Problem Trying To Draw Power From Balance Plug

[GlassKnees]

I'm installing a three axis gimbal on my hexcopter. The gimbal needs a voltage source in the range of 7 - 19 V. I'm using a 4S lipo and wanted to draw power from it rather than mount an extra battery. I thought the easiest thing to do was use a connector to plug into the balance port of the lipo to draw power. I tapped into red lead and the next to the last black lead in order to draw 11 V. I powered up the aircraft and when I inserted the plug into the balance port, current draw burned the insulation on the wires.

I could successfully power up the gimbal by plugging into the balance port without powering up the aircraft and I can power up the aircraft okay without powering up the gimbal. Clearly, something is going on that I don't understand. Rather than risking damage to components, I've abandoned trying to draw power from the balance port and I'm in the process of installing a small 3S lipo.

I Can now power up both the aircraft and gimbal without cooking any wiring. I can't get the camera to tilt, but that's another problem!

 

[ringolong]

I would not recommend using the balance port for powering equipment. Tap into the main power lines, and use a voltage regulator if you need a voltage that is lower than the battery output.

 

[GlassKnees]

Yeah, I already came to that conclusion. But I've decided to use a separate lipo for the gimbal - I've already spliced the appropriate connector to the power/gnd leads to the gimbal and have successfully powered up both the aircraft and gimbal. I'm going to build a small platform out of basswood sheet and balsa that will rest on top of the two carbon fiber rods - the platform will hold both the battery and a Raspberry Pi which I will use to control the shutter on my GoPro.