Kore Carrier Board

The primary purpose of the Kore Multi-Rotor Carrier Board for The Cube Flight Controller is to reduce the rat’s nest of wires and modules typically associated with a multi-rotor assembly. It provides built-in power distribution, redundant power supplies for the autopilot, built-in fail-over power selection, a separate payload power regulator, and many other features.

Introduce:

Although the Kore multi-rotor carrier board is geometrically optimized for quadcopters, X8 configurations, and octocopters, it offers connections for every function of The CUBE autopilot. Thus, this Cube Carrier Board can be used with any vehicle type supported by The CUBE, including various other multi-rotor frame types, planes, rovers, submarines, and antenna trackers. This Cube Kore carrier board is designed by Spektreworks Inc.

Cube Kore Carrier Board Features

Up to 12-cell Lithium battery (50.4V)
140A continuous current with 280A surges
Power and signal for ESCs conveniently located in corners
12V navigation light power available at each corner
Built-in power distribution
Built-in voltage and current sense
Redundant power supplies for flight critical components
Payload connectors with resettable fuses for 5V, 12V, and direct battery power
Good power and error indicator lights
Built-in buzzer with volume control
Connectors for every function of The CUBE
Easily accessible PWM voltage level selector (3.3V or 5V)
Resistant to ground bounce on PWM signal
Connector-compatible with standard ProfiCNC carrier board
Connector ports for debugging IO and FMU processors

The system battery should be connected directly to the large pads labeled “MAIN PWR”. Pads are available on both top and bottom of the board. No external power brick is necessary, as voltage and current sense is done directly on the board. Pay special attention to the polarity symbols, as there is no reverse protection. Batteries up to 12S, or 50.4V, may be used.

The power distribution system is rated to supply 140A to the ESCs when exposed to stagnant air at room temperature, with surges up to 280A. If the board will have continuous airflow across it (exposed to prop wash during flight)

In order to accurately read the voltage and current using the built-in sensors on the board, the following parameters should be set in The CUBE:

Parameter	Value
BATT_AMP_OFFSET	0.45
BATT_AMP_PERVOLT	50
BATT_CURR_PIN	3
BATT_MONITOR	4
BATT_VOLT_MULT	15.3
BATT_VOLT_PIN	2

To set these parameters in mission planner, navigate to the Config/Tuning -> Full Parameter List Page.

Note: If you are using a fresh installation of mission planner you will have to enable this page by setting Config/Tuning->Planner->Layout to “Advanced”

You may either type in these parameters manually, or download this parameter file and upload via mission planner. After inputting via either method, be sure to click “Write Params” to save the parameters in the Cube.

General Use Payload Power Connectors

There are three general use payload power connectors to source power for external devices and payloads. They are labeled as J1, J14, and J19 in white ink on the board. Molex brand Clik-Mate connectors are used for the power connectors.

Reference	Voltage	Max Current	Pinout	Mating Part Number
J1	Battery Voltage	3A	1-3: Battery, 4-6: GND	Molex 5023800600
J14	5.3V	1.5A	1-2: 5.3V, 3-4: GND	Molex 5023800400
J19	12.2V	2A	1-2: 12.2V, 3-5: GND	Molex 5023800500

The battery voltage and 5.3V power connectors are independently fused with reset table fuses. If a short occurs, the fuse will cut power to the offending connector. If this occurs, identify the short and remove it. Wait a couple of minutes and the fuse should reset. The fuses may not react instantly and damage may occur to your carrier board if an external device has a short.

The 12.2V power connector is not internally fused. It is highly recommended that the user fuse any external loads to prevent excessive current from damaging the carrier board.