Ardupilot Mega ... 3.3v

Hi,

I have purchased the Ardupilot Mega, locosys gps, 6dof board and other components for a UAV project. The issue I am running into is that everything seems to want 3.3v except for the Megaboard. I keep reading some hint of a 3.3v regulator on the mega and solder jumper. However I am not seeing any information on the Mega… Actually no good info at all.

I know I can’t rely on the airplanes voltage so I will need some regulator so I am kind of lost here.

Can anyone help me with this situation?

Thanks

Hey FlyMario,

I did a little digging. It is very interesting to me that DIYdrones doesn’t address this issue more clearly. It seems like a issue that would be common. I think the answer would be to set up a 3.3V power line using a second voltage regulator from the VIN line. Then with the 3.3V line, you can power everything you want.

The communication lines need to be the same voltage level though, so I would recommend a logic level converter. It safely steps down 5V signals to 3.3V and steps up 3.3V to 5V for communication purposes such as your case.

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc … ts_id=8745

Thanks,

Tim