OPERATOR’S MANUAL

1
Failure to read and follow the Operator’s Manual and all 

operating instructions can result in death, bodily injury, 

and/or property damage. Save this manual for future 

reference.

2
Crop Inspection

Terrain Modeling

Power Grid Inspection

Construction Security

Infrastructure Wildlife Studies
STARK HX8

Efficiency Octocopter

31.4 Lbs.

21.4 Lbs.

25-30 minutes

Aluminum & CF

12S 44000mAh 

U10+, 28” Prop

EFFICIENCY SERIES MULTICOPTER

4
MaxRecommended TakeoffWeight 52.8lb

NET Takeoff Weight

(w/ 2 x 22,000 mAh Li-Po Batteries) 31.4lb

MaxRecommendedPayload 21.4lb

Hovering Accuracy (in GPS Mode)

Vertical:+/-0.5m

Horizontal:+/-1.5m

MaximumWindResistance <8m/s(17.9mpg/28.8km/h)

Max Yaw AngularVelocity 150deg/s

Max Tilt Angle 35degrees

Ascent/Descent +/ 6m/s

Flight Duration at 52.8lbAUW 24Minutes

WorkingEnvironmentTemperature -14F - +104F

Speed 0 knots (hover) – 50 knots (maximum)

MaxAltitude

400 feet AGL and no more than 200 feet above an elevated platform (check current 

FAA guidelines)

Return-‐to-‐Home Failsafe

Engagement:

1) UAV loses signal with GCS

2) Failsafe switch (SF switch) engaged

3) Low Battery Levels

Low Voltage Protection

First Level Protection:

If power levels drop below 21.0V, low voltage protection is activated: 

a. LED Warning (yellow& flashing); b. RTL(Return-to-Landing) engages. 

Second Level Protection

If power levels reach 20.5V,LED Warning (red & flashing) AND RTL are engaged

KEY FEATURES

•9 TYPES OF MULTI-ROTORAND A CUSTOMIZED MOTOR MIXER

•INTELLIGENT ORIENTATION CONTROL (IOC)

•POINTS OF INTEREST (POI)

•INTELLIGENT LANDING GEAR FUNCTION

•AUTO RETURN-TO-HOME /ONE-KEY GO-HOME

•MULTI-ROTOR ONE-MOTOR FAIL PROTECTION

PLATFORM SPECIFICATIONS

5
CARRYING PLATFORM

6

MODULAR 

Landing gear 

& PAYLOAD 

PLATFORM
FLIGHT CONTROLLER

7
Pixhawk Specifications

Processor

 32-bit ARM Cortex M4 core with FPU

 168 Mhz/256 KB RAM/2 MB Flash

 32-bit failsafe co-processor

Sensors

 MPU6000 as main accel and gyro

 ST Micro 16-bit gyroscope

 ST Micro 14-bit accelerometer/compass 

(magnetometer)

 MEAS barometer

Power

 Ideal diode controller with automatic 

failover

 Servo rail high-power (7 V) and highcurrent ready

 All peripheral outputs over-current 

protected, all inputs ESC protected

Interfaces

 5x UART serial ports, 1 high-power 

capable, 2x with HW flow control

 Spektrum DSM/DSM2/DSM-X Satellite 

input

 Futaba S.BUS input (output not yet 

implemented)

 PPM sum signal

 RSSI (PWM or voltage) input

 I2C, SPI, 2x CAN, USB

 3.3 and 6.6 ADC inputs

Dimensions

 Weight 38 g (1.3 oz)

 Width 50 mm (2.0”)

 Height 15.5 mm (.6”)

 Length 81.5 mm (3.2”)

8
DRIVE SYSTEM: Brushless Motors

9

T-Motor U10+

KV.........................................................80

Configu ration....................................36N40P

Shaft Diameter..................................15mm

Motor Dimensions 

(Dia.*Len)............................................Φ88.6×40mm

Weight(g)............................................500g

Idle current(10)@10v(A).....................0.8A

No. of Cells(Li-Po)...............................6-14S

Max Continuous current(A)180S......33A

Max Continuous Power(W)180S......1500W

Max. efficiency current......................2-18A>90%

internal resistance.............................95mΩ

Propeller: 28” Carbon Fiber
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROLLER

10

Features

 High performance microprocessor brings out the

best compatibility with all kinds of motors and

the highest driving efficiency.

