News

20Mar

Introducing Ekinox 2 Series with attitude accuracy enhanced by a factor of two

Introducing Ekinox 2March 20, 2017 - SBG Systems will unveil the new Ekinox 2 Series this week during the U.S. Hydro Show, in Galveston, TX. The Ekinox 2 Series is a new generation of SBG's advanced line of tactical grade MEMS-based inertial navigation systems. It features new accelerometers and gyroscopes, enhancing Ekinox 2 attitude accuracy by a factor of two. In addition, Ekinox 2 is available as a drop-in replacement of the previous Ekinox, at the same price level. There is no need for any additional electrical or software integration. Find out more by reading the SBG product change notification.  

Enhanced Accuracy by Two

Released in 2013, Ekinox has achieved a remarkable success thanks to its smart balance of accuracy, price, and weight. Thanks to continuous innovation, SBG Systems offers a new generation twice more accurate in attitude, confirming its unmatched Performance/Price/Size ratio. This major improvement is due to a complete redesign of the in-house Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) integrating new cutting-edge gyroscopes and accelerometers.  

Suited for Demanding Applications

With higher accuracy for the same form factor and price level, Ekinox 2 Series is the best choice for industrial-grade vehicle navigation, equipment motion compensation, and data georeferencing. This new generation provides 0.02° roll and pitch, 0.05° heading, and a centimeter-level position. It is ideal for demanding application such as hydrography, mobile mapping, antenna tracking, etc. With new accelerometers, this new generation has also significantly improved its resistance to vibration. Finally, the addition of the Beidou constellation improves signal availability in Asia.  

Easy Installation and Configuration

Compact and light-weight, the Ekinox Series is designed to simplify installation operations. Ekinox 2 also provides for easy integration; the intuitive embedded web interface displays all the parameters for quick adjustment. For example, you can choose your profile (Vessel, Plane, Car, etc.) and the 3D view will provide a visualization of settings such as the sensor position, alignment, lever arms, etc.  

Available Q2

Ekinox 2 Series is ITAR Free. The product line will be available during the second quarter of 2017. Unmanned Systems Source is pleased to carry SBG Systems' line of sensors. For more information about the upcoming release of Ekinox 2 series or to find out how to upgrade your current Exinox sensor, contact us.
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15Mar

Racing Drones: How to Build One in a Few Easy Steps

After revolutionizing the photography and film-making industries, it was inevitable that the racing industry would also feel the impact of drones. The most popular form of competitive drone racing is First Person View (FPV). Such events are quickly gaining traction among UAV enthusiasts and the mainstream media. With the backing of some wealthy benefactors, drone racing’s popularity is only set to rise. If you would like to head off to the races, read on to learn how to build a racing drone in a few easy steps.  

Racing Drones Explained

Most racing drones tend to be quadcopters built with speed and agility in mind. In the case of FPV racing, the drones also have a camera and video transmission system that allows the pilot to see a first-person view of the UAVs flight path through a set of goggles. Racing drones are an exciting way to gain flight experience and fine-tune your maneuvering skills. For beginners, buying an assembled racing drone may be the best option. However, if you’re looking for a truly competitive edge then a self-built model is the way to go. Most professional pilots prefer to build their own machines because it allows them to completely customize their vehicle. Drone technology is still relatively new but innovations happen quickly. A self-built drone allows you to create the fastest drone possible at any given time.  

Preparing for your Racing Drone Build

To get started, you’ll need to gather all the requisite parts, tools, and equipment. First step, consider the type of frame you would like to use. As mentioned above, a quadcopter frame is most favored by racers for its stability and versatility. A quadcopter has four arms, each fitted with a motor for flight. Popular frames include the Alien 5’’ FPV Frame, the Raceblade FPV Racing Quadcopter, and the MCQ One quad frame. Frames, on average, cost around $100. Once you choose your frame, you will also need to select: motors, propellers, antennas, a radio transmitter and a receiver, an on-board camera, batteries, and FPV goggles. As a general rule, your motor should achieve a 2:1 thrust to weight ratio. However, you should try and achieve a much higher ratio than this. Figures of 8:1 or 10:1 ratios are not uncommon in the world of drone racing.  

