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Power-Up and First Connection

This section describes the safe power-up procedure for JTA-01 and how to establish the first successful connection with a ground control station. Following these steps exactly helps prevent damage and ensures predictable system behavior.

Pre-Power-Up Safety Checklist​

Before applying power to JTA-01, confirm the following:

  • All motors and propellers are disconnected
  • Power source voltage is within specification
  • Power polarity is verified
  • Board is securely mounted and oriented correctly
  • No loose cables or exposed conductors are present

⚠️ Warning
Never power the system with propellers installed during configuration or testing.

Power-Up Methods​

JTA-01 can be powered using one of the following methods:

Primary Power Input​

  • Via a Pixhawk-compatible power module or regulated BEC
  • Intended for normal operation and flight

USB Power​

  • Via the USB port connected to a computer
  • Intended only for configuration, firmware flashing, and bench testing

ℹ️ Note
USB power alone is not sufficient for flight operation and should not be used to power external peripherals.

Power-Up Sequence​

When power is applied correctly:

  • JTA-01 initializes internal power rails
  • The bootloader starts execution
  • Status LEDs illuminate in a defined sequence
  • An audible buzzer tone (if present) may indicate successful boot

This sequence typically completes within a few seconds.

If the board does not show any LED activity:

  • Immediately remove power
  • Re-check polarity and wiring
  • Inspect connectors and cables

LED and Buzzer Indicators (Basic Interpretation)​

JTA-01 uses LEDs and, where applicable, a buzzer to communicate system state.

Typical Indications​

  • Power LED ON – Board is powered
  • Status LED blinking – Firmware running, awaiting configuration or calibration
  • Buzzer tones – Boot or error indications depending on firmware

Exact LED colors and patterns depend on the loaded firmware, but the general behavior follows Pixhawk conventions.

USB Connection to Computer​

To connect JTA-01 to a computer:

  • Use a standard USB cable
  • Connect JTA-01 to the computer USB port
  • Wait for the operating system to recognize the device

JTA-01 will appear as a standard USB device supported by common ground control software.

If the device is not detected:

  • Try a different USB cable
  • Try a different USB port
  • Verify that the board is powered

First Connection with Ground Control Software​

After connecting via USB:

  • Launch the ground control software
  • Select the detected JTA-01 device
  • Establish a connection

Once connected, the software should:

  • Identify the flight controller
  • Display basic system information
  • Prompt for initial setup if not already configured

⚠️ Important

  • Do not attempt to arm the vehicle
  • Do not connect motors
  • Proceed only with configuration and calibration steps

Common First-Connection Issues​

If connection fails or behaves unexpectedly:

  • Ensure no other applications are using the same USB port
  • Check for insufficient power supply
  • Restart the ground control software
  • Power-cycle JTA-01 and retry

Most first-connection issues are caused by cabling or power problems.

Ready for Initial Setup​

Once JTA-01:

  • Powers up correctly
  • Shows normal LED behaviour
  • Is detected by ground control software

The system is ready for mandatory first-time configuration and calibration.