 Throttle range can be configured to be

compatible with all transmitters currently

available on market.

 Smooth, linear, quick and precise throttle

response.

 CNC Aluminum alloy enclosure, IP55 PCB with

nano technology, widely used in UAV agriculture,

search and resucue, etc.

 Separate voltage regulator IC for microprocessor

to get a better anti-jamming capability.

 Multiple protection features: Low-voltage cutoff protection / over-heat protection / throttle

signal loss protection.

 USB supported. The firmware of the ESC can be

updated by the USB adapter.

 Several kinds of Program Cards are supported.

Very easy to program the ESC at home or at the

field

SPECS

 Output: Continuous 80A

Burst 105A up to 10 Secs.

 Input Voltage: 6-12 cells lithium battery.

 BEC: None

 Signal Frequency: Up to 600Hz

 Size: 77mm (L) * 35mm (W) * 18mm (H).

 Weight: 94g.
POWER SOURCE

11

Product Type: Lithium Polymer

Capacity: 22000mAh

Voltage: 22.2V

Max Continuous Discharge: 20C (440A)

Max Burst Discharge: 40C (880A)

Weight: 2467g

Dimensions: 55*123*220mm

Balance Plug: JST-XH

Discharge Plug: XT150/AS150,etc

Charge Rate: 1-3C Recommended, 5C Max

6S Li-Po Batteries
RADIO TRANSMITTER

12

SA: Flight Mode

UP - Loiter

CNTR - Alt. Hold

DOWN - Stabilize

SD: Blank

RD: Zoom Control for FPV Camera 

Prior to every flight, ensure all switches are in their default positions, and the Tx

battery is sufficiently charged. We recommend charging your Tx fully for every use. Use

the following infographic to memorize the default switch positions and their functions:

SF: RTL

FUTABA 14SG

2.4 Ghz 14-channel
915Mhz TELEMETRY MODULE

13

Specs:

 Supply voltage: 3.7-6 VDC (from USB or DF13 connector)

 Transmit current: 100 mA at 20 dB

 Receive current: 25 mA

 Serial interface: 3.3 V UART

 Size: 25.5x 53x11 mm (without antenna)

 Weight: 11.5g (without antenna)

3DR 

TELEMETRY

Module

Features:

• Interchangeable air and ground modules

• Micro-USB port

• 6-position DF13 connector

• 100mW maximum output power (adjustable)

• -117dBm receive sensitivity

• Based on HopeRF’s HM-TRP module

• SMA connector

• 2-way full-duplex communication through adaptive TDM

• UART interface

• Transparent serial link

• MAVLink protocol framing

• Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)

• Configurable duty cycle

• Error correction corrects up to 25% of bit errors

• Open-source SIK firmware

• Configurable through *Mission Planner and *APM Planner
FPV VIDEO TRANSMISSION

14

Flysight

Black Mamba 

TX5820-V2 

5.8 Ghz 2000mW

Specifications:

• Working frequency: ISM 5.8GHZ

• Available channels: 32CH

(compatible with Fatshark, ImersionRC and DJI)

• Transmitting power: 2W (33dbm, +/- 1dB)

• Transmitting distance: >9km (depends on terrain)

• Power supply: DC 6-28V

• TX output voltage: 5V/12V(Vin=Vout)

• Comsumption current: 800mA

• Antenna impedance: 50Ω

• Antenna gain: 2dB

• Antenna connector: SMA/RPSMA optional

• Dimension: 55*35*27mm(L*W*H)

• Weight: 52g

Frequency Channel Group: A, B, E, F

A: 5865 5845 5825 5805 5785 5765 5745 5725Mhz

B: 5733 5752 5771 5790 5809 5828 5847 5866Mhz

E: 5705 5685 5665 5645 5885 5905 5925 5945Mhz

F: 5740 5760 5780 5800 5820 5840 5860 5880Mhz

Features:

