How to Use Hexsoon PDB-40A w/BEC 5V/12V: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Hexsoon PDB-40A w/BEC 5V/12V is a high-performance power distribution board (PDB) designed specifically for multi-rotor drones. It simplifies power management by distributing power from a single battery to multiple electronic components, such as electronic speed controllers (ESCs), flight controllers, and other peripherals. This PDB features a 40A current rating and includes a built-in battery eliminator circuit (BEC) that provides regulated 5V and 12V outputs, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulators.

• Power distribution for quadcopters, hexacopters, and other multi-rotor drones.
• Supplying regulated 5V and 12V power to flight controllers, cameras, and other peripherals.
• Simplifying wiring and reducing clutter in drone builds.
• Supporting high-current applications up to 40A.

1. Connect the Battery:

   • Solder the positive lead of your LiPo battery to the BAT+ pad.
   • Solder the negative lead of your LiPo battery to the BAT- pad.

2. Connect ESCs:

   • Solder the positive and negative power leads of each ESC to the corresponding ESC1, ESC2, ESC3, and ESC4 pads.

3. Power Peripherals:

   • Use the 5V and 12V output pads to power your flight controller, camera, or other peripherals. Ensure the current draw does not exceed the BEC's maximum output current (3A for 5V, 2A for 12V).

4. Mount the PDB:

   • Secure the PDB to your drone frame using M3 screws and the 30.5mm x 30.5mm mounting holes.

• Check Voltage Compatibility: Ensure all connected components are compatible with the PDB's input voltage range (2S-6S LiPo) and output voltages (5V/12V).
• Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the maximum current rating of 40A or the BEC's output current limits.
• Proper Soldering: Use high-quality solder and ensure all connections are secure to prevent power loss or short circuits.
• Insulation: Use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to insulate exposed solder joints and prevent short circuits.
• Cooling: Ensure adequate airflow around the PDB to prevent overheating during operation.

The Hexsoon PDB-40A can be used to power an Arduino UNO via its 5V regulated output. Below is an example of how to connect the PDB to an Arduino UNO:

1. Connect the 5V pad on the PDB to the 5V pin on the Arduino UNO.
2. Connect the GND pad on the PDB to the GND pin on the Arduino UNO.

Here is a simple Arduino code example to blink an LED, powered by the PDB:

// Simple LED Blink Example
// This code blinks an LED connected to pin 13 on the Arduino UNO.
// Ensure the Arduino is powered via the 5V output of the Hexsoon PDB.

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Set pin 13 as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
}

1. No Power Output:

   • Cause: Poor soldering connections or disconnected battery.
   • Solution: Check all solder joints for proper connections and ensure the battery is securely connected.

2. Overheating:

   • Cause: Exceeding the maximum current rating or insufficient cooling.
   • Solution: Reduce the load on the PDB and ensure adequate airflow around the board.

3. Peripheral Not Powering On:

   • Cause: Incorrect voltage selection or excessive current draw.
   • Solution: Verify the peripheral's voltage requirements and ensure the BEC's output current is not exceeded.

4. Short Circuit:

   • Cause: Exposed solder joints or improper wiring.
   • Solution: Inspect all connections for shorts and insulate exposed solder joints with heat shrink tubing.

Q: Can I use this PDB with a 4S LiPo battery?
A: Yes, the Hexsoon PDB-40A supports 2S-6S LiPo batteries, including 4S (14.8V).

Q: What happens if I exceed the BEC's output current?
A: Exceeding the BEC's output current may cause voltage drops, overheating, or damage to the PDB. Always ensure the connected load is within the specified limits.

Q: Can I power both 5V and 12V peripherals simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can use both the 5V and 12V outputs simultaneously, as long as the total current draw does not exceed the BEC's limits (3A for 5V, 2A for 12V).

Q: Is this PDB compatible with other drone frames?
A: Yes, the PDB's 30.5mm x 30.5mm mounting hole spacing is compatible with most standard drone frames.

This concludes the documentation for the Hexsoon PDB-40A w/BEC 5V/12V.