VOXL Mini ESC pinouts

hmlow

Hi devs

Do you have the pinouts for the VOXL Mini ESC?
I understand that the VOXL Mini ESC's internal power module is not compatible with VOXL2.

I was hoping to look at the pinouts to see how the cable harness can be fabricated.

Thanks

Vinny

Hi @hmlow
You are right.. we are missing some info there, thanks for highlighting it.
This new Mini ESC has the following UART Interface on J1: (and we'll be sure to get our docs updated)

Connector Part Number: JST SM04B-GHS series
Pin 1: No Connect
Pin 2: UART RX (Input)
Pin 3: UART TX (Output)
Pin 4: GND

It is pinned to align with Voxl2 directly using MCBL-00015 (straight-thru): https://docs.modalai.com/cable-datasheets/#mcbl-00015 (note we have not yet offered the Voxl2 voltage variant yet, so this is for future note) and we also offer other cables for Voxl2-Mini direct plug such as MCBL-00082-1 which comes as part of the kit MDK-M0129-3-01 https://docs.modalai.com/cable-datasheets/#mcbl-00082 (that is our default kit for now since the Mini ESC is set for 3.8V output.

Both cables allow seamless UART connections to the Mini ESC from either V2 (5V version) or V2-Mini (3.8V version)

We tried to make sure the solder pads for the motor outputs and Voxl2 Mini Output are labeled in Silkscreen clearly.

"VREG OUT" is for Voxl2 Mini, BATT +/- is for the 2S-4S LIPO, and each channel is labeled as 0:3/A:C respectively.
Let us know if this is what you needed, or if anything else is required.

hmlow

@Vinny

Thanks. Can I assume that the param file that is used for the full sized VOXL ESC is fully compatible on the VOXL Mini? Assuming both are on the V38 firmware

Alex Kushleyev

@hmlow ,

Since the V38 firmware, we have removed the board-specific params from the parameter xml files (such as voltage and current measurement scale). The goal was to make the params usable across different ESCs without any changes. So, yes, you should be able to take params used on our larger ESCs (such as M0049, M0117, M0134) and load them onto the mini ESC M0129.

The voltage rating for mini ESC is the same as the others (M0049, M0117, M0134), but our recommendation is to use the mini ESC on drones under 750g. This is mostly due to keep heat of the ESC under control. The mini ESC can support mini racing drone applications, but you would have to pay very close attention to the heat dissipation in your design (airflow, heat spreader, etc).

Please let me know if you run into any issues.

Alex

hmlow

@Alex-Kushleyev sounds good. thanks