- 32 Channels

- High power (2000mW), long distance (about 9Km)

- On-board quiet fan built-in

- Very bright LED display

- Not affected by 2.4GHz R/C Radios

- Compact size, light weight, easy to carry

- Special design with cover.
FIRST PERSON VIEW: Camera

15

CCD

Size 1/3 inch, Interline Transfer CCD

Total Pixels 795(H)*596(V)

Effective Pixels 752(H)*582(V)

SYNC

Scanning System 2:1 Interlace

Synchronization Internal/ VD-Lock

Frequency H: 15.625 KHz/V: 50.00 Hz

ELECTRICAL

Resolution 700TV Lines(Min.): B/W (WIDE)

Min. Illumination 0.7 Lux/F1.8 (50 IRE); 

Color / 0.02 Lux/F1.8 (50 IRE); B/W S/N (Y signal) 50 dB

Video Output CVBS: 1.0Vp-p/75Ω

Focus Auto/Manual

Zoom Movement Speed: 3 seconds

IRIS Control Auto

Lens Initialize Built-In

Camera Title OFF/ON (Displayed 15 characters)

Day & Night Auto

Gain Control Auto, Manual(120-240)

Back Light Compensation ON/OFF

Electronic shutter speed:AUTO (X128-1/50sec-1/10,000 sec)

OPTICS

Optics 10X, f=3.8 to 38.0mm(F1.8-3.2)

Min. Focus Distance 1,000mm

Angle/Field of view:

H: Appr. 51.2°(Wide) to 5.58°(Tele)/V: 

Appr. 39.3°(Wide) to 4.27°(Tele)

FH-10S Zoom
FIRST PERSON VIEW: 5.8Ghz MONITOR/Rx

Specification:

32channels 5.8GHz Dual Diversity Receiver 32 ch. Fatshark

compatible small HDMI monitor Supports Airwave and

NextWave transmitters and many others on 5.8Ghz due to the

32channel; Compatiable 5.8GHz Dual Diversity Receiver 32 ch.

Fatshark compatible small HDMI monitor with Fatshark,

airwave, Immersionrc and others. Fully compatible with 2.4Ghz

R/C radios; Screen No Blue Screen, Support image rotation

180degree and Image Zoon function HDMI Support HDMI

1.3digital input port. Resolution (1024X600px)

DIVERSITY MONITOR FEATURES:

High sensitivity diversity receivers for the best possible

reception Supports DNR High resolution screen (1024x600px)

No blue screen. Supports Airwave and NextWave transmitters

and many others on 5.7Ghz due to the 32Channel diversity

receiver. Supports image rotation. HDMI 1.3 digital input port

RECEIVER:

Frequency: ISM 5.8Ghz RX sensitivity: -90dBM

Diversity: Yes

Video Standard: NSTC/PAL (automatic switching)

Video Output Level: 1.0Vp-p, 75ohm

Audio Output Level: 1.0Vp-p, 10Kohm

16

FlySight

BlackPEarl 32 Ch.
ROUTINE PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION

17

WHAT SHOULD I INSPECT?

Landing gear:

If you operate a UAV with retractable landing gear, ensure the gear components, and especially, screws attaching it to 

the frame of the UAV are not loose and servos/motors are functional..

Motors:

Inspect motor mount screws for tightness. With your hand, grasp each motor and check for strong attachment to the 

motor mount. If the motor “wobbles”, inspect the four inner screws under the motor mount. Motor replacement is 

advised if significant vibration is observed, and steps above are not remedial.

Propellers:

Improper propeller mounting could result in motor failure due to overheating, as well as decrease in performance and 

efficiency. Whether you are using self-tightening propeller mounts, or directly mount the prop onto the motor, apply 

significant torque to the mounting screws.

Battery Plates:

Ensure the battery plates’ columns are torqued fully, and the carbon fiber plate is snug. When using Velcro 

straps over the plate to secure a battery, tighten just enough without bending the plates on either edge.

GPS & IMU

Make sure arrows point directly forward. Insure GPS and Compass are properly calibrated.
PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST

18

•WEATHER conditions are optimal.

•You are not endangering other HUMANS.

