current in pdb

[ketanco]

I read that the PDBs can handle only so much current. Up to what value they can handle? if we have current PDB can not handle then what do we do?

And a very beginner question but do we simply add all the currents of motors in order to come up with total current value? by the way do we add ESC or motor current? and to this do we add receiver and flight controller and other seconday stuff current? again simple addition?

 

[John Doecliff]

Hopefully the current rating will be listed when you buy it. If its a small quad then it may not be a huge deal but it there is a large current draw on a big machine it needs to be rated for that. If not it will get hot. You should have a ballpark idea what your current draw will be. Add the current up on all of the components drawing from the board for a grand total. Count the motor but not the ESC. Just because you have a 12 amp ESC doesn't mean its taking 12 amps. That's the max current it will deliver through it to the motor. If you just used the ESC current rating and not the motor that would probably be okay too provided the motor is properly rated for that ESC, That would probably give you a little extra fat. Motors and ESC's have to be matched. Big power hungry motors need to be paired with ESC's that will handle that current. The receiver and FC are nominal loads but they should still be counted if their coming from the PDB.