Hex Cube Orange+ (Plus) Flight Controller with ADS-B Carrier Board - Professional Industrial Autopilot
The Hex Cube Orange+ (Plus) is the upgraded evolution of the world's most trusted open-source autopilot. Integrated with the ADS-B Carrier Board, it provides triple-redundant sensor architecture and real-time situational awareness (AirSense). Designed for pilots who demand industrial-grade reliability, it ensures your UAV can detect nearby manned aircraft, making it the definitive choice for BVLOS and professional missions in India
From a hardware engineering perspective, the Cube Orange+ isn't just a flight controller; it's a flight management system. It utilizes the high-performance STM32H757 dual-core processor, providing the computational overhead required for complex autonomous maneuvers and real-time data processing.
Key Technical Specifications:
Triple Redundancy: Features three independent IMUs (Accelerometers, Gyroscopes, and Magnetometers). In the event of a sensor failure, the system automatically switches to the healthy unit without interrupting flight—because the only thing worse than a flyaway is a surprise encounter with a Cessna.
Vibration Isolation: The internal IMU system is mounted on a temperature-controlled, vibration-damped foam platform. This ensures high-precision data even on high-vibration gas-powered or heavy-lift multirotor platforms.
ADS-B "AirSense" Integration: The carrier board features an integrated 1090MHz ADS-B receiver from uAvionix.This allows the Cube to receive positional data from nearby manned aircraft and display it on the Ground Control Station (GCS) or trigger automated avoidance maneuvers.
Upgraded IMUs: The "Plus" variant features the latest generation of sensors (including the ICM-42688 and ICM-20948), offering better thermal stability and lower noise floors than the original Orange.
Ecosystem Compatibility: Fully optimized for ArduPilot and PX4. Supports high-speed CAN, I2C, UART, and PWM peripherals for seamless integration with high-end GPS (like the Here4) and smart batteries.
6. FAQ: Top 5 Questions on Hex Cube Orange+ Plus
Q1: What is the main difference between the Cube Orange and the Cube Orange+?A: The Cube Orange+ features a more powerful STM32H757 dual-core processor (upgraded from the H743) and an updated sensor suite (including the ICM-42688 IMU). This provides better performance for complex scripts and more reliable vibration handling.
Q2: Does the ADS-B board allow my drone to be seen by other aircraft?A: No. The integrated uAvionix module is an ADS-B In receiver. It allows your drone to "see" and avoid manned aircraft that are broadcasting their location. To be seen by others, you would need an ADS-B Out transponder (like the Ping200X).
Q3: Can I use this flight controller for DGCA Type Certification in India?A: Yes. The Cube Orange+ is one of the most widely used flight controllers for Type Certification due to its proven redundancy and the safety benefits of the integrated ADS-B receiver, which aligns with Indian airspace safety guidelines.
Q4: Is the Cube Orange+ waterproof?A: No, the unit itself is not waterproof. It is housed in CNC aluminum, but the ports are open. For use in rainy or high-humidity environments (common in Indian agriculture), it must be installed within a waterproof enclosure or a sealed drone frame.
Q5: Do I need a separate GPS for the Cube Orange+?A: Yes. The Cube Orange+ is the autopilot "brain" and does not have an internal GPS. For professional results, it is typically paired with the Here3+ or Here4 GNSS modules, which connect via the CAN port.
Expert Guide Question: Are you building this for a BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) mission? If so, would you like me to recommend a compatible LTE Telemetry link that integrates with the Cube's high-speed UART ports for long-range data?