•UAV, Tx and Gimbal BATTERIES are fully charged.

•All COMPONENTS are intact and functional (see page 5).

•No significant sources of magnetic/radio INTERFERENCE.

•All LED indicator colors are functioning.

•CALIBRATION done properly (see page 6).

•You have familiarized yourself with flight ENVIRONMENT

•You have a PLAN.

•MOTORS spool up.

Enjoy your flight!
SAFETY PROTOCOL: Preflight

19

✓ Check batteries with voltmeter to insure fully charged and ready for use.

✓ Inspect batteries for damage or defects that may affect proper operation.

✓ Inspect propellers are mounted correctly.

✓ Inspect propellers for cracks,chips or damage that may result in sudden loss of propulsion or 

uncontrolled flight.

✓ Inspect dampening absorbers are in good condition;not brokenor worn.

✓ Camera lens cap has been removed.

✓ Micro SD card has been inserted.

✓ Gimbal is functioning properly.

✓ Check weatherforecast for wind advisory or other conditions that may adversely impact flight.

✓ Check predetermined flight area forTFR,restrictions,etc.

✓ Check for NOTAMs for flight area.

✓ Contact respective airport towers to advise of estimated time of flight,estimated flight duration,

flight location,estimated maximum altitude of flight and any other pertinent information.

✓ If required,inform local FAAFSDO

✓ Inspect flight area for:

 vicinity of medical helipads/heliports

 vicinity of light poles

 vicinity of trees

 flocks of birds that may cause interference and potential flight impact

 vicinity of any elevated obstructions that may pose potential flight hazard

 vicinity of roadways with moderate to heavy traffic that can be distracted

 public gatherings that may attract viewers

 optimal point of controlfor best sight of sUAS while in flight
SAFETY PROTOCOL: Flight

 Takeoff and land from same predetermined safe area.

 Remain alert to birds, aircraft, curious public and 

approaching vehicles.

 PIC or Visual Observer will avoid any distractions during 

flight.

 Restrict flight to minimal altitude sufficient to acquire 

needed results.

 Remain prepared for emergency landing at all times.

 Pay attention to flight time and battery life percentage.

 Land sUAS and shut down propulsion immediately 

following landing.

20
SAFETY PROTOCOL: Post-Flight

 Disconnect battery(ies) to prevent accidental

activation of propulsion system.

 Inspect sUAS for physical irregularities/component

malfunction.

 Secure sUAS in a safe location.

 Log your flight time, sUAS performance and other

pertinent information

 Remove all warning signs from public access areas.

21
SAFETY PROTOCOL: Emergencies

Immediately land the sUAS at the safest

and closest ground location if:

 the PIC and/or the Visual observer is being distracted

from focusing on the flight and safety.

 a manned aircraft is heard or seen in vicinity of the sUAS.

 a sudden change in weather (thunderstorms and/or

convective activity).

 birds entering the proximity of the flight.

 any sudden unsafe event that can cause collision,

distraction or interruption of control.

22
DISCLAIMER

23

Harris Aerial LLC accepts no liability for damage(s) or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this

product under any conditions, including, but not limited to:

1. Damage(s) or injuries incurred when users are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, anesthesia, and other awareness-altering

substances, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and any other mental or physical conditions that could impair your ability to safely operate the

UAV.

2. Damage(s) or injuries caused by intentional unsafe aircraft operation.

3. History of physical, mental and other health conditions (including inadequate eye-sight), which may prevent you from being able to

operate the UAV safely and effectively.

4. Failure to follow the guidance of the manual, altered assembly or improper operation.

5. Malfunctions caused by refit or replacement with non-original accessories and parts.

6. Damage(s) or injuries caused by using third party products, fake products.

7. Damage(s) or injuries caused by lack of experience and/or subjective misjudgment.

8. Damage(s) or injuries caused by mechanical failures due to erosion, component aging and malfunction.

9. Damage(s) or injuries caused by continued flying after low voltage protection alarm is triggered.

10. Damage(s) or injuries caused by knowingly flying the aircraft in abnormal conditions (where water, oil, soil, sand and other

unknown material could ingress into the aircraft);

11. Damage(s) or injuries caused by flying in situations and environments where magnetic and/or radio interference is present,

government regulated no-fly zones, or the pilot and or UAV is in low-lit, blocked, fuzzy sight, and other conditions not suitable for

operating a UAV.

