MiruLLC (Logic Level Converter)

While the LLC from Sparkfun is cheap and easy solution to convert between Arduino 5V for AR.Drone 3.3V/1.8V logic levels it does not always work properly with some of the boards. It is also a bit bulky and hard to wire properly (one missing wire may burn the AR.Drone's IO).

To solve that problem Miru designed his own LLC, that has many advantages over the Sparkfun LLC:

• is much smaller
• fits Arduino TX/RX/VIN/GND pins directly (no wires required)
• uses better FET and a regulator that matches exactly the Drone IO voltage
• has built in diode (that allows uploading sketches without disconnecting mod from AR.Drone)
• has built in connector (either for AR.Drone v1.0, AR.Drone v2.0 HW version 2.1 or AR.Drone v2.0 HW version 2.2)

There are 3 versions of the MiruLLC - one for AR.Drone v1.0 (8 pin), one for AR.Drone v2.0 HW version 2.1 (10 pin) and one for AR.Drone v2.0 HW version 2.2, a.k.a. Power Edition (6 pin). Each of them is operating at different I/O voltage and has different connector. You MUST use the one that matches your AR.Drone!

Have a look at FAQ Q&A#14 to learn how to distinguish between the three mentioned AR.Drone versions

You can see some example pictures of the MiruLLC (AR.Drone v2.0, 10 pin version) below
   
Click images to zoom.

This is all nice, but why would I need it?

If advantages mentioned above are not convincing enough, see yourself how compact your setup can be with MiruLLC in this post. Note that only 2 wires are used.

How exactly do I connect it?

Do the connection as on the picture below. You either mount it directly underneath the Arduino with 4 straight pins or use wires.

Click image to zoom.

If you like the MiruMod and would like to buy miru a beer or two for his great work you can do so using the PayPal "Donate" button below