The Dronetag BS unit is designed to operate with power inputs ranging from 3.3V to 17V. It employs a buck regulator mechanism to convert the incoming power to an internal voltage level. It's important to note that the power source chosen should be capable of handling peak currents of up to 50 mA at 3.3V.

The most commonly utilized sources for power input include the regulated voltage output from the flight controller. Alternatively, you have the option to utilize an aircraft battery, with support for up to 4S Li-Po configurations. For minimalistic usage, a compact external single-cell LiPo battery can also serve as a suitable power source for the device.

Where to Put Power Source?​

Dronetag BS has two connectors on the front side. Both of these connectors can be used as a power input, however, the use depends on your scenario. We have prepared the right 3-pin connector as a plug & play for our Li-Po battery. The use of the 4-pin connector on the left side for power supply is of course also possible, but it is necessary to follow the Wiring diagram below.

Wiring Diagram​

4-pin Connector (Placed on Left Side)​

The connector placed on the left side of the Dronetag BS is a common JST SH 4-pin with UART interface with no flow control. This connector will also be used for support for Betaflight communication and Spektrum Telemetry XBUS in the future.

3-pin Connector (Placed on Right Side)​

The connector placed on the right side of the Dronetag BS is a common JST SH 3-pin for powering the device and for communication with SRXL2-compatible devices.

Powering from Aircraft VIN​

When choosing this type of power supply, you need to connect the BS with a cable to the power source. Always follow the rule that the power source chosen should be capable of handling peak currents of up to 50 mA at 3.3V.

Powered by External Battery​

When an external battery is used, the Dronetag BS unit achieves full standalone functionality. Nonetheless, it's essential to consider the placement of the battery due to the current enclosure or heat shrink tube design limitations that prevent its accommodation. As a solution, you would need to create your custom enclosure, heat shrink tube, or mounting mechanism for the battery.

For your convenience, we offer a compact LiPo battery capable of powering the Dronetag BS unit for over 4 hours. This battery provides an excellent power source to ensure extended operational durations.

How to Use the Battery Charger​

Operating with an input voltage of 5V, the charger maintains a charging current within the range of 50-200 mA. Adjusting the charging current is achievable through the soldering of specific jumpers on the charger's rear side. Connecting these jumpers together empowers you to enhance the charger's power output. It is imperative to underscore that any modifications in this regard are entirely your responsibility and should align with the specific battery you intend to charge. Please exercise the utmost caution, ensuring compatibility and implementing adequate safety measures during the modification process.

The board is also equipped with integrated circuits that offer protective functions, guarding the battery against overcharge, undercharge, and short circuits. Additionally, the board features a singular LED to indicate the ongoing charging status.

Dronetag BS is engineered to operate with power sources of up to 17 volts. However, when connecting a 4S battery with a voltage of 16.8 volts, there is a potential for a transient event to occur, overshooting by a factor of more than double voltage, exceeding 30 volts, leading to sparking and damaging the Dronetag BS.

This only affects products that were shipped before 10/16/2023.

Therefore, if you are powering the Dronetag BS directly from the battery, we suggest the following possible precautions:

1. Choose another way of power supply - e.g. from the balance connector (use only 1S or 2S).

2. Limit the current voltage by adding a resistor to the power path to the BS (any from 4R7 to 120R will do).

3. Limit the transient by connecting a rectifier diode to the power path (e.g. 1N400x, 1N4148 will also do).

BS sent after 10/16/2023 will have this problem solved as a new revision of the BS will be introduced.