VOXL Mini ESC - AUX Power Output

Martin Lukac

Hello! The datasheet says the Aux power output: "3.3V or 5.0V @ 500mA (default 3.3V, SW-controlled)"

I'd like to change it from 3.3V to 5.0V. I checked the m0129 params here, but I didn't see a setting for it. Does it require a different firmware? How can I change it?

Appologies if I missed something in the documents on how to change it.

Thank you!

Martin.

Vinny

Hi @Martin-Lukac
It's shown here:
https://docs.modalai.com/voxl-mini-esc-datasheet/#gpio

Hope this helps!!

Martin Lukac

@Vinny Thank you!

I'm having trouble figuring out the command based off the informatino.

I tried the command with --id 14 --val 1 ... and also --val 0, but neither make the output 5V.

I'm connecting directly to the ESC via a USB to Serial adapter and the command finds the board and is able to send the command.

The board-detect script outputs:

INFO: Scanning for ESC firmware: /dev/ttyUSB0, baud: 2000000
INFO: ESC(s) detected on port: /dev/ttyUSB0, baud rate: 2000000
INFO: Detected protocol: firmware
INFO: Additional Information:
INFO: ---------------------
ESC detected: ModalAi 4-in-1 ESC (M0129-6)
ESC detected: ModalAi 4-in-1 ESC (M0129-6)
ESC detected: ModalAi 4-in-1 ESC (M0129-6)
ESC detected: ModalAi 4-in-1 ESC (M0129-6)

Thanks again!

M.

Vinny

@Martin-Lukac
Let's ask @Alex-Kushleyev

Alex Kushleyev

@Martin-Lukac ,

Yes, we have the capability on the M0129 ESC to enable 5V AUX output instead of 3.3V. The reason why this has not been exposed to the users is to avoid a situation where a user has a 3.3V device plugged in, but the ESC outputs 5.0V.

Just to clarify your needs - do you need the output to be always 5V and for it to turn on as soon as the ESC boots up? or do you want to turn it on using GPIO (off or on 5V)?

We have two options, which we have been going back and forth internally:

add a new ESC config param to specify the VAUX voltage (off, 3.3V, 5.0V) and whether it should be on after ESC starts up (the defaults would be 3.3V and ON after power up).
enable gpio control of the pin that actually controls the VAUX setting (3.3V or 5.0V), so that users can change the output voltage via UART commands
- this seems not practical, since if you have a device that's plugged in, it could get 3.3V first until you enable 5.0V output.

Since it is unlikely that someone would need to switch between 3.3V and 5.0V while the ESC is ON, we will probably go with the first option - add a param for voltage after start-up and still allow to tun the regulator on/off.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Alex

Martin Lukac

@Alex-Kushleyev ,

Thanks for the response!

We are looking to have always 5.0V as soon as it boots up -- so a permanent setting that is remembered between power cycles/boots. I think the first option, having a ESC config param, works for us.

Thanks!

Martin.

Alex Kushleyev

@Martin-Lukac ,

Thanks for the feedback. We can work on adding a param. Meanwhile, for your testing, I will send firmware (based off the latest version), which will just set the VAUX to 5.0V all the time.

Alex

Alex Kushleyev

Here are the links to the test firmware:

M0129-3
M0129-6

After you update, you should see the following version after running voxl-esc-scan.py (except yours will be M0129-6). The firmware version will be 39.23 and this version will be reserved only for this test firmware:

INFO: ESC Information:
INFO: ---------------------
	ID         : 0
	Board      : version 40: ModalAi 4-in-1 ESC (M0129-3)
	UID        : 0x2039333557555304003F0029
	Firmware   : version  39.23, hash 30c088dc
	Bootloader : version    184, hash 10bf24c8
...

In case you need help updating ESC firmware: https://docs.modalai.com/voxl-escs/faq/#q-how-do-i-update-esc-firmware

We won't officially release this firmware version in order to avoid the aforementioned risk of turning on 5.0V by just installing a firmware update, however we will work on enabling this in the ESC params.

Also, just as a reminder, please be careful soldering to the AUX test points, use high quality flexible cables, and use strain relief to avoid lifting the pads.

Alex