# UART Conneciton for Companion Computer / External Flight Controller

Source: https://forum.modalai.com/topic/3958/uart-conneciton-for-companion-computer-external-flight-controller
Category: VOXL 2 and VOXL 2 Mini (https://forum.modalai.com/category/26/voxl-2-and-voxl-2-mini)
Tags: voxl-2
Posted: 2024-11-19 20:11:28 UTC by Chase Riley
Replies: 1 · Views: 2240

## Chase Riley · 2024-11-19 20:11:28 UTC

I have been starting to integrate a companion computer/external flight controller to the VOXL2. Documentation says the preferred method would be to use the USB 3.0 Expansion Board (MDK-M0151-1-00). I have already placed an order for one of these. While waiting for this to come in I am trying to use (M0078), which I already have in my lab. I see in the datasheet for M0078 that J5 is a UART port that is not populated. If I populate the connector would I be able to use this for communication with a external flight controller?

## Reply by Moderator (ModalAI staff) · 2024-11-19 20:26:24 UTC

@Chase-Riley the recommended approach is to use J18 ESC port directly: https://docs.modalai.com/voxl2-external-flight-controller/#voxl-2-connecting-an-external-flight-controller