it ships with 4 x 30A durometer isolators. Our engineering team decided this is the best configuration based on real-world testing.
Isolator plates allow up to 8 isolators. Different durometers to the Astro store, which include 30A, 40A, and 50A options.
Here is a ulog of a typical flight with a 1.5kg payload as an example of aircraft vibration.
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