How to set up an external Hall current sensor

I. Principles

When an aircraft requires high-power motors and ESCs, the flight controller system's PDB (Power Distribution Board) may be unable to handle excessive current. To prevent overload and ensure proper operation of the flight controller system, an external Hall current sensor can be used to share the current load. The Hall current sensor monitors the current status of motors and ESCs in real-time by detecting current signals and transmits the data to the flight controller system, enabling precise current monitoring for the aircraft.

When installing the external Hall current sensor, the top plate must be removed. Therefore, after removing the top plate, it is essential to use insulating tape or another method to ensure a secure connection between the flight controller board and the PDB. Otherwise, the flight controller may not be securely mounted and could detach due to vibration.

II. Equipment Preparation

1) Flight Controller: CoreWing F405 WING V2 / SpeedyBee F405 WING APP / SpeedyBee F405 WING MINI / This tutorial applies to any flight controller.
2) Power Distribution Board (PDB): A PDB suitable for high-current ESCs.
3) External Hall Current Sensor: A Hall sensor module for measuring current.
4) Battery: An independent battery to power the PDB (Note: Do not connect a 12S battery directly to the PDB, or the circuit will be damaged).
5) Insulating tape: For securing the flight controller board to the PDB.
6) Computer: For configuring ground station software.
7) Mission Planner Ground Station

III. Specific Operations

Step 1: Hardware Connection
1) Connect Current Signal: Connect the Hall current sensor's current signal wire to the RSSI input port.
2) Connect Voltage Signal: Connect the Hall current sensor's voltage signal wire to the AIRSPD input port.
3) Connect Ground Wire: Connect the GND wire to the flight controller GND to ensure proper circuit operation.

Important

Provide Independent Battery Power to PDB: Ensure the PDB is not connected directly to a 12S battery; instead, use an independent battery to power the PDB.

Step 2: Parameter Configuration

1. Open the Mission Planner ground station software.
2. Click Configure/Debug, enter the All Parameters tree, and perform the following parameter settings: Find and modify the following parameters to ensure the current sensor signal is transmitted correctly.
   
3. Go to Initial Setup → Optional Hardware → Battery Monitor, and set parameters according to the image below: Set appropriate input signal channels (RSSI and AIRSPD) to receive current and voltage data.
   

Important

Note: If analog RSSI or AIRSPEED is enabled during setup, it will conflict with the Hall current sensor settings; therefore, ensure these options are not enabled.

Step 3: Verify Hardware and Parameter Settings
1) Check Hardware Connections:
Ensure the current signal wire is connected to RSSI and the voltage signal wire is connected to AIRSPD, and that all connections are secure.
2) Verify Flight Controller Settings:
After connecting to the ground station, check if the current and voltage data in Mission Planner display normally. If they display correctly, the settings are successful.

IV. Q&A

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