Holybro Pixhawk 6C Mini

The Holybro Pixhawk 6C Mini (China) is the compact variant of the Pixhawk 6C for mid-size multicopters. It keeps the FMUv6C technology but carries an integrated PWM pin header and so fits smaller frames.

The processor is an STM32H743 (Cortex-M7, 480 MHz), with an STM32F103 handling the outputs. Two IMUs, ICM-42688-P and BMI088, allow plausibility checks; an MS5611 barometer supplies altitude. PX4 and ArduPilot serve as firmware, the standard software of the Pixhawk family. Interfaces are the PWM pin header with switchable level (3.3 or 5 V), Telem1, GPS2 and USB; the port list is in the Holybro documentation. The input voltage is 6 V at most (USB 4.75 to 5.25 V, servo rail 0 to 36 V). Two forms exist: Model A measures 54.3 × 39 × 17.5 mm and weighs 42.4 g, Model B measures 58.3 × 39 × 18.2 mm and weighs 46.8 g. The older Model A Legacy weighs 39.2 g.

The NDAA rules exclude flight controllers from Chinese manufacturers from US federal contracts. In the EU the finished drone determines the class; on small platforms take-off mass decides whether C1, below 900 g, is reached.

When selecting, the form has to be fixed, because dimensions and weights differ by several grams. The pin header is the sensitive point: repeated plugging loosens the contacts, and under vibration they have to be checked. After every modification the sensors are calibrated again.