12. Damage(s) or injuries caused by flying/operating a UAV in bad weather, such as a drizzle, rain, snow, heavy wind, sandstorm, hail,

lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes etc.

13. Damage(s) or injuries caused when the aircraft is in the following situations: collision, fire, explosion, floods, tsunamis,

subsidence, ice trapped, avalanche, debris flow, landslide, earthquake, and any other situations outside of direct or indirect control of

Harris Aerial LLC.

14. Damage(s) or injuries caused by privacy invasion and infringement such as any data, audio or video material recorded by the use of

the aircraft.

15. Damage(s) or injuries caused by the misuse of the battery, protection circuit, RC model and battery chargers.

16. Other losses that are not covered by the scope of Harris Aerial LLC liability.

No part of this product or manual shall be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent or authorization of .

Harris Aerial LLC. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the product or information contained herein.
AUTOPILOT

QUICK START GUIDE
PARTS

1 Pixhawk

2 Buzzer

3 Safety switch 

4 Micro-SD card and adapter

5 Micro-USB cable

6 Six-wire cable x2 

 7 Power module

 8 I2C splitter module

 9 Four-position I2C splitter cable

10 Three-wire servo cable

11 Mounting foam

1 2 3 4 5 7

8 11

 MOUNT

Use the provided foam to mount Pixhawk as close as possible to your vehicle’s center of gravity. 

Make sure to orient the board with the arrow pointing forward.

Vehicle front

Attach the foam squares to the 

corners of the board.

GETTING STARTED

With the help of APM firmware, Pixhawk turns any 

RC plane, copter, or rover into a full-featured personal 

drone. Once you have a fully-assembled frame, follow 

this guide to install Pixhawk.

6

9 10

1 Mount

2 Connect

3 Load firmware

4 Calibrate

1
 CONNECT

(Required) Connect the buzzer 

and safety switch.

(Optional) Connect a 3DR 

Radio to Pixhawk’s Telem 

port using the 6-wire cable 

provided with your 3DR Radio 

Kit to receive data and 

communicate with 

the autopilot in flight. 

(GPS or GPS+Compass required)

Connect a 3DR GPS+Compass to 

provide the autopilot with positioning 

data during flight. This kit includes a 

6-wire cable to connect the GPS ports. 

Connect the MAG to the I2C port using 

the 4-wire cable provided with the 3DR 

GPS+Compass.

(Required) Connect the 3DR 

Power Module to the Power port 

using the 6-wire cable to direct 

power from your lithium polymer 

(LiPo) battery to the autopilot.

(Optional) The I2C splitter expands the I2C port to allow up 

to four additional peripherals to connect to Pixhawk. Use the 

4-wire cable to connect the I2C splitter and add a compass 

module, external LED, digital airspeed sensor, or other 

peripherals to your vehicle.

2
Connect the ground (-), power (+), and signal (S) wires to the RC 

pins using the provided 3-wire servo cable.

For a Spektrum DSM, DSM2, or DSM-X Satellite RC receiver, connect to 

the SPKT/DSM port.

CONNECT RADIO CONTROL

FOR PPM RC RECEIVERS AND FUTABA S.BUS RECEIVERS

FOR SPEKTRUM SATELLITE RECEIVERS

FOR PWM RECEIVERS

Purchase a PPM Encoder module to connect a PWM 

RC receiver to Pixhawk at store.3dr.com.

LOAD SD CARD INTO PIXHAWK

If the SD card is not preloaded into Pixhawk, insert the micro-SD card into the slot at the 

bottom end of the board.

For a complete list of RC systems compatible with Pixhawk, visit the APM wiki page here.
 LOAD FIRMWARE 

APM firmware is the brains of your autopilot operation and must be installed before using Pixhawk. 

To load firmware onto Pixhawk, install a mission planner application on your ground station computer. Choose 

either Mission Planner (Windows) or APM Planner for (Windows, OS X, and Linux). 

