AutoQuad Forum

Can I use the +v Out 3.3v pin on the J2 header to power a video TX and camera using about 350mA current? would I just connect the ground to power ground or to the DGND pin?

I´d rather take an ext. voltage regulator for video tx and power it from the lipo directly.

I agree... I'm using this TX.

and a 3.3v pololu stepdown regulator...

but when i ordered the pololu board i didn't realize it needed a voltage of atleast about 4.3v to operate. So now i have no way left to power my TX... probably should have went with a 5v tx and a step up regulator.

Guess I could order a 3.3v stepup/stepdown from pololu like this

but it sure would be nice to just use the M4's 3.3v Is it to much current for it?

This is the baby I'm working on

Nice baby.

But it´s not only about the current but the voltage.
A 5V stepup would be the way to go. I dunno why you bought a stepdown in the first place?

because of the video TX needs 3.3v according to the PDF but lipo voltage gets to 4.2 fully charged. thought what was too high and the 3.3v stepdown would keep it at a nice 3.3v for the TX........

The S7V8F3 is the better choice. Please notice that this type of equipment can get quite hot during operation.

I wouldn't recommend to power such type of equipment from the M4.

Thanks i used that module and it works perfectly now.

Are you getting any interference (horizontal lines) on video when the motors are running?

I have a similar setup (sort-of) with a Polulu step up/down from the 1s flight battery. Crystal clear video until the motors spool up. I was hoping the v-reg would provide enough filtering, but maybe not (or I have some other issue).

Nice looking bird BTW. I like the C-clips for the motors too, good idea. What's the AUW? I saw on RCG that you're thinking of selling 'em?

Cheers,
-Max

Thanks!
I do like the c-clips because it lets you change out the upper plate for a blank one to just fly around without video gear easy

Yes selling them was just a thought to compensate for how expensive this hobby has become for me and i don't mind building them.

I do get some slight interference in video when motors are powered but it's not to noticeable. I think a small say 300-400 uf capacitor will help smooth the power and fix that. it would be nice to find a TX module that does not need voltage regulating board.

Do not know the AUW but a scale is on the way. Something I've needed for a long time. I'll have to get a hover flight time for it.