World-class autopilot
The Cube Orange Standard Set (formerly known as Pixhawk 2.1) is one of the best open source and upgradeable flight controllers. The new controller, in addition to the functionalities of its predecessor, also offers three independent IMU modules or support for several GPS systems. The product can be used in unmanned multirotors, airplanes, helicopters, boats, and even in general robotics.
Carrier Board
The carrier board is designed to accommodate any Cube (Cube Black, Cube Orange, Cube Yellow, Cube Purple) thanks to the standard DF17 connector. This interface allows for the connection of various accessories to the Cube, such as GPS receivers, distance sensors (LiDAR, sonars, etc.), or any equipment communicating via Mavlink (Gremsy gimbals, FLIR cameras, etc.).
The greatest advantage of this carrier board is that it is equipped with an ADS-B IN receiver from uAvionix operating at 1090 MHz. This enables your drone to receive incoming signals from aircraft (speed, altitude, position, etc.) on this frequency. It is the same signal used by websites tracking commercial flights, such as FlightRadar and FlightAware. This information can be displayed on telemetry or directly utilized by the drone for automatic avoidance (collision prevention).
The Cube Orange+ Standard Set (ADS-B Carrier Board) Product Features
- modular structure
- a new generation of a more powerful H7 processor,
- compatibility with the RTK positioning system, support for several GPS systems,
- three independent IMU modules, two compasses, two barometers, isolation,
- vibration reduction and IMU temperature control,
- ADS-B IN uAvionix 1090 MHz receiver,
- collision avoidance system.
The Cube Orange+ Standard Set (ADS-B Carrier Board) Specification
Pixhawk FMU – Flight Management Unit
PROCESSOR | STM32H757 Dual Core (M7 DP-FPU + M4 SP-FPU) |
FLASH | 2MB |
RAM | 1MB |
CLOCK | 400 MHz |
FAILSAFE CO-PROCESSOR | STM32F103 (32 Bit ARM® Cortex®-M3, 24 MHz, Flash 64 KB, RAM 8 KB) |
Sensors
Accelerometer | ICM42688 (vibration isolated) / ICM20948 (vibration isolated) / ICM20648 |
Gyroscope | ICM42688 (vibration isolated) / ICM20948 (vibration isolated) / ICM20648 |
Compass | ICM20948 |
Barometer | MS5611 x2 |
Parameters and Operating Conditions
POWER - Input voltage / Rated input current | 4.1 - 5.7 V / 2.5 A |
POWER - Rated input/output power | 14 W |
USB - Input voltage / Rated current | 4 - 5.7 V / 250 mA |
Servo rail input voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V |
IP rating/Waterproofing | Not waterproof |
Operating Temp | -10°C / 55°C |
Dimensions and Weight
Cube Orange - Dimensions / Material | 38.4 x 38.4 x 22 (mm) / CNC aluminium alloy |
Carrier Board - Dimensions / Material | 94.5 x 44.3 x 17.3 (mm) / ABS |
Weight | 73g |
ADS-B Receiver
The uAvionix 1090 MHz ADS-B receiver has been integrated with the new Cube Orange flight controller. This allows unmanned systems to receive information about nearby manned aircraft.
Data such as position, altitude, and speed can be read in the Mission Planner application. In the Cube Orange parameter settings, it is possible to program the unmanned vehicle to automatically avoid aircraft detected within a specified area.
Ports
- 14 PWM servo outputs (8 from IO, 6 from FMU),
- R / C inputs for CPPM, Spektrum / DSM and S.Bus,
- Analog / PWM RSSI input,
- S.Bus servo output,
- 5 general purpose serial ports, 2 with full flow control, 2 I2C ports,
- SPI port (unbuffered, only for short cables, not recommended),
- 2 CAN Bus interfaces,
- 3 analog inputs,
- piezoelectric buzzer driver (on an extended board),
- RGB LED (compatible with I2C, only for external connection),
- safety button / LED.
The Cube Orange+ Standard Set (ADS-B Carrier Board) package include
- 1x a cube with a Pixhawk 2.1 controller – The Cube Orange+,
- 1x Carrier Board ADS-B,
- 1x power module,
- 1x microSD card,
- 2x telemetry cable,
- 1x power cable,
- 1x I2C cable,
- 1x Buzzer cable,
- 1x micro USB cable,
- 1x GPS1 cable (with switch)
- 1x GPS2 cable,
- 1x I2C splitter,
- 4x M2.5×8 screws,
- 1x double-sided tape 3M.
