Quick Start Guide

Required hardware

  • PhotonDrive PDB 500 HotSwap
  • PhotonDrive ESC-A-150
  • Flight controller
  • BLDC motor
  • Battery or other power source (6S-15S LiPo recommended)
  • Power leads (8-12 AWG cable recommended)
  • Signal wire
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We strongly recommend using high-quality silicone-insulated wire for all power connections.

Wiring diagram

Make sure your setup matches the wiring diagram below. The PDB 500 HotSwap is designed to be used with the PhotonDrive ESC-A-150, however other electronic speed controllers are supported as well.

PDB 500 HotSwap Battery Input Pinout
PDB 500 HotSwap Battery Input Pinout
PDB 500 HotSwap Flight Controller Pinout
PDB 500 HotSwap Flight Controller Pinout
PDB 500 HotSwap BEC Pinout
PDB 500 HotSwap BEC Pinout
PDB 500 HotSwap Power Output Pinout
PDB 500 HotSwap Power Output Pinout
PDB 500 HotSwap Wiring Diagram
PDB 500 HotSwap Wiring Diagram

First power-up

Before powering up the circuit, check for shorts between the power leads. First power-up should be done at low voltage to test the setup while minimizing potential damage.

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A “smoke stopper” module is highly recommended before first power-up.

Connect a low voltage power source to the PDB and power up the system. The ESC should initialize and the motor should beep to indicate that it’s ready for operation.