Overview
The ULS-XSpot is a precision optical positioning system specifically designed for tethered drone operations. Delivering <5cm horizontal and <10cm vertical accuracy at 1m distance (accuracy scales linearly with distance) up to 100 meters, it enables reliable autonomous positioning and station-keeping for tethered drones with continuous power availability. The system features a unique tether-compatible transmitter with a center hole for cable passage.
Key Applications
- Tethered Surveillance - Extended duration monitoring and observation missions
- Communications Relay - Persistent aerial communication platforms
- Border Security - 24/7 border monitoring with unlimited flight time
- Emergency Response - Continuous command and control platforms
- Industrial Monitoring - Long-term site surveillance and monitoring
Key Features
Tethered System Design
- Center hole transmitter - Integrated tether cable passage
- Extended range - 100-meter working distance for high-altitude operations
- Continuous operation - 24/7 capability with tethered power
- Standard IR optical - Reliable positioning without complex DACS technology
Precision Performance
- <5cm horizontal, <10cm vertical at 1m (linear scaling) - Reliable positioning for station-keeping
- 100-meter operating range - Extended altitude capability for tethered ops
- 20Hz update rate - Smooth, real-time positioning data
Environmental Reliability
- All-weather operation - Works in rain, fog, snow, and dust
- Day and night capability - 24/7 operations with infrared technology
- Temperature range - -20°C to +60°C operating envelope
- IP54 protection - Dust and splash protected
Integration Ready
- ArduPilot support - Native integration with Copter autopilot
- PX4 compatible - Fully supported in PX4 autopilot firmware
- MAVLink protocol - Standard messaging for autopilot communication
- Multiple interfaces - USB, UART, CAN connectivity options
System Components
Tethered-Compatible Transmitter (Ground Unit)
- Unique tether hole design - Center passage for tether cable routing
- Extended emission range - 100-meter coverage for high-altitude ops
- Robust construction - Weather-resistant for outdoor deployment
- 60° emission angle - Covers typical tethered flight envelope
Aircraft Receivers
- Lightweight design - Minimal impact on aircraft payload (40-60g)
- Wide field of view - 90° coverage for flexible positioning
- Low power consumption - 3W typical power draw
- Compact size - Easy integration on tethered aircraft
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| System Performance | |
| Horizontal Accuracy | <5cm at 1m (linear scaling) |
| Vertical Accuracy | < 10 cm |
| Operating Range | Up to 100 m |
| Update Rate | 20 Hz |
| Working Angle | 60° |
| Technology | Standard IR Optical |
| Receiver (Aircraft) | |
| Weight (Slave) | ~40 g |
| Weight (Master) | ~60 g |
| Dimensions | 46 x 26 x 12 mm (Slave), 50 x 50 x 14 mm (Master) |
| Field of View | 90° |
| Power Consumption | 3 W |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V DC |
| Interfaces | USB, UART, CAN |
| Transmitter (Ground) | |
| Weight | ~4.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 290 x 215 x 48 mm |
| Emission Angle | 60° |
| Power Consumption | 10 W |
| Supply Voltage | 22-26 V DC |
| Interfaces | USB, UART, CAN |
| Special Feature | Center hole for tether passage |
Tethered Operation Advantages
Extended Flight Duration
- Unlimited operation time - Continuous power via tether
- No battery constraints - Eliminates flight time limitations
- 24/7 capability - Persistent aerial operations
- Mission flexibility - Extended surveillance and monitoring
Enhanced Positioning
- Stable reference point - Tether provides physical stability
- Extended range - 100-meter altitude capability
- Precise station-keeping - Maintain position over ground station
- Weather resilient - Continuous operation in various conditions
Simplified Operations
- Clean cable routing - Integrated tether passage design
- Reliable power - No battery management required
- Reduced complexity - Standard IR optical technology
- Easy maintenance - Accessible ground station setup
Configuration
Simple setup process for tethered operations:
- Connect receiver to autopilot via USB, UART, or CAN
- Configure serial port parameters (115200 baud default)
- Enable precision positioning mode
- Set up tether management system integration
- Configure station-keeping parameters
Tethered System Setup
Ground Station Installation
- Position transmitter at tether deployment point
- Route tether cable through center hole
- Install strain relief above and below transmitter
- Connect power 24V DC supply
- Verify clearance minimum 10cm around transmitter for IR propagation
Aircraft Integration
- Mount receivers on aircraft (master + slaves)
- Position away from tether to avoid optical shadowing
- Connect to autopilot via UART or CAN
- Integrate with tether system ensure cable management
- Configure autopilot for precision positioning mode
Operational Range
The ULS-XSpot supports operations up to 100 meters:
| Altitude Range | Positioning Accuracy | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0-20m | ±1m horizontal | Low-altitude station keeping |
| 20-50m | ±2m horizontal | Normal tethered operations |
| 50-80m | ±3m horizontal | Extended altitude operations |
| 80-100m | ±5m horizontal | Maximum range operations |
Applications
Surveillance and Monitoring
- Border security - Continuous monitoring of border areas
- Critical infrastructure - 24/7 facility monitoring
- Event security - Persistent aerial surveillance
- Environmental monitoring - Long-term observation missions
Communications
- Emergency communications - Disaster area communication relay
- Temporary networks - Event and remote site connectivity
- Command and control - Aerial command platforms
- Signal extension - Coverage enhancement
Industrial Operations
- Construction monitoring - Long-term site surveillance
- Mining operations - Continuous area monitoring
- Port security - 24/7 harbor surveillance
- Pipeline inspection - Extended corridor monitoring
Getting Started
System Package Contents
- 1x Transmitter unit (with center tether hole)
- 1x Master receiver unit
- 2x Slave receiver units
- Connection cables and mounting hardware
- Quick start guide
- USB configuration cable
Quick Setup Guide
- Install transmitter at ground station with tether routing
- Mount receivers on tethered aircraft
- Connect power to transmitter and receivers
- Configure autopilot for precision positioning
- Test system verify position data and tether integration
- Begin operations with station-keeping or surveillance mission
Support and Documentation
- Complete operational manual available
- Interface control documentation
- Technical support: info@uavlas.com
- Online documentation: docs.uavlas.com
Packaging
System comes in professional packaging that includes both the transmitter and receivers units with all necessary accessories for immediate deployment.
Documentation
Contact and Ordering
For more information about the ULS-XSpot system:
- Email: info@uavlas.com
- Support: Technical support available for integration assistance
Ready to enhance your tethered drone operations with precision positioning? Contact our sales team for pricing and availability