Quick Answer
The CubePilot Power Brick Mini is the standard power module for Cube autopilots, providing clean 5V power plus voltage and current sensing up to 30A. For dual-battery setups requiring redundancy, the Power Selection Module automatically switches between power sources. Both connect to the Cube's POWER1 or POWER2 ports and require calibration in Mission Planner or QGroundControl.
What Is the CubePilot Power Brick Mini?
The Power Brick Mini is the official power module for the Cube autopilot system. It serves three functions: supplying regulated 5V power to the flight controller, measuring battery voltage, and tracking current consumption. This data feeds into ArduPilot's battery monitoring system, enabling low-battery failsafes and flight time estimates.
The module handles up to 30A continuous current (100A burst), suitable for most mid-size multicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. For larger builds drawing more current, you need an external current sensor or higher-rated power module. The Power Brick Mini connects directly to the POWER1 or POWER2 port on your Cube using a 6-pin Molex CLIK-Mate 2.0mm connector.
Power Selection Module for Dual-Battery Setups
The Power Selection Module adds hardware-based power redundancy. It manages three power sources: Power 1, Power 2, and USB. The module automatically selects the highest-priority source (Power 1 first, then Power 2, then USB) and switches to the next available source if the active one fails. This is essential for surveying missions or commercial operations where power loss would be catastrophic.
Important: the Power Selection Module does not measure voltage or current. For battery monitoring, you still need Power Brick Minis or other sensors connected to the Cube's POWER1 and POWER2 ports. The hardware-based switching operates independently of the flight controller software, so power continues even if the processor hangs.
Wiring and Installation
Connect your main battery to the Power Brick Mini's input leads (red positive, black negative), then plug the 6-pin connector into the Cube's POWER1 port. The POWER2 port can accept a second Power Brick Mini if you need to monitor a separate battery.
For dual-battery setups using the Power Selection Module, both batteries connect to the module's inputs, and a single 6-pin cable runs to the Cube. Use appropriately sized wire for your current draw, 16AWG or thicker for most applications.
Calibrating Voltage and Current
In Mission Planner, go to Setup then Optional Hardware then Battery Monitor. With the system powered, compare the reported voltage against a multimeter reading at the battery terminals. Adjust the voltage divider until the values match.
Current calibration requires a known load. A simple method is using a low-resistance load resistor and measuring actual current with a multimeter, then adjusting the amps per volt parameter.
Choosing Between Modules
For most pilots, the Power Brick Mini is all you need. It handles typical current draws, provides accurate telemetry, and integrates cleanly with the Cube ecosystem. If you need to monitor two separate batteries, run two Power Brick Minis on POWER1 and POWER2.
The Power Selection Module is worth the extra cost when battery redundancy matters. Commercial operators and anyone flying over inaccessible terrain should consider it.
Related Components
Browse our autopilots and flight controllers or batteries and power systems to find components for your build. For more on the Cube system, see our guide to what CubePilot is.
FAQ
Q: What is the maximum current for the Power Brick Mini?
A: The Power Brick Mini handles 30A continuous current. For higher current builds, use an external Hall effect sensor.
Q: Can I use two Power Brick Minis with one Cube?
A: Yes. Connect one to POWER1 and another to POWER2. ArduPilot monitors both batteries independently.
Q: Can I use the Power Selection Module with different battery capacities?
A: Yes, the module simply passes power through. Use batteries of the same cell count. For monitoring each battery's remaining charge, you need separate Power Brick Minis.
Q: Where do I find calibration settings in Mission Planner?
A: Go to Setup, then Optional Hardware, then Battery Monitor. Select the correct power module type and adjust parameters.