This post describes power distribution for the Maker Boat Basic. The Radiolink Pixhawk ships with a power module that we will modify. We will also setup the terminal strip to power both ESCs and thrusters from the battery. You should be able to find a terminal strip at your local hardware store and find crimp connectors, spade or ring, that fit your terminal strip. Make sure that your terminal strip and crimp connectors can handle 25 A.
The power module connects to the 4S LiPo and the second XT60 connector usually connects to a power distribution board (PDB) when it is used for a multirotor. The Power Module provides power to the Pixhawk, as well as current and voltage measurements that will be shown in QGroundControl. We will modify the Power Module to connect it to a terminal strip. To do this, cut off the second XT60 connector, as shown in the image below.
- Strip off enough insulation to attach spade or ring connectors
- Create two jumper wires – one for the positive and one for the negative voltage inputs
- Attach the inputs from the power module and the corresponding jumper cables to the middle of the screw terminal
- Secure the other ends of each jumpers to the screws on either side of the power module
Polarity Test
- Before you connect the ESCs to the terminal strip and the JST connector on the Power Module to the Pixhawk, let’s check the polarity of the terminal strip
- Plug a 4S LiPo into the XT60 connector on the Power Module
- Use a voltmeter to check the voltage and the polarity on the terminal strip
- If the jumpers are wired correctly the outputs on the opposite side of the terminal strip should show a voltage between 14.8 to 16.8V
- Double and triple-check polarity!
Connect ESCs and Pixhawk
- Connect the positive and negative wires from the ESCs to the other side of the terminal strip.
- Plug the JST connector on the power module into the ‘POWER’ input on the Pixhawk.
- Secure the terminal strip to the plywood base plate in the junction box
Next, you can mount everything to the boogie board!