Payload Mounting Interfaces
Last updated
Last updated
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 .
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
Smart Dovetail Plate uses KEL DY11-040L to connect with the Aircraft side. Integrate this connector into your payload (e.g. for mass production).
VBAT is on the IO Panel bus, which includes the XT30, and is protected at 5 A.
Max current per pin is 2 A.
Smart Dovetail Receiver (vehicle side)
Smart Dovetail Plate (payload side)
Fasteners, SHCS M3 x 8, qty 4
Payload Ribbon Cables, 13 conductor, 28 AWG, qty 4
Smart Dovetail Plate (payload side)
Payload Ribbon Cables, 13 conductor, 28 AWG, qty 2
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.
Pinout is defined in the standard doc. See page 5 for pinout table and pin identification diagram.
Smart Dovetail Plate offers a connector for payloads. The pinout nominally matches the .
The mating connector needed to build a payload cable is .
The Astro Smart Dovetail Kit, which includes both the vehicle and payload side of the dovetail, can be found in the .
Payload connectors, , qty 2
The Universal Dovetail Kit, which includes only the payload side of the dovetail, is also available in the .
Payload connectors, , qty 1
Not all ZPD pins are implemented. Power, ethernet, serial, and usb are present. Please let us know if unimplemented pins are blocking you: .
Hard-mounting to Astro chassis requires standoffs ( included in the kit). The requirement is due to interference between the cable bundle and Herelink Air Unit.
The is designed to be adaptable. By default, it comes preconfigured to work best with the , 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 , which include 30A, 40A, and 50A options.
Here is a of a typical flight with a 1.5kg payload as an example of aircraft vibration.
