m500 for enabling gimbal

[yu zhang]

Hi team,

I am wondering how to select a gimbal to install on m500? I double-checked that you had a few internal experiments about enabling a gimbal by this link:
https://docs.modalai.com/voxl-m500-gimbal-user-guide/

It shows the used gimbal is HMG MA3D, but this one is a discontinued product. I also search one of the alternatives:
https://au.banggood.com/Tarot-TL3T05-Gopro-3D-Metal-3-Axis-Brushless-Gimbal-PTZ-for-Gopro-Hero-5-p-1191195.html?utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cpc_organic&gmcCountry=AU&utm_content=minha&utm_campaign=minha-au-en-pc&currency=AUD&cur_warehouse=CN&createTmp=1&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cpc_bgcs&utm_content=tanya&utm_campaign=tanya-ssc-aug-all-11sale-21-1020&ad_id=554447914968&gclid=Cj0KCQiAu62QBhC7ARIsALXijXSWfEAQ_lUvAXONxtx2AQqNOto4UKjb0YFn9_gptl_fk1aXhH2cFJgaAjwPEALw_wcB

1. I am wondering if it could be compatible with m500 for enabling a gimbal control by VOXL? If not, do you have any other alternatives for a recommendation?

2. I am also wondering what is the Regulator D24V22F12 used for?

3. According to the gimbal reference, the gimbal control can be handled through the PWM output connector on VOXL-Flight J1007 or Flight Core J7. But, it seems the J1007 connector has been used for the RC receiver, and the J7 is blocked by the green upper. In this case, I am wondering how could I connect to a recommended gimbal?
   

[modaltb]

Hi @yu-zhang ,

At this time, we don't have a recommendation, but it's solve-able. We haven't been able to consistently source a low cost option, which is a part of why we don't support it any longer.

The HMG MA3D was controlled by 2 PWM signals coming out of the PWM output (J1007 on VOXL-Flight here), namely channels 5 and 6, using the RC passthrough feature, but this solution isn't ideal, needs stabilization on bootup to set the correct position, and requires manual control.

The D24V22F12 was used to produce 12VDC, which was required by the gimbal, and not available as an output standard.

[yu zhang]

@modaltb Thanks for the information.

Since J1007 connector is used for connecting RC receiver, I am wondering if any other connectors on VOXL-flight could be used for connecting a gimbal? Refering to the above link for Tarot TL3T05, can you please double-check if it could be compatible with VOXL-flight?

Also, I am wondering if a gimbal requires adding an alternative power supply unit individually?

[modaltb]

J1007 is not RC input, rather PWM/DShot output.

A gimbal that uses PWM to control it could be used via J1007 ch5/ch6 if using AUX passthrough.

Gimbals are unique so I can't say for sure...

[yu zhang]

@modaltb Thanks. I was sorry to identify the use of J1007.

Does it seem J1007 is used for flight control in the screenshot (I marked with orange circle)?

If so, how should I connect a gimbal to VOXL?

[modaltb]

yes those are typically PWM outputs. Servos (like on a lot of gimbals) can take that PWM output and use it to control the position of the gimbal. That said, you will have to go about wiring one up. In this architecture, you can only really do RC pass through on channels 5/6 likely, so you could control 2-axis manually. We don't have a ready to go solution for this as mentioned, sourcing of a good gimbal has proven to be tough!

[yu zhang]

@modaltb All right, I see. It does sound tough.

Instead, I think I may have a chance to only enable the stabilization by manually pre-set a fixed angle for the gimbal. If so, I don't need to connect to VOXL-flight, and I could just need to think about a separate power supply for the gimbal, right?