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
The PWM outputs on the Astro are controlled with the PWM_AUX_FUNC parameter where FUNC1-4 are the 4 pwm outputs. To assign a PWM output to a mapping, just find the number of the PWM output, and the associated PWM_AUX_FUNC and assign it to the desired mapping. ie, ie, if you use RC AUX 1, it should use Dial 2 to control the PWM output.
PWM outputs were not enabled on aircraft with the Doodle Radio until 2.0.19
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: 4.5 A (overcurrent protection set to approximately 5 A)
The XT-30 connector provides direct access to the raw battery output. Please note that the overcurrent protection is set to trip around 5 A, though variations may occur, with testing showing cutoff points between 4.7 and 5.3 A. We recommend keeping the load under 4.5 A to avoid triggering the protection circuit.
Important Notes:
If you are not using a gimbal, you can draw up to 4.5 A through the XT-30 connector.
If you have a gimbal attached, which typically draws about 1 A, you’ll need to limit the remaining load on the XT-30 to 3.5 - 4 A.
The circuit responds within a few milliseconds, so any large inrush currents may activate the overcurrent protection.
In order for the XT30 to behave as expected, the Herelink needs to be powered on and in communication with Astro.
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