Holybro Pixhawk RPi CM4 Baseboard: Because Your Drone Deserves a Brain

Are you tired of your drone being as smart as a brick? Meet the Holybro Pixhawk RPi CM4 Baseboard. Its essentially a wedding ceremony between a Pixhawk 6X and a Raspberry Pi CM4, and were the ones making you pay for the venue. This board is for the pilots who want to run computer vision, AI, or just really complicated LED patterns while they crash into a tree in a rainy park in Slough. It’s the ultimate companion computer interface for PX4 and ArduPilot enthusiasts who are tired of messy wiring and broken dreams.

Why You Want It

Because wiring a companion computer to a flight controller using jumper leads and prayer is a recipe for a mid-air fire. This baseboard integrates the Pixhawk Connector and Bus Standard, meaning you can swap flight controller modules faster than you change your socks. It talks to the Pi via TELEM2 or Ethernet, because why use one protocol when you can use two and get twice as confused? (That was a joke, please don’t use both simultaneously and then email support).

Specs

• Bus Standard: Pixhawk Bus Standard (It’s like LEGO, but for people who actually read manuals).
• Flight Controller Compatibility: Pixhawk 5X & 6X Modules (The expensive ones).
• SBC Support: Raspberry Pi CM4 & CM5 (CM5 requires a proper power diet).
• Internal Connectivity: TELEM2 & Ethernet (For that sweet, sweet high-speed telemetry).
• Power Input: PM03D Power Module compatible (Keep the magic smoke inside).
• Recommended RPi Spec: 4GB RAM / 16GB eMMC or higher (Don’t be a cheapskate).

In the Box

• 1x Pixhawk RPi CM4 Baseboard (The main event)
• 1x Cable Set (The things you will inevitably lose under your desk)
• Note: FC Modules and RPi CM4 are sold separately, because we know you already have a drawer full of them.

Compatibility

Designed for the Holybro Pixhawk 5X/6X ecosystem. It works with any Compute Module 4, and if you’re feeling adventurous (and have a powered USB hub), it’ll take a CM5 too. Software-wise, its a dream for PX4 and ArduPilot developers.

Highlights

• Plug & Playish: No more “bird’s nest” wiring, unless thats the look you’re going for.
• Robust Power: Designed to actually handle the current draw of a Pi, unlike your sketchy DIY harness.
• Compact Footprint: Leaves more room in your frame for more stuff you don’t need.

Notes

If you’re using a CM5, use a powered USB-C hub for flashing. Your laptops USB port is struggling enough as it is. Check the documentation for the full wiring guideits actually helpful, we promise.

Disclaimer

We aren’t responsible if yo