Both applications are available for free download from ardupilot.com.

For rovers, connect the throttle and steering 

wires to the main output signal pins.

Pin 3 = Throttle

Pin 4 = Steering

Mission planner

firmware

FOR COPTERS

FOR PLANES

FOR ROVERS

Connect each signal wire from the PDB to 

the main output signal (S) pins by motor 

number. Connect one wire for each motor 

to the corresponding pin.

Pin 1 = Motor 1 Pin 5 = Motor 5

Pin 2 = Motor 2 Pin 6 = Motor 6

Pin 3 = Motor 3 Pin 7 = Motor 7

Pin 4 = Motor 4 Pin 8 = Motor 8

For planes, connect the control channel 

wires to the main output signal pins.

Pin 1 = Aileron

Pin 2 = Elevator

Pin 3 = Throttle

Pin 4 = Rudder

CONNECT OUTPUTS

3
Download Mission Planner (Windows)

Mission Planner « Downloads

Sort by: Title | Hits | Date

■ MissionPlanner - Installer Select the installer 

package to download.

Ardupilot.com Downloads Mission Planner

After selecting the correct file, read the safety information and select Download.

Open the file to run the setup wizard. Proceed through any security warnings, and install all 

suggested drivers. When the installation is complete, open the application, and connect Pixhawk to your 

computer using the micro-USB cable. 

Your computer will automatically install the correct drivers. Do not select Connect at this time; Pixhawk can only 

load firmware while unconnected to Mavlink. 

Download APM Planner (Windows, OS X, and Linux)

APM Planner 2.0 « Downloads

Sort by: Title | Hits | Date

■ APM Planner 2.0 Mac

■ APM Planner 2.0 Windows

■ APM Planner 2.0 Linux

Select your platform to 

download.

Ardupilot.com Downloads APM Planner 2.0

INSTALL PLANNER
When prompted, follow the directions to load the firmware. Once the status bar shows that the download is 

complete, power cycle the board by disconnecting and reconnecting the USB.

If you hear a musical tone, your firmware installation is complete. If you hear a series of tones followed by three 

beeps, disconnect the USB and reconnect while holding down the safety button. Upon restart, listen for a series 

of tones followed by two beeps indicating that your firmware has loaded successfully.

beep BEEP beep... 

BEEP BEEP  Pixhawk needs your attention:

beep BEEP beep... BEEP BEEP BEEP

Everything is OK:

musical tone 

Select Initial Setup, Install Firmware, and select your vehicle.

 CALIBRATE

With Pixhawk connected to your computer, select the communication option from the drop-down menu for 

PX4 FMU, set the rate to 115200, and select the Connect icon. Select Initial Setup and Mandatory Hardware to 

access the calibration wizards. 

Remove propellers before performing calibration. !

4
SELECT FRAME TYPE (COPTERS ONLY)

CALIBRATE COMPASS

Select the options to enable the compass; to allow automatic declination 

calculation; and to specify Pixhawk. Select Live Calibration to launch the wizard, 

and follow the prompts.

Show Me

videos demonstrating live calibration techniques at 3dr.com/learn.

For copter, select your frame orientation. 
CALIBRATE ACCELEROMETER

SELECT FLIGHT MODES

4

5

6

RC CALIBRATION

left stick

right stick

Select Accel Calibration, check the box for AC 3.0+, select Calibrate, and 

follow the prompts to calibrate Pixhawk’s accelerometer. Make sure to wait a 

couple of seconds before and after changing the positions of the vehicle.

Select Radio Calibration to teach Pixhawk to work with your RC 

transmitter. Turn on your transmitter, select Calibrate Radio, and move 

all sticks and switches to their extreme positions. Select Click when Done

once the red bars are set for all available channels.

Move each switch on your transmitter to its available positions. The mission 

planner will indicate the currently selected position with green highlighting. Select 

a mode for each switch position, and select Save Modes to assign.
LED MEANINGS

Flashing red and blue: initializing. Please wait.

Double flashing yellow: error. System refuses to arm.

