5) XT-30 Battery Connector
In order to reduce weight (and to arrive below the 250g weight limit for un-registered drones in the
USA, and other countries) XT-30 Battery connectors are used instead of the more popular XT-60s. It is
highly recommended to stick with this connector, and purchase batteries with XT-30s pre-installed. .
Note 1: Pay EXTREME attention to the polarity of batteries connected to this connector, especially
those soldered ‘DIY’. A reverse-polarity connection, even for a fraction of a second will let out the
‘magic smoke’ and destroy most of the electronics in the Vortex Mini.
Note 2: When unplugging the battery, especially one with a new, and rather tight connector, take
care to hold the cables, and avoid unnecessary strain on the Vortex PDB. Pulling these cables too
hard may pull the traces off of the PCB.
Note 2: When unplugging the battery, especially one with a new, and rather tight connector, take
care to hold the cables, and avoid unnecessary strain on the Vortex PDB. Pulling these cables too
hard may pull the traces off of the PCB.
Note 3: XT-30 connectors are a lot less robust than their XT-60 cousins. Be careful not to force them
together with incorrect polarity. With enough force, the plastic shell will crack, and result in a
destroyed quad!
Connector Part Numbers and Sources
If any of the connectors on the Vortex 150/180 Mini are damaged, or if 3rd party components are to be
integrated into the system, the following list of connectors and pre-crimped wires should be useful.
