How to Use Fly-Super8Pro: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Fly-Super8Pro by Mellow is a high-performance flight controller designed for advanced drone applications. It offers multiple input/output options, integrated sensors, and support for various communication protocols, making it an ideal choice for both hobbyists and professional drone developers.

• Aerial Photography and Videography: Provides stable flight control for capturing high-quality images and videos.
• Racing Drones: Offers precise control and high-speed performance for competitive drone racing.
• Research and Development: Suitable for academic and commercial research projects involving autonomous flight and advanced drone functionalities.
• Agricultural Drones: Can be used in drones for crop monitoring, spraying, and other agricultural applications.

1. Power Supply:

   • Connect the 5V power input to a stable 5V power source.
   • Ensure the ground (GND) is connected to the common ground of the circuit.

2. Connecting Sensors:

   • Use the I2C ports (SCL and SDA) to connect external sensors.
   • Ensure proper pull-up resistors are used if required by the sensors.

3. Communication:

   • Use the UART ports for serial communication with other devices such as GPS modules, telemetry radios, or other microcontrollers.
   • The CAN bus can be used for communication with other CAN-enabled devices.

4. PWM Outputs:

   • Connect the PWM outputs to the Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) of the drone motors.
   • Ensure the correct mapping of PWM outputs to the respective motors.

• Power Supply: Ensure a stable and clean power supply to avoid noise and potential damage to the board.
• Heat Management: The board may generate heat during operation. Ensure proper ventilation or cooling mechanisms are in place.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check for firmware updates from the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and new features.
• Calibration: Calibrate the IMU sensors and barometer before the first flight and periodically thereafter to maintain accuracy.

1. Board Not Powering On:

   • Solution: Check the power supply connections and ensure the voltage is within the specified range (5V - 12V).

2. Unstable Flight:

   • Solution: Recalibrate the IMU sensors and check for any loose connections or damaged components.

3. No Communication via UART:

   • Solution: Verify the baud rate settings and ensure the correct UART ports are being used.

4. PWM Outputs Not Working:

   • Solution: Check the connections to the ESCs and ensure the correct PWM mapping in the flight control software.

Q1: Can the Fly-Super8Pro be used with an Arduino UNO?

• A1: Yes, the Fly-Super8Pro can be interfaced with an Arduino UNO using the UART or I2C communication protocols.

Q2: How do I update the firmware on the Fly-Super8Pro?

• A2: Firmware updates can be performed using the manufacturer's software tool. Follow the instructions provided by Mellow for the update process.

Q3: What is the maximum range of the CAN bus?

• A3: The maximum range of the CAN bus depends on the baud rate and the quality of the cabling. Typically, it can range from a few meters to several hundred meters.

Q4: Can I use the Fly-Super8Pro for autonomous flight?

• A4: Yes, the Fly-Super8Pro supports autonomous flight features. Ensure you have the necessary sensors and software configured for autonomous operations.

#include <Wire.h>

// I2C address of the Fly-Super8Pro
#define FLY_SUPER8PRO_ADDR 0x68

void setup() {
  // Initialize I2C communication
  Wire.begin();
  Serial.begin(9600);
  
  // Check communication with Fly-Super8Pro
  Wire.beginTransmission(FLY_SUPER8PRO_ADDR);
  if (Wire.endTransmission() == 0) {
    Serial.println("Fly-Super8Pro connected successfully.");
  } else {
    Serial.println("Failed to connect to Fly-Super8Pro.");
  }
}

void loop() {
  // Request data from Fly-Super8Pro
  Wire.beginTransmission(FLY_SUPER8PRO_ADDR);
  Wire.write(0x00); // Register to read from
  Wire.endTransmission();
  
  Wire.requestFrom(FLY_SUPER8PRO_ADDR, 6); // Request 6 bytes of data
  
  if (Wire.available() == 6) {
    int16_t ax = Wire.read() << 8 | Wire.read();
    int16_t ay = Wire.read() << 8 | Wire.read();
    int16_t az = Wire.read() << 8 | Wire.read();
    
    Serial.print("Accel X: "); Serial.print(ax);
    Serial.print(" Y: "); Serial.print(ay);
    Serial.print(" Z: "); Serial.println(az);
  }
  
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before next read
}

This example code demonstrates how to establish I2C communication between an Arduino UNO and the Fly-Super8Pro to read accelerometer data. Ensure the Fly-Super8Pro is properly connected to the Arduino's I2C pins (SDA to A4, SCL to A5) and powered correctly.

By following this documentation, users can effectively integrate and utilize the Fly-Super8Pro in their drone projects, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.