How to Use PIXHAWK 6C FC: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The PIXHAWK 6C Flight Controller (FC), manufactured by Holybro, is an advanced autopilot system designed for drones and UAVs. It provides robust flight stabilization, multiple sensor inputs, and GPS support, making it ideal for a wide range of aerial applications. This flight controller is built on the PX4 open-source autopilot platform, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with various drone configurations.

• Multirotor drones for aerial photography and videography
• Fixed-wing UAVs for surveying and mapping
• VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft
• Research and development in autonomous flight systems
• Hobbyist and professional drone projects

The PIXHAWK 6C FC is equipped with high-performance hardware and versatile connectivity options. Below are the key technical details:

• Processor: STM32H743, 32-bit ARM Cortex-M7, 480 MHz
• IMU Sensors:
  • ICM-42688-P (Accelerometer/Gyroscope)
  • ICM-20649 (Accelerometer/Gyroscope)
• Barometer: MS5611
• GPS Support: External GPS module compatibility
• Input Voltage: 4.5V to 5.5V
• Power Consumption: ~1.5W
• Dimensions: 38.5mm x 55.5mm x 15.5mm
• Weight: 15g
• Firmware: PX4 Autopilot (pre-installed)
• Communication Interfaces:
  • UART, I2C, CAN, SPI
  • DSM/SBUS input for RC receivers
  • PWM outputs for motor control
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to 60°C

The PIXHAWK 6C FC features multiple connectors for peripherals and sensors. Below is the pin configuration:

1. Powering the Flight Controller:

   • Connect a 5V power source to the POWER1 or POWER2 port.
   • Ensure the power source can supply sufficient current for the connected peripherals.

2. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Attach a GPS module to the GPS port for navigation.
   • Connect external sensors (e.g., LiDAR, magnetometer) to the I2C or CAN ports.
   • Plug in the RC receiver to the RC IN port for manual control.

3. Motor and Servo Connections:

   • Connect ESCs or servos to the PWM OUT ports.
   • Ensure proper calibration of ESCs before flight.

4. Firmware Setup:

   • Install the PX4 Ground Control Station (QGroundControl) software on your computer.
   • Connect the PIXHAWK 6C FC to your computer via USB.
   • Use QGroundControl to configure the flight controller, calibrate sensors, and upload mission plans.

5. Pre-Flight Checklist:

   • Verify all connections are secure.
   • Calibrate the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass.
   • Perform a motor test to ensure proper operation.

• Use a high-quality power module to prevent voltage drops during operation.
• Ensure proper vibration isolation for the flight controller to avoid sensor interference.
• Regularly update the PX4 firmware to access the latest features and bug fixes.
• Perform a range test for the RC receiver before flying.

The PIXHAWK 6C FC can communicate with an Arduino UNO via the I2C interface. Below is an example code snippet for reading data from an I2C-connected sensor:

#include <Wire.h>

#define SENSOR_ADDRESS 0x68  // Replace with the I2C address of your sensor

void setup() {
  Wire.begin();  // Initialize I2C communication
  Serial.begin(9600);  // Start serial communication for debugging

  // Initialize the sensor
  Wire.beginTransmission(SENSOR_ADDRESS);
  Wire.write(0x00);  // Example: Write to a configuration register
  Wire.endTransmission();
}

void loop() {
  Wire.beginTransmission(SENSOR_ADDRESS);
  Wire.write(0x01);  // Example: Request data from a specific register
  Wire.endTransmission();

  Wire.requestFrom(SENSOR_ADDRESS, 2);  // Request 2 bytes of data
  if (Wire.available() == 2) {
    int data = Wire.read() << 8 | Wire.read();  // Combine two bytes into one value
    Serial.println(data);  // Print the data to the serial monitor
  }

  delay(1000);  // Wait 1 second before the next read
}

1. Flight Controller Not Powering On:

   • Cause: Insufficient power supply.
   • Solution: Verify the input voltage is within the 4.5V to 5.5V range. Check the power connections.

2. GPS Not Detected:

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or configuration.
   • Solution: Ensure the GPS module is connected to the correct port. Verify the GPS settings in QGroundControl.

3. Unstable Flight:

   • Cause: Improper sensor calibration or vibration interference.
   • Solution: Recalibrate the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass. Use vibration-damping mounts for the flight controller.

4. No RC Signal:

   • Cause: RC receiver not bound or connected properly.
   • Solution: Bind the RC receiver to the transmitter. Check the connection to the RC IN port.

• Q: Can I use the PIXHAWK 6C FC with ArduPilot firmware?
  A: Yes, the PIXHAWK 6C FC is compatible with both PX4 and ArduPilot firmware.

• Q: What is the maximum number of motors supported?
  A: The PIXHAWK 6C FC supports up to 8 motors via the PWM OUT ports.

• Q: Does the flight controller support telemetry?
  A: Yes, telemetry can be enabled via UART or CAN interfaces.

• Q: Can I use this flight controller for a fixed-wing aircraft?
  A: Yes, the PIXHAWK 6C FC is suitable for fixed-wing, multirotor, and VTOL configurations.