powering APM 2.6board (need help)

Started by Adityaamg, March 26, 2014, 07:34:59 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Adityaamg

After updating APM 2.6. I need to know how to connect my ESC to power the APM . the apm forum says something about jp1 jumper or something like that. The problem is , I don't have a pin on the jumper point, all I have is two holes to solder the pins

Rahulvyas

jp1 active means that the 2 pins (that you are referring to) are soldered and connected.

I was told that powering the APM through a separate UBEC is the best way. Make sure you didnt connect the red pins (of the 3 pin servo connector) of all the ESCs to the FC.

-2814 700kv Carbon Fiber 685mm Quadcopter ( tuning PIDs)
-Scratch build Hexacopter ( selling the parts) { almost sold}
-9xR - The best RADIO
-ST360quad (sold)
-kk2 (sold)

Student

Adityaamg

I actually didn't have the jp1 pins nor the jumper pin. So I just made a U wire and connected both holes. And yes I am clipping out 3 power wires and using just one to power the APM board. I have to do this was because I don't have a ubec.

Rahulvyas

hmm, when i used ESC's inbuilt ubec it got too hot. I still think u should consider buying one. Or get a PMU for APM so you can monitor voltage too
-2814 700kv Carbon Fiber 685mm Quadcopter ( tuning PIDs)
-Scratch build Hexacopter ( selling the parts) { almost sold}
-9xR - The best RADIO
-ST360quad (sold)
-kk2 (sold)

Student

mhkabir98

Actually , it depends if the ESC you are using has a switching-mode regulator or a plain linear regulator. Linear-reg ESCs can be all connected (paralell)to the APM without cutting the red wires.

For a switch-mode-reg ESC though, should only one should be connected , disconnecting the red wires from the rest.

JP1 should be bridged if you're using the ESCs power. Otherwise leave it open and connect a separate BEC to the Rx side.

Kabir
Lynxpilot - 32bit Linux autopilot designer |  Aerial Vista Challenge Team member for the 2014 Wildlife Conservation UAV Challenge

SideWinder

Using a separate switching bec is ideal for powering APM2.5.Or remove the wires from esc and instead power it from one of the input pins. Sharing the power between output rails and apm is again a bad idea as supply from esc's(most of them are linear) have noise in it.
An image that will help.



And a video already posted on youtube that answers your question




Rcproduct

For use UBEC or BEC to Power APM than just soldering To JP1 and Use Jumper...

after than you can use any BEC or UBEC Or any 5v to Powering Your APM.

:hatsoff:
Website - http://www.RCProduct.in  - [ Hobbyking products ]

Contact us here - http://www.rcproduct.in/contact-us/

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/rcproduct.in  [ Like us On Facebook ]

Email - rcproduct.in@gmail.com [ Email us if you have any Query ]

Mob - 8849380825 [whatsapp]

bhaveshsangani

Hi all,

I have an APM 2.6. Upgrading from HexaQuad Controller.
Been reading through load of articles online about powering the APM 2.6.

Just want to be sure before I power it up and regret later.

1. To install firmware I can connect a standard USB cable , used to charge mobile phones, to my PC and sink in all data.
2. Setting up the board on my Quad.
On the input side - connect my RX
On the output side ( here's where I need to be careful)

I am using an ESC with built in BEC,5V 2.5Amps. I do not have a power module. The BEC output is linear.
A. Can I connect all the 4 ESCs in linear on the output side of the board , without a jumper?
B. Should I connect 1 ESC( signal,positive, negative wire intact) on the output side and remaining 3 ESC with only the signal wire on , without jumper?
C. Buy a power module and life is easy :-)

Thanks.

Ask questions or you will never get the answers.

rajsachdev

If the BEC output is linear then you can leave the red wire intact on all (my hex with APM has) they can be connected in parallel without any problem, if you want to play safe remove the red wires from all but one.

You'll have to short JP1 so the receiver attached gets its power from APM other wise you may need to use a UBEC to power that side, if you are not planning on servos then JP1 short and entire power from BEC(s) is a good way to go.


bhaveshsangani

#9
Thanks Raj.

I am planning to use the APM for my Quad. No servos required.

As you suggested I will be connecting all the ESC with all 3 wires intact on the output side.
On the input side connections from RX.

I have no idea about the jumper. Why is it required ?? To power the other side of the board ??
and what do you mean by short JP1.

I am attaching a picture of the wires provided with the Board.

Could you please tell which wire is used for shorting.

My quad is a PCB version hence no distribution board.
Ask questions or you will never get the answers.