Hi @mtcbj
That is the flex stiffener. Our older image modules used stainless steel. Some of our newer modules use laminate.
Those holes are likely just flex/FPC air escapes during the backer lamination process. They do not provide any functional purpose after assembly.
I see no issue filling them with epoxy.
Hope that helps!
Posts made by Vinny
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RE: M0024 what is the purpose of the holes on the back of the camera?posted in Image Sensors
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RE: mating cycle queryposted in Ask your questions right here!
Hi @Jetson-Nano
Thank you for your request regarding MTTF and reliability data for the listed hardware components.At this time, we do not publish formal MTTF/MTBF values for these products. The primary reason is that these systems (VOXL2, ESC, Flight Controller V2, Front-End Board, and Camera Modules) are delivered as development platforms intended for user-defined integration, testing, and operation. In the vast majority of use cases, overall system lifetime is dominated by application-specific factors such as mechanical stress, environmental exposure, power integrity, and crash events rather than intrinsic electronic wear-out mechanisms. As a result, standardized MTTF/MTBF metrics are not representative or particularly actionable for these platforms.
That said, the underlying silicon and design heritage for these systems is derived from high-volume mobile and embedded computing applications. These components are built on technologies that are broadly characterized for long operational lifetimes under nominal conditions, consistent with industry expectations for modern semiconductor devices.
Additionally, portions of the broader technology heritage have been evaluated in demanding environments, including public programs associated with NASA JPL (e.g., Mars Helicopter which is our design heritage, and CADRE lunar rover initiatives). However, detailed qualification data and reports from those efforts and other non-public efforts are not available for external distribution.
From a reliability perspective, our hardware is designed and validated using standard industry practices, including:
- Functional validation across operating voltage and temperature ranges
- Environmental and stress testing at the system level (i..e: we and our customers put our drones into very demanding scenarios)
- Design margining consistent with mobile/embedded electronics standards, oftentimes far exceeding industry norm
- Production screening and quality control processes and test screening
For applications requiring higher confidence in operational lifetime, we typically recommend system-level validation under the specific mission profile, including environmental testing (thermal cycling, vibration, shock) and power/load characterization representative of the end use case.
Hope this helps.
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RE: Issue with USB Camera Disconnecting on VOXL2posted in Ask your questions right here!
OK @Daehan-Won
Yeah, I'd try to run one first on it's own before the hub to rule that out.
Keep us posted.
Thanks! -
RE: Issue with USB Camera Disconnecting on VOXL2posted in Ask your questions right here!
Hi @Daehan-Won
So, on the M0062 debug board, you do not need to connect an extra hub. You already have 3 USB ports...
Look at J10, J11, and J12..
https://docs.modalai.com/m0062-datasheet/#connector-callouts
Yes they are different connectors, but is a much easier system for you. We sell both 4 and 10-pin USB cables, and you can easily get Type-A breakouts from Adafruit or Digikey.
Can you try to remove the extra hub and see if you can get your system to work that way?We cannot validate or debug third party hardware/modules ... we would only be guessing and do not want to lead you down the wrong path. However, I suspect in this case, that Hub is indeed your issue. It is most likely only supporting 500mA modes, and if neither of those two devices are enumerating perfectly, it may only allow 100mA per port before tripping a reset. Depends on how it is configured and designed.
You can use USB TreeView to read all the descriptors of that hub board, and look for the self vs bus powered reporting, and the downstream current allocations. I suspect this is not set for your system.
If you use our connectors, despite in various formats, you should be much better off.Lastly, just to clarify, are your USB connections unique? Your drawing looks like they are the same USBD+/D- wires connecting to one port of the Hub.

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RE: mating cycle queryposted in Ask your questions right here!
Hi @Jetson-Nano
The connectors between VOXL 2 and M0173 are DF40's. They are rated for 30 cycles:

The uCoax image sensor cables are also from Hirose, and are much more fragile. They are rated for 20 cycles, but to be honest, I break them after 3-5 cycles personally if I am not using a tool. With the use of the proper tool we specify here, you should get to 10-20 cycles.
https://docs.modalai.com/micro-coax-user-guide/

FCv2 uses a bunch of JST GH connectors. On the flip side, I've never broken one of those!

