17-Mar-2016, 04:32 AM
Just thought I would write a little something about PDB's.
They come in all sizes and flavours, with each manufacturer claiming theirs is better than everyone else's.
So, do you actually need a PDB ? Short answer is NO.
You do not NEED a PDB at all, you can simply use a wiring harness that connects all esc's to Lipo with perhaps 2 aux lines for extras. This method suits a lot of people . Things to consider using this method.
1. If you run a 4S or higher system you need to be aware of your VTX and FPV cam input power requirements, not all support 16 volts directly.
2. If you are using OPTO esc's you will need to supply your own 5Volt bec
3. If using LED's you will also need a 12 volt bec or make sure your LED's can handle more than 12 volts
4. Add in a line filter for FPV gear ***** Some people say they do not or never have required a LC filter*****, most of us actually do need one.
Should you consider using a PDB ? Short answer is YES
Having a good PDB can make all the difference .
Think of it this way, You spend hours looking at different frames, reading reviews, user comments, spend hours researching the best bang for buck esc's and Motors, fpv cam and vtx's, but often overlook the humble PDB, either that or you accept the "free" pdb that comes with your frame.
Now, I am generalizing here, but a lot of the quad frames you buy that give you a free pdb are generally a bare bones basic PDB, sure it will do the job but will it actually meet your own personal build requirements ?
A bare bones PDB is just a board with - and + pads on it
These type of boards will do the job, with no fuss, but will still require you to purchase more parts.
Average cost for these, anywhere from $3 to $5 USD
The next type of PDB is the Basic with Pololu provision, these will set you back around $6 to $8 USD, but also factor in the price of a pololu of again around $6 to $8 USD, Total cost around $16 to get a board with a 12 volt stepdown.
Again, this type will do the job fine, just remember to add in the cost of a 5 volt or 12 volt Stepdown
The next type is starting to get to where we want to be, approx cost $6 USD
This board has 12 volts for cam and VTX plus an extra Aux for led's, the aux port will supply power at the same voltage as the incoming supply. Also, has no 5 volt for FC .
Now this is the type many of us want. Prices range for this type (not Brand) of pdb, prices from $35 USD to $50 USD
This type of PDB has dedicated power and line filtering for your VTX and FPV cam, filtered 12 volt and 5 volt rails.
Now, things to consider.
For all the PDBS that do NOT have 12 volt, 5 volt rails and filtered vtx and cam rails you have to factor in Becs, Line filters, and then find space to fit the extras on your quad.
This is by no means a complete list of PDB types, I was just trying to simplify it down to 4 types from basic to full.
Personally I think the PDB is one of the most important components on your quad, after all, it distributes the power to every part on your beloved quad, hex etc.
My advice is to research and be prepared to spend the cash on a good PDB.
A lot of faults can be traced back to a crappy PDB
Hope this has been a help to some.
They come in all sizes and flavours, with each manufacturer claiming theirs is better than everyone else's.
So, do you actually need a PDB ? Short answer is NO.
You do not NEED a PDB at all, you can simply use a wiring harness that connects all esc's to Lipo with perhaps 2 aux lines for extras. This method suits a lot of people . Things to consider using this method.
1. If you run a 4S or higher system you need to be aware of your VTX and FPV cam input power requirements, not all support 16 volts directly.
2. If you are using OPTO esc's you will need to supply your own 5Volt bec
3. If using LED's you will also need a 12 volt bec or make sure your LED's can handle more than 12 volts
4. Add in a line filter for FPV gear ***** Some people say they do not or never have required a LC filter*****, most of us actually do need one.
Should you consider using a PDB ? Short answer is YES
Having a good PDB can make all the difference .
Think of it this way, You spend hours looking at different frames, reading reviews, user comments, spend hours researching the best bang for buck esc's and Motors, fpv cam and vtx's, but often overlook the humble PDB, either that or you accept the "free" pdb that comes with your frame.
Now, I am generalizing here, but a lot of the quad frames you buy that give you a free pdb are generally a bare bones basic PDB, sure it will do the job but will it actually meet your own personal build requirements ?
A bare bones PDB is just a board with - and + pads on it
These type of boards will do the job, with no fuss, but will still require you to purchase more parts.
Average cost for these, anywhere from $3 to $5 USD
The next type of PDB is the Basic with Pololu provision, these will set you back around $6 to $8 USD, but also factor in the price of a pololu of again around $6 to $8 USD, Total cost around $16 to get a board with a 12 volt stepdown.
Again, this type will do the job fine, just remember to add in the cost of a 5 volt or 12 volt Stepdown
The next type is starting to get to where we want to be, approx cost $6 USD
This board has 12 volts for cam and VTX plus an extra Aux for led's, the aux port will supply power at the same voltage as the incoming supply. Also, has no 5 volt for FC .
Now this is the type many of us want. Prices range for this type (not Brand) of pdb, prices from $35 USD to $50 USD
This type of PDB has dedicated power and line filtering for your VTX and FPV cam, filtered 12 volt and 5 volt rails.
Now, things to consider.
For all the PDBS that do NOT have 12 volt, 5 volt rails and filtered vtx and cam rails you have to factor in Becs, Line filters, and then find space to fit the extras on your quad.
This is by no means a complete list of PDB types, I was just trying to simplify it down to 4 types from basic to full.
Personally I think the PDB is one of the most important components on your quad, after all, it distributes the power to every part on your beloved quad, hex etc.
My advice is to research and be prepared to spend the cash on a good PDB.
A lot of faults can be traced back to a crappy PDB
Hope this has been a help to some.