The Cube Orange+ Standard Set (ADS-B Carrier Board) - FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about The Cube Orange+ Standard Set
What is The Cube Orange+?
The Cube Orange+ is an advanced flight controller (autopilot) designed for use in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other robotic applications (e.g., Mars rovers, walking robots, submarines, floating units). It is equipped with a modern microcontroller, multiple redundant sensors, and advanced data processing capabilities, ensuring stability and reliability in operation. The Cube Orange+ is valued for its robust construction and adaptability to various vehicle configurations, making it suitable for hobbyist, commercial, and research applications.
What is the difference between The Cube Orange+ and The Cube Orange+ Standard Set (ADS-B Carrier Board)?
The Cube Orange+ is the standalone flight controller (autopilot).
In contrast, The Cube Orange+ Standard Set (ADS-B Carrier Board) is a package that includes The Cube Orange+ along with an additional mainboard integrated with ADS-B. This board allows for the reception of ADS-B signals from other aircraft, enhancing flight safety by providing awareness of nearby air traffic. Additionally, the board features a range of inputs and outputs for connecting various peripherals.
Will The Cube Orange+ Standard Set (ADS-B Carrier Board) be compatible with my drone?
The product may be compatible with any drone or unmanned vehicle. It is a computer for which the ARDUPILOT community (open source) provides various vehicle configurations (flying, driving, or floating). There is also the possibility for advanced users to write their own scripts.
What sensors and accessories does it support?
It supports various sensors, including GNSS, compass, barometer, cameras, and telemetry modules. A list of compatible devices can be found in the manufacturer's documentation. As mentioned earlier, it is an open environment, and advanced users can write their own scripts to support different sensors and accessories.
- https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-thecubeorange-overview.html#cubepilot-ecosystem
Dimensions and Weight
The compact dimensions of the autopilot cube are approximately 38x38x22 mm, and it weighs about 35 grams, making it an ideal solution for lightweight constructions and more.
How much memory does it have?
It is equipped with 2MB of Flash memory and 1MB of RAM.
What software is required for configuration?
Device configuration and platform management can be performed using Mission Planner, QGroundControl, or other software that operates on the Mavlink protocol.
Is it compatible with Ardupilot or PX4?
Yes, it supports both ArduPilot and PX4, providing users with the flexibility to choose their software.
What are the installation requirements?
Basic soldering skills, the ability to read electronic schematics, and the ability to follow instructions provided by the manufacturer are required.
- https://docs.cubepilot.org/user-guides/autopilot/the-cube-user-manual
Are regular firmware updates available?
Yes, regular firmware updates are provided by the manufacturer to improve performance and add new features.
Do I need to update my autopilot?
The manufacturer recommends updating to the latest version.
What technical support is offered?
The manufacturer offers technical support through online forums and extensive technical documentation available online, which can be found at: https://docs.cubepilot.org/user-guides/autopilot/the-cube-module-overview
Who developed The Cube autopilot?
It was developed by Philip Rowse, an Australian engineer and founder of ProfiCNC. Philip Rowse created The Cube to provide a reliable and efficient flight controller for UAVs and other autonomous systems.
Where can it be used?
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Drones used for monitoring, mapping, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, and search and rescue missions.
- Tractors and Agricultural Machinery: For precision farming, automation of fieldwork, and crop monitoring.
- Ships and Vessels: For navigation, automation of onboard processes, and collision avoidance.
- Land Vehicles: Autonomous cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles for special tasks.
- Marine Systems: Unmanned surface vehicles for oceanographic research, underwater inspections, and rescue missions.
Is it fail-safe?
It features advanced redundancy functions, such as dual IMUs and internal UPS power supply, ensuring operational safety.
Is it the same as Pixhawk?
The Cube Orange+ is not exactly the same as Pixhawk; however, it is its successor (younger sibling) and part of the same family. Pixhawk is one of the first autopilots. The Cube is more technologically advanced, offering greater functionality and capabilities, such as modularity, sensor redundancy, and support for modern sensors, components, and accessories like ADS-B.