JST sadly does not specify the cycle count. So, any number we provide would be a guess. We use it due to DroneCode compliance intentions. They are pretty robust and never experienced any issues.Hope this helps.
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RE: Modal AI Schematic Reviewposted in VOXL 2
Hi @austin-c
Sorry I missed this message somehow.
I will email you to kick this off with your team. -
RE: Starling 2 loses all cameras; voxl-camera-server -l reports 0 cameras even after voxl-configure-cameras 27, voxl-configure-mpa, and reflashposted in Ask your questions right here!
Hi @irw
Can you please post High Res and clear photos of both sides of the VOXL 2? -
RE: Issue with USB Camera Disconnecting on VOXL2posted in Ask your questions right here!
Hi @Daehan-Won
To help us, what camera and how is it connected (cable details, with photo will help)
We want to first understand how much power it needs.However, if it appears upon boot up, that is usually the worst power draw (in-rush), so I'm not inclined to think this is the case. It may be loose wiring, which is why a photo of your cable setup will also help. Even the slighest intermittent glitch on USB will create USB reconect events.
You can monitor that in a VOXL console (over ADB) with this command :dmesg -w | grep -Ei 'usb|xhci'Thanks!
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RE: Support for other Thermal Camerasposted in Video and Image Sensors
Hi @saegsali
Yes, we are actively working on 3 other solutions with different vendors.
We understand the importance of having options here.Nothing is in production yet, so please bear with us as we continue our development.
We hope to have some extra support by Q3 of this year with at least 2 other products, one being what you mentioned, and NOT over USB
Thanks!
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RE: I2C reading of 12S batteryposted in Support Request Format for Best Results
Thanks @Nikos-Mavr for the drawing, that helped.
The thing to be careful about is the I2C voltage levels.
https://docs.modalai.com/voxl2-connectors/

J19 port I2C's are set to 3.3V with on-board pullups. So, I'm not sure what the 12S module I2C levels are, but be sure they are either (3.3V) or (set by host, i.e.: no pulls on the battery side)
I'm not sure what voltage is feeding into this portion... make sure it is limited to 6S:

Now that Eric has given you a bunch of guidance, let us know if there are still problems overall.
Thanks!
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RE: I2C reading of 12S batteryposted in Support Request Format for Best Results
Hi @Nikos-Mavr
Please provide a drawing or sketch of your setup in question for the I2C interface, include as many details as possible so I can help you.
Thanks!
Vinny -
RE: Wifi Adapter Disconnecting - wlan0 not detectedposted in Sentinel
@jmltt
Yes, that looks correct.
https://docs.modalai.com/voxl-2-wifi-setup/#overviewThe dongle is expected to have the specific Realtek RTL8812/8818 part in there. You'll see the RTL part number in the serial console or ifconfig (I think, I'm not SW).
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RE: Feasibility & Integration Inquiry – FLIR Lepton XDS with VOXL2posted in Ask your questions right here!
Hi @Jetson-Nano
Sorry for my delay, I was OoO when the first message came through.
In any event, I can only say we have no plans at the moment to explore this new Lepton, and I have not even reviewed the spec sheet, so I cannot offer any guidance on it.
Sorry I can't be of more help. -
RE: MDK-M0048-2-01 change to MDK-M0048-2-01posted in Microhard Modems
Hi @austin-c
yeah, and it will not.
There are dozens of changes between the two boards.
It's just easier and cheaper to order the correct version. We have no documents showing how to convert it is simply not doable for the cost and risk and time.Not the news you wanted, but please trust me on that one.

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RE: UFS1 Support on J5?posted in VOXL 2
Hi @wetherbeej
Oh yikes..
You should really work with us on that change. There is a high likelihood to damage your VOXL 2 and the MEMs sensors are likely all broken now from the extra reflow cycles.Flash provisioning is all done over QFIL tools, not PCAT.
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RE: Made a custom PDB for powering Voxl 2posted in PCB Design Reviews
@Pelle-Bredegg-Hermansen
Hi Pelle,
I emailed you the schematic review report for your considerations, just wanted to post here this task is completed.Keep us posted!
Thanks! -
RE: Need Camera connector detailsposted in Questions by Product
Hi @Richa
We have not provided our pinouts for this and have no plans to.
For our Micro Coax direct CMOS based sensors, you need to use our products end-to-end to guarantee functionality.Hope this helps clarify.
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RE: Made a custom PDB for powering Voxl 2posted in PCB Design Reviews
Hi @Pelle-Bredegg-Hermansen
I'll be happy to review your design.I'll email you now to start the exchange.
Thanks! -
RE: Access to ModalAI PCB Schematic Symbolsposted in Ask your questions right here!
Hi @cbay
Sorry, we do not share our PCB design data.The best we did share is our Breakout Board Design noted here but that is SCH and an Altium Starter Kit w/o libs. Some symbols are in there you can try to export, but not many are in there.
https://docs.modalai.com/expansion-design-guide/#voxl-2-custom-expansion-pcbAnd we have this design which we "kinda-sorta" opened a little bit for some schematic guidance.
https://docs.modalai.com/voxl2-dev-test-board/Hope this helped.
Of note, if you do a board that is meant to mate with VOXL 2 J3/J5 or the camera group connectors J6-J8, I will review your schematic as a courtesy. Just reach out again and tag me, and I can email you privately so you are not posting your design on a public forum.