Cube ID - CAN
The Cube ID - CAN gives your drone a clear identity in the air and plugs straight into the CAN bus of The Cube. The tiny module broadcasts who is flying and where, so anyone nearby can check the drone on a phone and you can see it on the DroneShare map with no subscription. Its antenna can sit away from the propellers, and firmware updates come straight from Mission Planner.
Cube ID - CAN — Remote ID on Every Flight
The Cube ID - CAN is a small Remote ID module from CubePilot that supports both CAN and serial connections. In flight it broadcasts identification and flight data of the drone over Bluetooth 5.2, using a Nordic NRF52840 chip in the 2402-2480MHz band. It connects to a CAN port of The Cube with the 4-pin CAN cable and is powered with 5V. The antenna screws onto an SMA connector on the board. It works with ArduPilot firmware that has OpenDroneID enabled. The broadcast data, such as the UAS ID, operator ID and position, can be read in the DroneScanner and OpenDroneID phone apps and on CubePilot's DroneShare website, with no extra subscription fees. The module is FCC and CE certified, works from -40 to 85°C, measures 25x13.75x3.5mm and weighs 10g with the cable and antenna. A serial-only version is available as a separate product, the Cube ID.
Cube ID - CAN Key Features
CAN and Serial in One Module
It talks to The Cube over CAN, and it also supports a serial connection. One module fits both kinds of setup.
Antenna on an SMA Connector
The antenna is on a cable with an SMA connector. You can lead it to a spot away from the propellers.
DroneShare Without a Subscription
The data is also shown on CubePilot's DroneShare website. There are no extra subscription fees for this service.
Updates from Mission Planner
Over CAN, Mission Planner finds the module and downloads its latest firmware by itself. No extra tools are needed.
Cube ID - CAN on the DroneShare Map
DroneShare shows the drone on a map together with its UAS ID, operator ID, aircraft type and position. It is an easy way to check that the module broadcasts the right data before a mission.
Setting Up the Cube ID - CAN in ArduPilot
CubePilot describes the setup in Mission Planner, with The Cube connected to the computer over USB.
1. Firmware with OpenDroneID
Use ArduPilot firmware with OpenDroneID enabled. If the DID_* parameters are missing, create a build at custom.ardupilot.org with Enable OpenDroneID ticked under Ident and install it with Load custom firmware.
2. Parameters for CAN
| DID_ENABLE | 1 | turns on OpenDroneID |
| CAN_P1_DRIVER | 1 | turns on CAN |
| DID_CANDRIVER | 1 | CAN port with the module |
| DID_MAVPORT | -1 | when using DroneCAN |
3. Mission Planner
- Drone ID: UAS ID, UAS ID Type, UA Type
- Operations: Operator ID, Oper ID Type, Self ID Desc, Self ID Type
Then check the drone in the DroneScanner (iOS) or OpenDroneID (Android) app.
4. Module Firmware Update
Go to Setup > Optional Hardware > DroneCAN/UAVCAN and connect on the CAN port you use. The module shows up as com.cubepilot.cubeid. Choose Menu > Update and Mission Planner downloads the latest firmware itself.
Installing and Connecting the Cube ID - CAN
CAN Connector Pinout
| Pin | Signal | Wire Colour |
| 1 | VCC_5V | red |
| 2 | CAN_H | red |
| 3 | CAN_L | black |
| 4 | GND | black |
Installation Tips
Cable to The Cube
Use the 4-pin CAN cable to connect the module to a CAN port of The Cube.
Mounting
Attach it with a regular adhesive sticker, or with a soft sticker for light vibration isolation.
Antenna Away from the Propeller
Keep the antenna away from the propeller.
Distance from the Body
According to the FCC statement, keep at least 20cm between the antenna and your body during operation.
Other CubePilot Products
More CubePilot devices for your drone.
CubePilot Documentation
The documentation for this product is on the manufacturer's website.
Cube ID - CAN Specification
Manufacturer | CubePilot |
Manufacturer Code | HX4-06253 |
Version | CAN |
Bluetooth Chip | Nordic NRF52840 (Bluetooth 5.2) |
Frequency | 2402-2480MHz |
Protocol | CAN and Serial |
Antenna Connector | SMA |
Power Supply | 5V |
Operating Temperature | -40 to 85°C |
Certification | FCC, CE |
Dimensions | 25x13.75x3.5mm |
Weight | 10g (with cable and antenna) |
Cube ID - CAN Package Includes
- 1x Cube ID CAN
- 1x Cube ID to GHR-6 Cable
- 1x CAN Cable
- 1x SMA Antenna
