Installation & Wiring
What you’ll need
Section titled “What you’ll need”- Marigold-5 module
- Wire strippers & cutters
- 16–18 AWG red and black wire
- 15–20A circuit breaker for the PDH
- USB-C cable rated for at least 3A
- #4-40 mounting hardware or zip ties
Mounting
Section titled “Mounting”
Top view showing mounting points
Screw mounting
Section titled “Screw mounting”- Recommended for optimal heatsinking.
- Use the two #4-40 threaded inserts with 1.25-inch center spacing.
Zip-tie mounting
Section titled “Zip-tie mounting”- Route zip ties on the four points around the case perimeter.
- Inspect the ties regularly because they can loosen over time.
Wiring input power
Section titled “Wiring input power”
Marigold-5 wiring diagram
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Wire gauge | 16–24 AWG |
| Strip length | 7–8 mm |
The input terminal block accepts 16–24 AWG wire. When using the recommended 15–20A branch-circuit breaker, use 16–18 AWG copper wire. Smaller wire may fit the connector but is not recommended.
The terminal block has four positions: two tied to BATT+ and two tied to GND. The pins in each pair are internally connected, so a single input pair is enough for normal use. The spare pair is there for daisy-chaining or for splitting the input across two conductors.
| Pin | Function | Wire color |
|---|---|---|
| BATT+ (×2) | +12V input | Red |
| GND (×2) | Ground | Black |
Wiring procedure
Section titled “Wiring procedure”- Remove exactly 7–8 mm of insulation. A shorter length may prevent a secure connection, while a longer length leaves exposed conductor.
- Press the white push button on the terminal block. You may have to use a small screwdriver.
- Fully insert the red wire into BATT+ and the black wire into GND.
- Release the button so the spring clamp secures the wire.
- Gently tug each wire to verify that it is secure.
- Install your 15–20A breaker in the PDH port before connecting battery power.
Connecting devices
Section titled “Connecting devices”USB-C output
Section titled “USB-C output”- Role: Source (DFP)
- Advertised current: 3A through 10 kΩ CC pull-ups
- USB Power Delivery: Not supported
While the USB-C port advertises 3A, many devices, such as co-processors, consume more. Make sure to connect a cable rated for at least 3A. If using the locking cable, tighten its retention screw. Thin or low-quality cables can cause excessive voltage drop.
| Device | Typical current draw |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4/5 | 2–4A |
| Orange Pi 5 | 2–5A |
| Arduino/ESP32 | 0.2–0.5A |
| LED strips | Varies; often 2–5A |
Co-processor wiring diagrams
Section titled “Co-processor wiring diagrams”
Orange Pi 5B wiring diagram
Raspberry Pi 5 wiring diagram
Auxiliary output
Section titled “Auxiliary output”The auxiliary output uses a pin header with a 2.54 mm pitch.
| Pin | Function |
|---|---|
| + | 5.1V output |
| − | Ground |
The auxiliary output can power cooling fans, indicator LEDs, microcontrollers, and compatible 5V network equipment. Its load counts toward the combined output current. The recommended combined load is 5–6A for continuous operation, with a 7A continuous maximum. Limit 8–10A loads to a few seconds unless adequate user-supplied active heatsinking and cooling are installed.
Power on and verify
Section titled “Power on and verify”- Turn on the robot’s main power.
- Confirm that the STATUS LED is solid orange.
- Confirm that the connected co-processor boots normally.
- Optionally measure 5.1V ± 0.1V at the auxiliary output with a multimeter.
If the STATUS LED remains off, continue to troubleshooting.