Basic Vehicle Integration

This page describes a basic vehicle integration to begin flying with Skynode S. This minimal setup is by no means exhaustive, but serves as a relatively generic starting point for most vehicles.

Components included in the package

Parts included in the package

Minimum required components

Minimum required components to integrate Skynode S into a vehicle

Interface	Component	Connectors	Pins Populated
ESC	ESC	JST SH 8-Pin	1-8 (Please check compatibility and pin order, as not all ESC connectors are the same)
MIPI-CSI	Camera	Ribbon Cable	N/A
USB 2	Radio (or other device)	JST GH 7-Pin	1, 2, 3, 4, 7 (Connect both power pins 1 and 2 to increase rated current)
GPS	GPS	JST GH 6-Pin	1-6
EXTRAS 1	RC Receiver (SBUS)	JST GH 10-Pin	1, 4, 10

SBUS RC Example

USB Cable Connector

Standard 6-Pin GPS Cable (Extended)

Assembly

All wires (except SBUS RC) plugged into Skynode S

Integration

1. Install the following components firmly to your airframe:

   1. Skynode S

   2. ESC and Motors (Connected)

   3. GPS (mount as far away as possible from power electronics and Skynode S)

   4. Radio

   5. Camera

   6. RC Receiver (If flying with RC Link separate from Radio Link)

2. Connect all wires to the correct components and check continuity, also between power and ground of the entire system!

3. Power up the bench with the power supply and check that all components power on and connect.

   1. Use a power supply with a power limit (for example 2A) or a smoke stopper.

Please review all the electrical limitations listed on the previous page before powering!

Power filtering and capacitors

Make sure to have a capacitor between VBAT and GND or to have the Auterion Filter Board in series between the power source and Skynode S. Always use the Auterion Filter Board if you have it.

Auterion Filter Board

Auterion Filter Board in series

Capacitor placement

Auterion tested the following capacitor:

• Rubycon 50ZLH560MEFC12.5X25 (560UF 20% 50V)

Capacitor connected to the ESC

Capacitor directly soldered to the XT60 Plug

Software Setup

1. Ensure that Skynode S has been flashed with the desired AuterionOS release.

   1. The release should include the correct airframe configuration.

   2. The release should include desired AuterionOS applications.

2. Connect Skynode S with the groundstation using either the USB-C connector or the radio.

3. Navigate to the Advanced > Parameters tab in AMC and set the following:

   1. SYS_AUTOSTART to the correct number for the desired airframe.

      1. If you are unsure, here is an overview.

   2. SYS_AUTOCONFIG to 1 to reset all parameters to airframe defaults.

4. Reboot the vehicle!

Commissioning

1. Check all motor spacing, numbering and spinning direction in Advanced > Actuators in AMC.

2. Bind and calibrate the RC or Joystick Controller.

   1. Set Mode Stick and Emergency Kill Switch.

3. Calibrate all required sensors and cameras.

   1. Sensor Setup and Calibration

   2. Camera Calibration

4. Set required failsafes and other location and platform-specific settings.

   1. The following PX4 Safety Intro gives a good overview

5. Remind yourself of the basics and go fly!

This commissioning checklist is a summary of steps also outline in the Getting Started section of this hardware documentation. Please familiarize yourself with this process and use those pages to troubleshoot.