1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your GEPRC Hexacopter Power Distribution Board (PDB). The PDB is designed to efficiently distribute power from your battery to multiple Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) and your Flight Controller (FC) in a hexacopter setup. Please read this manual thoroughly before use to ensure proper functionality and safety.
2. Product Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- 1 × Hexacopter Power Distribution Board
- 2 × 50V 2200μF Capacitors
- 2 × XT90 + Connectors with Protective Housing + 10AWG Silicone Wire
- 1 × SH1.0-10P to 8P EP-106 FC to PDB Connection Cable
- 8 × M3*8 Damping Balls
3. Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 3–6S LiPo |
| Ammeter | Not Supported |
| Continuous Current | 60A |
| Burst Current | 65A (5 seconds) |
| Protocols Supported | DShot 150/300/600 |
| Dimension | 53x53mm |
| Mounting Hole | 30x30mm |
| Weight | 11.8g |
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps for proper installation of your PDB:
4.1. Physical Mounting
- Identify the mounting holes on your hexacopter frame that match the PDB's 30x30mm mounting pattern.
- Place the 8 M3*8 Damping Balls into the mounting holes of the PDB. These help reduce vibrations.
- Secure the PDB to your frame using appropriate screws, ensuring the damping balls are correctly seated.
4.2. Electrical Connections
Careful soldering is crucial for reliable performance. Ensure all solder joints are clean and strong, and always double-check polarity.
- Battery Input: Solder the provided XT90 connectors with 10AWG silicone wire to the main battery input pads on the PDB. Ensure correct polarity: positive (+) to positive, negative (-) to negative.
Figure 4.2: PDB with XT90 Connectors and Capacitors - Capacitor Installation: Solder the two 50V 2200μF capacitors to the main battery input pads, parallel to the XT90 connectors. Capacitors help filter voltage spikes and reduce electrical noise. Observe polarity: the longer lead is positive (+), and the shorter lead (often marked with a stripe) is negative (-).
Figure 4.3: PDB with Capacitors Soldered - ESC Connections: Solder the power wires from your six ESCs to the designated S1-S6 pads on the PDB. Each ESC requires a positive (+) and negative (-) connection. Refer to Figure 4.4 for pad locations.
Figure 4.4: PDB Top View with ESC Pads - Flight Controller (FC) Connection: Connect the SH1.0-10P to 8P EP-106 FC to PDB Connection Cable between the PDB and your Flight Controller. The PDB features a 10-pin connector with the following pinout (refer to Figure 4.5):
- CUR: Current Sensor Output (if supported by FC)
- SCL, SDA: I2C Bus for peripherals (e.g., magnetometer)
- E1-E5: ESC Signal Outputs (for direct FC to ESC signal connection, if not using PDB for signals)
- BAT: Battery Voltage Output
- GND: Ground
Figure 4.5: PDB Bottom View with FC Connection Pins 
Figure 4.6: PDB with FC Connection Cable
5. Operation
The GEPRC Hexacopter PDB serves as the central power hub for your drone. Once all connections are securely made and verified:
- Connect your 3-6S LiPo battery to the XT90 connector. The PDB will distribute power to all connected ESCs and provide voltage to the Flight Controller.
- The PDB supports DShot 150/300/600 protocols for ESC communication, ensuring efficient and precise motor control when used with compatible ESCs and Flight Controllers.
- Ensure your Flight Controller is configured to receive battery voltage and, if applicable, current sensor data from the PDB's dedicated pins.
6. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and reliable performance of your PDB, consider the following maintenance tips:
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect all solder joints and connections for any signs of corrosion, looseness, or damage.
- Cleaning: Keep the PDB free from dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft brush or compressed air for cleaning. Avoid using liquids that could damage electronic components.
- Physical Damage: Protect the PDB from physical impacts. Even minor cracks can lead to intermittent issues or complete failure.
- Heat Management: Ensure adequate airflow around the PDB, especially during high-current operations, to prevent overheating.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your PDB, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
- No Power to ESCs/FC:
- Check the main battery connection and XT90 soldering for continuity.
- Verify that the battery is charged and functional.
- Inspect all power traces on the PDB for visible damage or short circuits.
- Intermittent Power:
- Re-check all solder joints for cold joints or poor connections.
- Ensure the XT90 connector is fully seated and not loose.
- One or More ESCs Not Functioning:
- Inspect the specific ESC's power connections to the PDB.
- Check for any short circuits on the individual ESC pads.
- Flight Controller Communication Issues:
- Verify the SH1.0-10P to 8P cable is correctly connected at both the PDB and FC ends.
- Ensure the pinout matches your FC's requirements.
- Excessive Heat on PDB:
- Immediately disconnect power.
- This often indicates a short circuit or an overloaded component. Carefully inspect all connections and components for shorts.
8. User Tips
While no specific user reviews or Q&A were available for this product, here are some general tips for working with PDBs:
- Solder Quality: Always aim for shiny, concave solder joints. Poor soldering is a common cause of electrical issues.
- Wire Gauge: Use appropriate wire gauges for your ESCs and battery leads to handle the continuous and burst currents without overheating. The provided 10AWG wire for the main battery connection is suitable for high current.
- Polarity Check: Before connecting your battery for the first time, use a multimeter to double-check all power connections for correct polarity and to ensure there are no short circuits between positive and negative rails.
- Insulation: After soldering, insulate exposed connections with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to prevent accidental shorts.
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