Flashing blue: disarmed, searching for GPS. Autonomous, loiter, and return-to-launch 

modes require GPS lock.

Flashing green: disarmed, GPS lock acquired. Ready to arm. Quick double tone when 

disarming from the armed state.

Solid green plus single long tone: armed and ready to fly!

Flashing yellow: RC failsafe activated.

Flashing yellow plus quick repeating tone: battery failsafe activated.

Flashing yellow and blue plus high-high-high-low tone: GPS glitch or GPS failsafe 

activated.

Quick, constant blinking: performing system check. Please wait.

Solid: ready to arm. Proceed to the arming procedure.

Intermittent blinking: system ready. Press the safety button to activate.

SAFETY SWITCH MEANINGS

Learn more

about LED meanings and buzzer tones at 3dr.com/learn.
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

1 Spektrum DSM receiver

2 Telemetry (radio telemetry)

3 Telemetry (on-screen display)

4 USB

5 SPI (serial peripheral interface) bus

6 Power module

7 Safety switch button

8 Buzzer

 9 Serial

10 GPS module

11 CAN (controller area network) bus

12 I

2

C splitter or compass module

13 Analog to digital converter 6.6 V

14 Analog to digital converter 3.3 V 

15 LED indicator

PORTS

1 2

3 4

1 Input/output reset button

2 SD card

3 Flight management reset button 

4 Micro-USB port

1 2

ground

power

signal

1 Radio control receiver input

2 S.Bus output

3 Main outputs

4 Auxiliary outputs

3 4
Processor

32-bit ARM Cortex M4 core with FPU

168 Mhz/256 KB RAM/2 MB Flash

32-bit failsafe co-processor

Sensors

ST Micro 16-bit gyroscope

ST Micro 14-bit accelerometer/magnetometer

MEAS barometer

MPU6000 accelerometer/magnetometer

Power

Ideal diode controller with automatic failover

Servo rail high-power (7 V) and high-current ready

All peripheral outputs over-current protected, all 

inputs ESC protected

Interfaces

5x UART serial ports, 1 high-power capable, 2x with 

HW flow control

Spektrum DSM/DSM2/DSM-X Satellite input

Futaba S.BUS input and output

PPM sum signal

RSSI (PWM or voltage) input

I

2

C, SPI, 2x CAN, USB

3.3 and 6.6 ADC inputs

Dimensions

Weight 38 g (1.3 oz)

Width 50 mm (2.0”)

Height 15.5 mm (.6”)

Length 81.5 mm (3.2”)

SPECIFICATIONS

IMPORTANT NOTE

SUPPORT

For more information about Pixhawk and other documentation, visit 

3dr.com/learn. For more instruction on using APM firmware and 

planner software, visit ardupilot.com.

For customer support, contact us at help@3dr.com or call our 

support line at +1 (858) 225-1414 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, PST.

Please note that these instructions describe basic setup for Pixhawk and do not represent the 

complete set of configuration procedures required to build a copter, plane, or rover. 

For more information on ESC calibration, battery monitoring, failsafes, mode descriptions, 

and more, visit ardupilot.com. Do not operate your vehicle without a complete understanding 

of the online instructions.
Operating a powered vehicle of any kind can be a lot of fun, but it carries certain inherent risks. Regulations 

governing the use of powered vehicles, including aircraft, vary from locale to locale, even within the same country 

or district. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand and comply with all local laws and regulations.

Safety basics:

•	 Never operate the vehicle or software in a way that could be dangerous to you, other people, or property.

•	 Always keep propeller arcs free of objects and body parts while the vehicle is live.

•	 Keep in mind that software and hardware failures happen. Although we design our products to minimize 

such issues, you should always operate with the understanding that a failure could occur at any time and 

without warning. Accordingly, you should take the appropriate precautions to minimize danger in case of 

product failure.

•	 Never use the software or hardware for manned vehicles.

•	 Always operate within local laws and regulations.

•	 Do not operate the aircraft if you are under the age of 18. 

Additional safety information:

•	 Be sure to maintain safe distances between people and your aircraft. 

