# Installation

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfHjs5ZuGpk&feature=emb_title>" %}

## Autopilot

The underneath of the autopilot has double-sided foam anti-vibration tape. Remove the protection layer of the anti-vibration tape and mount the autopilot in any direction you like, the actual direction can be selected during configuration procedures later. It’s recommended to mount the autopilot as close to the centre of gravity as possible.

![](/files/-MTPj4hgq169Co1PetHs)

{% hint style="info" %}
&#x20;"FRONT" arrow indicates the original flight direction. This can be changed in the settings later.
{% endhint %}

## GNSS / MAG

[GNSS Module](/avionics/smartap-gnss.md) provides positioning information to the system and is sensitive to EMI noise. Make sure to place the GNSS module as far away as possible from:

* Main body of the airframe
* RF emitting devices, such as video transmitters
* High-current cables (ESC / motors power supply)

It’s recommended to use GPS mast for GNSS positioning. Connect the cable and put the GPS on the mast.

![](/files/-MTPj4he4alhT-B1tKTN)

## Connecting Peripherals

### Metal case version

Ports pinout for the front and rear panels&#x20;

![](/files/-MTPj4hXsj8nD5QfumyI)

Front panel connectors pinout:&#x20;

![](/files/-MTPj4hVG3ypd2BF7_HJ)

Rear panel connectors pinout:&#x20;

![](/files/-MTPj4hW2GPhjRnEA6Zq)

### Plastic case version

Front panel connectors pinout:&#x20;

![](/files/-MTPj4haWxcnONDexzCx)

Rear panel connectors pinout:&#x20;

![](/files/-MTPj4hb5BoTUu6lW_Z3)

{% hint style="warning" %}
Make sure NOT to mix up polarity. GND line (black) is always nearer the edge (bottom)
{% endhint %}

## RC Receiver

Connect PPM / SBUS output on the RC receiver to PPM / SBUS input port on SmartAP.&#x20;

![](/files/-MTPj4hjxQ2Ux8Hxhg8-)

## ESC / Motors PWM

Connect ESC cables to SmartAP PWM outputs 1-12 depending on the number of motors your airframe has. The first motor is always front or front-right, and its spinning direction is CCW. Supported airframe types and motor numbers / spinning direction are shown below.

![](/files/-MTPj4hiKTDgxP7lUkrO)

&#x20;PWM signals is the top wire, GND is the bottom one.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you can’t find your airframe in the list above, please, let us know and we’ll add your airframe! Contact us [here](https://sky-drones.com/contact-us).
{% endhint %}

## GNSS / MAG

Connect the one side of the cable to the GNSS module and the other one to the GPS / MAG port on the autopilot as shown in the images below:

![](/files/-MTPj4hdkjcBjXc0_cAZ)

## Telemetry Module

Connect the one side of the cable to the air telemetry module and the other one to the RADIO port of the autopilot as shown in the images below:

![](/files/-MTPj4hk1IDNteLChBDm)

## Power Module

Connect the power supply cable (10-36 V, 3S – 8S) to the main power distribution board of the UAV.

![](/files/-MTPj4hhRKUMiA34FCn4)

## Electromagnetic sounder

![](/files/-MTPj4h_50iTDbP3QS4r)

## Camera trigger

SmartAP MAX supports automated camera triggering interface:

* PWM output - if you want to use PWM output, simply connect the camera trigger activator into any free PWM channel and configure the port number later in the settings.
* Relay commutation - if you want to use relay, connect the pins (these should be shorted / unshorted depending on activation) to relay pins `RCOM` and `ROUT` (marked yellow):

![](/files/-MTPj4hUY3i3IGz8IxxT)

If you would like to use camera feedback at the exact moment the photo was taken (for log file and precise geotagging later), then you need to connect `CS` and `GND` pins marked above to the signal and ground of the interface, thus providing camera feedback.

## Assembled System

Fully assembled and mounted system should look as follows:

![](/files/-MTPj4hZzbZtvNYE5uRr)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.sky-drones.com/avionics/legacy-autopilots/max/installation.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.