Pixhawk PX4 PRO Flight Controller (Pix-32 Bit Autopilot System)

Pixhawk PX4 PRO Flight Controller (PIX 32 Bit Autopilot System)

The Pixhawk PX4 PRO is described as an open-source, high-performance autopilot for drones, UAVs and VTOL aircraft, with GPS, ADS-B and telemetry integration. The page lists compatibility with the ArduPilot and PX4 ecosystems.

It uses 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 processors with 2 MB of flash running the NuttX RTOS, and offers 14 PWM/servo outputs, 2 CAN, I2C, SPI, an external Type-C USB interface, Spektrum DSM/DSM2/DSM-X and Futaba SBUS inputs, a PPM input and an RSSI input. The page prints a UART line as '1.5 high voltage UART 1, 2', which looks garbled. It showed low stock (4 left) at Rs 9,320 (SKU RS9911).

Key features

• 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4: with 2 MB flash.

• Runs NuttX RTOS: a real-time operating system.

• 14 PWM/servo outputs: as listed.

• 2 CAN, I2C and SPI: for peripherals.

• Redundant power input: with failover capability.

• Micro SD recording: for flight data.

How a flight controller works

A flight controller is the brain of a multirotor or fixed-wing aircraft. It reads the gyroscope, and where fitted the accelerometer, barometer and compass, and runs a control loop that compares what the aircraft is doing with what the pilot asks for. It then sends new speed commands to the motors through the ESCs or servos many times each second. A faster processor and a better gyro allow a higher loop rate and a more locked-in feel.

Wiring and firmware decide what the board can do. The number of UARTs limits how many receivers, GPS units, telemetry radios and video systems you can connect, the PWM or motor outputs limit how many motors and servos it can drive, and the input voltage range must suit your battery and power module. Before you buy, check that the firmware you want to run supports the board and that its mounting pattern fits your frame.

Set up carefully. Flash a firmware that is listed as supported, configure the receiver protocol, set the motor order and direction, calibrate the accelerometer and, for larger aircraft, the compass, and always test with the propellers removed first. Keep the board isolated from vibration with soft mounts where the design calls for them, and never power it with a supply that is outside the rated input voltage.

Keep the aircraft safe. Confirm your failsafe settings and arming switch before the first flight, keep a backup of your configuration, and update firmware only when you have a reason to. A flight controller is a safety-critical part, so use the wiring diagram from the maker and avoid guesswork with power connections.

Typical applications

• UAVs and drones

• VTOL aircraft

• ArduPilot and PX4 projects

• Autonomous missions

• Redundant power setups

Compatibility and setup

The page lists redundant power input with failover, multicolor LEDs, a multi-tone buzzer interface, micro SD flight data recording and automatic and manual modes.

Check the exact UART count on the board before you plan your wiring.

Specifications

• Processor: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4, 2 MB flash

• Operating system: NuttX RTOS

• PWM/servo outputs: 14

• CAN: 2

• Buses: I2C, SPI

• Receiver inputs: Spektrum DSM/DSM2/DSM-X, Futaba SBUS, PPM, RSSI

• USB: external Type-C

• Power: redundant input with failover

• Storage: micro SD recording

• Firmware: PX4 / ArduPilot

What is in the box

• 1 x Pixhawk PX4 PRO PIX 32 bit flight controller

Who is it for?

UAV builders who want an open-source autopilot for PX4 or ArduPilot.

Frequently asked questions

Which firmware does it support?

PX4 and ArduPilot.

How many PWM outputs?

14 PWM/servo outputs.

Does it have redundant power?

Yes, redundant power input with failover.

Does it record flight data?

Yes, to a micro SD card.