I have a question about the power module.
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We are using Flight Core v2 and the power module provided by Modal AI. However, our power module has burned out.
Does the power module provided by Modal AI have to be connected to the battery only when flying? We need to receive battery power and set up additional mission equipment when necessary. Is there a way to improve the power module for this? Or is there a way to continuously supply power to the FC? -
Hi @JANG
I am surprised you burnt out your power module. It is a very capable and highly flexible design. I've never burned one out over years of testing.https://docs.modalai.com/power-module-v3-datasheet/
Can you please elaborate more on what you are trying to do, I am not clear on your setup goals.
The power module is for all intents and purposes a DC regulator. It will take any (battery) voltage from ~5.5V up to 28V and create 5V to power VOXL 2, FCv2, or anything else at 5V up to 6Amps.
The module also passes this same input voltage (typically a battery) through so that other things can be cascaded off it like an ESC, more power modules, etc. -
Hi @Vinny
I'll tell you what happened that day and what other connectors were connected. First, the battery was connected to a 4S lithium polymer battery, and the V2 FC, transmission, telemetry, and RC receiver were connected. However, when I was powering on and doing basic FC settings, after about 10 minutes, smoke and flames came out of the Power Module. The FC was also damaged and became unusable.
So, is it okay if we use other products that play the same role as the power module provided by Modal AI? If you look at the specifications of the power module, it is for 2S~6S only. Can we use the power module by mounting it on other products in the same range?
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Hi @JANG
The only time a power module is damaged is when a power supply is used to power the system and the motors are spun up, creating a voltage spike on the input rail that exceeds 28V, not a battery. So, this overall is very surprising to me.
You are welcome to use any 5V source for FCv2. It does not need much power (maybe 1-2Amps total) so our power module is overkill for a FCv2, but it helps by providing current and voltage readings to to PX4 or you FC SW of choice.
