Support Center - FAQ - System Setup

Can the Brushless Motor or ESC wires be modified to length and/or direct soldered to alternate connectors?

  • One of the ideal design aspects of the KDE Direct propulsion equipment is the addition of silicon-jacketed, 200°C copper leads extending from the Brushless Motors and Electronics. This allows for simple modifications to length, soldering, and/or alternate changes for specific applications. Some modifications can invalidate the KDE Direct Warranty and Returns Policy, so please make sure to review these requirements before making any physical changes. The leads cannot be replaced - make sure to measure twice and cut once, as once the modification is done – it cannot be reverted back to stock form.

Does KDE Direct offer bullet-connectors compatible with the KDE Direct Brushless Motors and ESCs?

  • 24K bullet-connectors can be found in the UAS Multi-Rotor Brushless Replacement Kits section of the website, offering the full-range of bullet-connectors and other items compatible with the KDE Direct propulsion equipment, as well as maintenance items to keep the products lasting for extended life.

Are the KDE Direct ESCs and Brushless Motors compatible with the 3DR™ Pixhawk (PX4) Autopilot?

  • KDE Direct UAS ESCs are OPTO-isolated and require a few simple requirements for direct compatibility with the PX4-series autopilots. A 5V or 6V external power source is required to properly arm the internal circuitry of the KDE Direct UAS ESCs, and can be provided via the KDEXF-UBEC22. Please review the Autopilot Instructions online (found under the Manuals webpage tab for each ESC edition) for full details on proper installation and connection.

Are the KDE Direct ESCs and Brushless Motors compatible with DJI™ flight-controllers and autopilots?

  • KDE Direct UAS ESCs are designed as a drop-in installation with DJI™ flight-controllers and autopilots (including the latest A3 series), and do not require any special programming for proper operation. The “DYNAMIC” throttle calibration mode of the KDE Direct UAS ESCs is designed to properly adjust to the flight-controller for simple operation and compatibility. If desired, alternate Advanced Settings and Firmware Updates can be accessed in the ESC using the Device Manager Adapter Programming Kit (KDEXF-DMA).

Are the KDE Direct ESCs and Brushless Motors compatible with the DJI™ Matrice 600

  • The Matrice 600 uses 6 pins to communicate with the ESCs and runs different firmware than the standard A3 or pro A3 flight controller. To use the Matrice and KDE Direct UAS ESCs, the flight controller must also be changed.

What flight controllers are compatible with KDE Direct ESCs?

  • KDE Direct ESCs are OPTO-isolated. This simply means that the power connected to the motor is isolated from the control leads. Depending on your flight controller, your setup may require a UBEC. For more information see flight controller compatibility.

How do I connect a KDE Direct ESC to the Pixhawk Mini?

How can I build a manned drone?

  • KDE Direct does not have FAA approval on any components for manned flight, and we do not offer support, service, warranty, or liability for any use of our equipment outside of intended operation.

How does altitude (elevation) affect thrust output?

  • Thrust output depends on air density which changes depending on elevation. For example, U.S Standard Atmosphere Air Properties lists an air density of 1.112 kg/m^3 at 1000m and 1.007 kg/m^3 at 2000m.
    1.007 / 1.112 gives us about 90% so you could expect 10% more thrust at 1000m compared to 2000m. Air humidity and air temperature also affect air density so this calculation just an estimate.

What should the adapter mounting screws be torqued to?

  • Class 12.9 Socket Head Screws:
    M2.5 with 2.5mm minimum thread engagement: 1.2 – 1.4Nm
    M3 with 3mm minimum thread engagement: 2.1 – 2.5Nm
    M4 with 4mm minimum thread engagement: 4.7 – 5.8Nm
    M5 with 5mm minimum thread engagement: 9.4 – 11.4Nm
    M6 with 6mm minimum thread engagement: 16.2 – 19.8Nm
    For heavy lift adapter M3 button head screws (class 10.9): torque 1.73 - 2.11Nm
    For propeller retention bolts, follow the instructions of the propeller assembly diagrams.

Do I need to add a zener diode to the Pixhawk??

  • The purpose of the zener diode is to prevent a voltage spike from triggering a shutdown. If you are powering the Pixhawk with the power module, then the zener diode is not required. The Pixhawk won't take backup power from the servo rail if using anything above 5.7V, so the zener diode should not be used with servos with more than this. If you are using 5V servos, then the zener diode is required.