# 5V/12V DC-DC Converters

## Description & Specifications

The Freefly DC-DC converters draw power from the 50V battery bus and provide up to 120W of 5V or 12V DC. The converters utilize off the shelf converters mounted on a custom heatsink with and a custom capacitor board to provide better transient response.

| Spec                          | 12V                   | 5V                    |
| ----------------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- |
| Operating input voltage range | 18-75VDC              | 18-75VDC              |
| Output voltage                | 12VDC                 | 5VDC                  |
| Max output current (Note 1)   | 10A                   | 24A                   |
| Max output power (Note 1)     | 120W                  | 120W                  |
| Recommended max output power  | 100W                  | 100W                  |
| Operating Temperature         | -40C to 85C           | -40C to 85C           |
| Input power connector         | XT30 (Male Pins)      | XT30 (Male Pins)      |
| Output power connector        | XT60 (Female Sockets) | XT60 (Female Sockets) |
| Weight with Wires/ Plugs      | 105 grams             | 105 grams             |

Note 1: Above ambient temperatures of 50C, some current/power derating will be necessary.

{% hint style="info" %}
The DC-DC converter output is isolated, so the "return" power connection is not tied to the AltaX ground. If you are connecting to a data link in AltaX (such as UART), you **must** run the ground line in the data connection (ie. pin 6 in UART connection or pin 4 of CAN).

Failure to properly ground modules connected to the isolated DC-DC converters may result in spotty or non-functional connection.
{% endhint %}

## Installation

The converter mounts onto any unused closeout. Installation steps:

|    |                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| -- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1. | Remove two screws holding closeout door, remove closeout door         | ![](https://3429200414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LaNHxABbg20hfA0zTDQ%2F-Lpj5iGsYtIQq4Z6YVLc%2F-Lpj5pWiMMaCTyMTtL_4%2F1.png?alt=media\&token=4626d066-23ff-4ae0-9d43-5052df308340) |
| 2. | Install DC-DC converter using supplied button-head screws             | ![](https://3429200414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LaNHxABbg20hfA0zTDQ%2F-Lpj5iGsYtIQq4Z6YVLc%2F-Lpj6CC3-N3vZlZ7ZLr0%2F3.png?alt=media\&token=6f75936e-74bb-4f22-bbe5-3139103c39a8) |
| 3. | Route & connect XT30 connector to inside of the power expansion board | ![](https://3429200414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LaNHxABbg20hfA0zTDQ%2F-Lpj6Meev1x3DCQXNDRD%2F-Lpj6dwy4vWfrs-p7j5A%2F2.png?alt=media\&token=cea7b44c-f4e1-4cf5-b933-741c10575916) |
| 4. | Route XT60 connector to desired location                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |

{% hint style="info" %}
The internal XT30s of the power expansion board share the same 10A fuse as J1.
{% endhint %}

## Operation Notes

The power converter will power on automatically as soon as the battery is connected on the aircraft.

* The power converter will power on automatically as soon as the battery is connected on the aircraft.
* The converters have overcurrent & short circuit protection, and will restart automatically upon clearing of overcurrent/short circuit condition.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Caution! The DC-DC converter heatsink may get very hot when drawing power.
{% endhint %}