Light Controller
Overview
The Avionics Anonymous Light Controller is a 4-channel light controller for unmanned vehicles. Each channel can be configured as a nav, strobe, beacon or landing light and can be programmed for various patterns. When connected to an autopilot running PX4, lights are automatically controlled based on the state of the autopilot! For example, beacons can be set to turn on when the system is prearmed and strobes to turn on when the system is armed, while nav lights may always be on. All of this is configurable via PX4 and UAVCAN parameters. The device interfaces to your autopilot via robust UAVCAN interface - much easier than trying to tune a PWM signal to give you the desired patterns using typical R/C light controllers.
What makes it special?
Designed for drop-in use with uniLight LED products
Supports up to 30V lighting voltage
Supports common-anode lights (combined lights that use the same power pin for multiple LED's)
4 separately-controllable channels supporting 3A each with a total limit of 10A.
3x connectors for 2 channels, 2x connectors for the other 2 channels means you can plug in multiple lights without having to splice
Robust UAVCAN interface is compatible with most Pixhawks and similar autopilots
Mount with screws through mounting holes
Update firmware via CAN interface
Specifications
Weight: XX grams
Size: XXin x XXin x XXin
Power: 4.0V to 5.5V, XXmA
Required Accessories
CAN Harness - connects between the autopilot and a CAN node and between each CAN node on the bus
CAN Terminator - connects to the last device on the CAN bus
Where to Buy
User Guide
Wiring
The Light Controller is connected to your autopilot via CAN bus. The wiring is per the pinout below, or the necessary cables can be purchased to connect to your system right out of the box:
CAN Harness - connects between the autopilot and a CAN node and between each CAN node on the bus
CAN Terminator - connects to the last device on the CAN bus
Pinouts
CAN Connector
Pin | Name | Description |
1 | POWER_IN | Power supply. 4.0-5.5V supported. |
2 | CAN_H | CAN high |
3 | CAN_L | CAN low |
4 | GND | Signal/power ground. |
Power Input Connector
Pin | Name | Description |
1 | POWER_IN | Light power supply. 5-30V supported. |
2 | GND | Light power ground. |
Light Output Connector
Pin | Name | Description |
1 | POWER_IN | Light power output. |
2 | GND | Light power ground. |
Mounting
Attachment
The Light Controller includes 4x screw holes for 4-40/M3 screws. Consider using standoffs or otherwise spacing the board off of flat surfaces to protect the pins which protrude through the bottom side.
Configuration
Autopilot Configuration
PX4 (Support coming soon)
Several autopilot parameters must be set using QGC or similar:
UAVCAN must be enabled by setting UAVCAN_ENABLE non zero. Set this to 1 for basic functionality or 2 to allow the device's UAVCAN parameters to be accessed via QGC.
Set the operating mode for each light using the parameters UAVCAN_LGT_ANTCL, UAVCAN_LGT_STROB, UAVCAN_LGT_NAV, and UAVCAN_LGT_LAND, as follows:
Param Value
Description
0
Lights never on
1
Lights on when system is armed
2
Lights on when system is prearmed (safety switch "unsafe")
3
Lights always on
Node Configuration
The Light Controller node has a number of parameters accessible via the UAVCAN interface. These may be set following the steps outlined here
Parameters
Parameter Name | Description | Default Value | Allowable Values |
node_id | Node ID for this device | 111 | 1-125 |
chan_1_id | UAVCAN "SingleLightCommand" "light_id" value for channel 1 | LIGHT_ID_RIGHT_OF_WAY (nav lights) | 0-255 |
chan_2_id | UAVCAN "SingleLightCommand" "light_id" value for channel 2 | LIGHT_ID_STROBE | 0-255 |
chan_3_id | UAVCAN "SingleLightCommand" "light_id" value for channel 3 | LIGHT_ID_LANDING | 0-255 |
chan_4_id | UAVCAN "SingleLightCommand" "light_id" value for channel 4 | LIGHT_ID_ANTI_COLLISION (beacon) | 0-255 |
chan_1_pattern | Pattern for channel 1. See "Patterns" table below. | 5 (always on) | 0-255 |
chan_2_pattern | Pattern for channel 2. See "Patterns" table below. | 1 (strobe, double flash) | 0-255 |
chan_3_pattern | Pattern for channel 3. See "Patterns" table below. | 5 (always on) | 0-255 |
chan_4_pattern | Pattern for channel 4. See "Patterns" table below. | 3 (beacon, single-flash) | 0-255 |
Patterns
Pattern Value | Pattern Name | Description |
0 | ALWAYS_OFF | Lights off, regardless of command signal from autopilot |
1 | STROBE_DOUBLE | Double flash at 1Hz |
2 | STROBE_GLOW_DOUBLE | Strobe, double flash, but low-intensity constant light when not strobing |
3 | BEACON | Single flash at 1Hz, opposite phase to strobe |
4 | BEACON_SOFT | Soft 0.5Hz flash |
5 | ALWAYS_ON | Constantly on when commanded on |
Firmware
Release Notes
v1.0
Initial Release
Last updated
