Starling 2 Max for indoor use in Japan: radio options, prop guards and payload mounting

[y_yoshihara]

Hardware: Starling 2 Max (C28 / Wi-Fi) - evaluating before purchase. We do not own one yet, so there is no software version or log to share.

Hello ModalAI team,

We are evaluating the Starling 2 Max for indoor, GPS-denied autonomous flight research in Japan. Sales kindly pointed us to this forum for technical questions. We would appreciate any guidance on the following:

1. Wi-Fi (-M36 option)

   • What is the exact model of the Wi-Fi module/dongle included with the -M36 option?
   • Can VOXL 2 use a different USB Wi-Fi adapter? If so, which chipsets/drivers are supported? (Radio equipment used in Japan must be certified under Japanese radio law, so we may need to use a locally certified adapter.)

2. RC receiver
   The product page shows that every configuration includes an ELRS 915 MHz receiver (-T8). The 915 MHz band cannot be used for this purpose in Japan.

   • Can the Starling 2 Max be flown with no RC receiver at all, for example manual control from QGroundControl over Wi-Fi plus autonomous offboard missions? Are there any PX4 settings we should change for this (e.g. RC loss failsafe)?
   • Alternatively, can we replace it with a 2.4 GHz ELRS receiver or an S.BUS receiver (e.g. Futaba)? Which port and parameters should we use?

3. Propeller guards

   • Are official propeller guards or a protective cage available for the Starling 2 Max (180 mm propellers)?
   • If not, are CAD/STEP files of the frame or arms available, so that we can design 3D-printed guards? How much extra weight would you expect the drone to handle without re-tuning?

4. Payload mounting
   We plan to carry a sensor of about 100-300 g.

   • Are there mounting holes or a recommended mounting point on the frame (we understand the mass should be close to the center)?
   • What power outputs are available for a payload (voltage and maximum current)?
   • Can the payload communicate with VOXL 2 over USB or UART?
   • What flight time can we expect with about 300 g of payload?

5. Lead time
   The product page says "Expected to ship within 60 business days." Is this the current lead time for the C28 / Wi-Fi configuration?

Thank you very much for your help.

[Eric Katzfey]

Regarding RC receiver, yes you can fly without it. You can use a joystick via QGC instead. Or, you can just fly missions that don't require any RC input. You should be able to swap in a 2.4 GHz receiver. VOXL2 has no support for S.BUS so make sure it has a standard 4 wire UART. Just use the same port that the current ELRS receiver is connected to. You shouldn't have to change any parameters.