•	 Never operate your aircraft if your ability to do so with the utmost attention to safety is impaired in any 

way. Do not operate your aircraft while tired, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise unable to 

operate it with the highest attention to safety. 

•	 Environment conditions can change rapidly and can make operation difficult. If this occurs, land your aircraft 

and discontinue use immediately. Do not operate your aircraft if operating conditions are not ideal. This 

includes, but is not limited to, rain, snow or excessive wind.

•	 Always ensure the battery cable is disconnected from the aircraft until you are ready to fly, and ensure that 

your batteries are fully charged prior to use.

•	 Always turn on the transmitter and ensure the throttle stick is all the way down before connecting the 

battery.

•	 After landing, disarm your vehicle immediately and disconnect the battery cable.

•	 Do not turn off the transmitter until after you have disconnected the battery.

•	 Always remove the propellers while testing the motors.

•	 When the battery is connected, always assume the vehicle is live and the motors are armed.

•	 Do not attempt to fly longer than the battery’s safe capacity.

•	 Do not operate the vehicle with excess weight attached.

•	 Ensure that all vehicle components are well maintained before each flight. Ensure that components are 

firmly attached and operating properly. 

•	 Replace any worn or damaged components before each flight. Never operate with any damaged or worn 

components.

•	 SAFETY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY. Take all precautions necessary to ensure your own safety as well as the 

safety of other people and property.

SAFETY
DISCLAIMER

THE LIMITED WARRANTIES APPLICABLE TO 3D ROBOTICS-BRANDED HARDWARE CAN BE FOUND AT 

WWW.3DROBOTICS.COM/TERMS/ AND CAN BE REFERENCED IN FULL AT THAT URL. 3D ROBOTICS 

RESERVES THE RIGHT TO UPDATE THE WARRANTIES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT EXPRESS NOTICE. 3D 

ROBOTICS MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES FOR 3D ROBOTICS-BRANDED PRODUCTS, AND MAKES 

NO WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER FOR SERVICE, SOFTWARE, MAINTENANCE OR SUPPORT FOR NON-3D 

ROBOTICS-BRANDED PRODUCTS. SUCH PRODUCTS, SOFTWARE, SERVICES, MAINTENANCE OR SUPPORT 

IS PROVIDED BY 3D ROBOTICS “AS IS” AND ANY THIRD-PARTY WARRANTIES, PRODUCTS, SOFTWARE, 

SERVICES, MAINTENANCE OR SUPPORT ARE PROVIDED BY THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER OR 

SUPPLIER, NOT BY 3D ROBOTICS. 3D ROBOTICS MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE STATED 

IN 3D ROBOTICS’ APPLICABLE WARRANTY IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF THE INVOICE, PACKING SLIP OR 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

3D ROBOTICS OFFERS THE HARDWARE AS-IS AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF 

ANY KIND CONCERNING THE HARDWARE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, 

INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A 

PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR THE ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, 

ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OF ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT DISCOVERABLE. SOME 

JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO SUCH EXCLUSION MAY 

NOT APPLY TO YOU.

EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL 3D ROBOTICS BE LIABLE TO 

YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR 

EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE HARDWARE.

3D ROBOTICS ACCEPTS NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE(S) OR INJURIES INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY 

FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

SOFTWARE IS SUBJECT TO THE SEPARATE SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT ACCOMPANYING OR MADE 

AVAILABLE TO YOU IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE. A PORTION OF THE SOFTWARE MAY 

CONTAIN OR CONSIST OF OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE, WHICH YOU MAY USE UNDER THE TERMS AND 

CONDITIONS OF THE SPECIFIC LICENSE UNDER WHICH THE OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE IS DISTRIBUTED. 

YOU AGREE THAT YOU WILL BE BOUND BY ANY AND ALL SUCH LICENSE AGREEMENTS, AND THAT YOUR 

USAGE OF THIS PRODUCT INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE AGREEMENTS. TITLE TO SOFTWARE 

REMAINS WITH THE APPLICABLE LICENSOR(S). IN NO EVENT WILL 3D ROBOTICS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR 

DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING 

OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE.

Pixhawk Kit User Guide V8 © 3D Robotics, Inc. 20 March 2014