External RGB LED Indicator & Type-C USB Extension Module for Pixhawk

Specifications

• Compatibility: Pixhawk flight controllers running ArduPilot or PX4 (Pixhawk 2.4.8, Cube, Pixracer, etc.)

• Module Version: V2.0

• Data Interface: Hardware USB Passthrough

• LED Interface: I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)

• USB Connector Type: USB Type-C (Female)

• Indicator Type: High-Brightness RGB SMD LED

• PCB Dimensions: Approx. 18mm x 18mm

• Cable: Unified multi-wire cable splitting to I2C and USB connectors

Key Applications and Projects

• Professional Aerial Photography Rigs: Providing operators with clear visual confirmation of GPS lock and arming status before taking off with heavy, expensive camera equipment.

• Enclosed Fixed-Wing Drones: Routing USB access to the outside of a foam fuselage, preventing the need to unlatch canopies to download mapping data.

• Autonomous Ground Rovers: Mounting a status light on the top of a weatherproof chassis for clear operational feedback.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution) The "Clean Build" Professional Drone: Taking a DIY drone from looking like a "flying science experiment" to a professional-grade tool requires clean wiring and accessible interfaces. Evolve your build! Use a 3D printer to create a custom flush-mount bezel for this Type-C/LED module, integrating it smoothly into the side panel of your drone's carbon-fiber frame. Your drone will not only look significantly more professional, but field diagnostics will become instantaneous.

PACKAGE INCLUDED

• 1 x RGB USB Extension Module (V2.0 with Type-C Port)

• 1 x Split Connection Cable (Module header to Flight Controller I2C/USB ports)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What exactly does this module do? It takes the internal RGB status LED and the USB data connection from your Pixhawk flight controller and extends them to a small external board that you can mount on the outside of your drone frame.

2. Is this compatible with the standard Pixhawk 2.4.8? Yes, it is fully compatible. You just need to plug the respective ends of the included cable into the I2C port and the USB port on the top of the Pixhawk 2.4.8.

3. What type of USB port does the module have? This V2.0 module features a modern, reversible USB Type-C port.

4. Does this replace the internal LED on the flight controller? It does not replace it; it mirrors it. Both the internal LED on the flight controller and this external module will flash the same colors simultaneously.

5. What do the different LED colors mean? The colors are dictated by your firmware (ArduPilot or PX4). Generally, flashing blue means disarmed/no GPS lock, flashing green means disarmed with GPS lock, solid green means armed, and flashing red/yellow indicates errors or failsafes.

6. Do I need an I2C splitter board to use this? If your flight controller only has one I2C port and you are already using it for an external compass (GPS module), you will need an I2C expansion/splitter board to plug in both the compass and this LED module.

7. Can I use the USB port without connecting the I2C LED? Yes. The USB and I2C lines are separate on the flight controller side. You can use one function without the other if desired.

8. Does this module include a safety switch button? No. Some older modules included a red safety switch button. This specific V2.0 model is streamlined strictly for USB and RGB LED functions.

9. How do I mount this to my drone? Because it is a bare PCB, most users use high-quality double-sided foam tape to mount it to a flat surface on the frame, or they design and print a custom 3D printed case for it.

10. Does this module require an external battery or BEC? No, it is entirely powered by the 5V logic supplied directly from the flight controller's USB and I2C ports.

11. Why is my LED not lighting up, but the USB works? If the USB works but the LED is dead, check your I2C connection. The SCL and SDA wires might be swapped depending on your specific flight controller's pinout, or you may have a hardware address conflict on your I2C bus.

12. Is the connection cable included? Yes, the module comes with the necessary multi-wire harness to connect the board to your flight controller.

13. How long is the included cable? The included cable is typically around 150mm to 200mm (6 to 8 inches) long, providing enough slack to reach from the center of most frames to the outer edge.

14. Can I use this to flash new firmware to my Pixhawk? Yes. Because it acts as a direct hardware passthrough, you can flash firmware, download dataflash logs, and change parameters exactly as if you were plugged directly into the flight controller.

15. Will the Type-C port charge my drone's battery? No. The USB port only provides 5V to power the flight controller's logic circuits for setup and telemetry. It cannot charge your main LiPo flight batteries.

16. Is this module waterproof? No, it is an exposed printed circuit board. If you intend to fly in rain or wet conditions, you must apply a conformal coating to the board, taking care not to get it inside the USB port.

17. Can I use this with Betaflight or iNav? While the USB passthrough might work if wired correctly, this specific I2C LED driver is designed to interpret the status codes sent by ArduPilot and PX4. It will not work natively as an addressable LED strip in Betaflight.

18. What does "V2.0" signify on the board? V2.0 typically signifies the upgrade from the older, more fragile Micro-USB connector to the much more robust USB Type-C connector, along with minor layout improvements.

19. Can I use this with a Cube (Pixhawk 2.1)? Yes, the I2C and USB protocols are identical. However, the Cube uses different physical connectors on its carrier board, so you may need to splice or re-pin the cable to fit the Cube's specific ports.

20. Does plugging this in disable the telemetry ports? No. USB and Telemetry (UART) are handled on completely separate hardware buses by the flight controller. Using this module will not interfere with your wireless telemetry radios.