Other Equipment Considerations

  • Cameras: Popular FPV cameras include brands such as FatShark, but a great starter package is the Eachine CMOS camera and transmitter kit at under $50.
  • Transmitters: Leading transmitter brands include Boscam and Crazepony which get you up and running for under $30.
  • Props: The best FPV props are those from Gemfan and market leader HQProp and will cost a mere $3 for two pairs.
  • Batteries: Larger batteries mean longer flight times but the extra weight could slow down your drone so always choose the best power source you can find. Top brands include TATTU and GensAce.
  • Goggles: If you are a new pilot, it is advisable to start off using your monitor as this allows you to quickly glance up to see the UAV during flight. Once you gain experience the best FPV goggles include the Aris Skyzone, FatShark Dominator, and models from HeadPlay.
It is also a good idea to purchase spare propellers and batteries as replacement parts in the event of crashes or loss of power. As for tools, a basic kit should include a soldier iron, screwdrivers, and a multi-meter for testing connections. Set aside a building area with enough space for you to work on your racer.  

Building a Racing Drone

Now comes the exciting part, putting your vehicle together! If this is your first build and you have little experience with soldering it’s a good idea to practice before you work on your vehicle. Resources like YouTube are a great place to learn and find tips to refine your soldering skills. Remember, when building your racing drone, the two pairs of motors need to rotate in opposite directions in order for your UAV to fly. The muscle behind a speedy racer are the motors. Once attached, test the motors to confirm the rotational direction of each. After attaching your motors to the arms and frame, it is time to add your drone’s brain -- the flight controller. A drone’s flight controller board relays messages from your controller to the machine. Add the flight controller by soldering the connectors to the board. Once that's complete, it's time to add the battery by soldering it to the quad's base. Make sure to check for smoke or issues once the terminals are in place.   Average Cost to Build a Racing Drone The cost of building a racing drone depends on a number of factors such as the quality of the parts, the ultimate use of the vehicle, and your budget. It is possible to build a fairly good racing drone for under $300. A mid-range kit can cost up to $500. While professional drone kits can easily exceed a thousand dollars; with parts and spares pushing that figure even higher in many instances. Of course, the very best pilots can win significant cash prizes, recognition and sponsorship opportunities. For those starting out in FPV racing there are tons of resources online that can help you pick up helpful tips and learn from the pros. Once your racer is completed, it is time to hone your skills as a pilot. The best racers dedicate hours of practice each week. There are now several budding drone racing leagues and an increasing number of pilots entering the field. There is plenty of opportunity for anyone looking to take up racing drones as a hobby or as a professional pursuit. Finish up your build and get yourself to the races!
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09Mar

Addicted to Speed: Drone Racing Captures a Growing Fan Base

drone racingDrones are proving indispensable for a wide variety of applications. From aerial photography and film-making to agriculture and search and rescue operations, drones are now firmly part of the mainstream. But there's another area where drones are starting to make a huge impact...the racing arena. Once simply a pastime for RC enthusiasts, drone racing is quickly emerging as a sport widely regarded as the "next big thing". And, why not? Drone racing features all the elements associated with big time racing: exotic locations, skilled pilots, high speeds, iconic courses, and, of course, wrecks. Plus, it now features all the other elements of organized leagues: television contracts, financial backers, big name sponsors, monetary prizes, and recognized racers. Drone racing has arrived.  

Drone Racing League

In early 2015, the Drone Racing League (DRL) was founded and held its first race at Miami Sunlife Stadium. The league gained early success by securing serious backing from the likes of Miami Dolphins' owner Stephen Ross. The DRL season consists of races held at iconic locations throughout the world where pilots compete for season points. Those with the highest point totals qualify for the World Championship race, where the winner takes all. After a successful 2016 season, major sponsors such as German Financial services company Allianz joined as official sponsors.  

Rise of Spectator Sports

The DRL involves skilled pilots flying souped-up quadcopters around specially designed three-dimensional courses at high speed. Part of the thrill of drone racing is the First Person View (FPV) viewers experience. Pilots control their drones by wearing special goggles that use the UAVs on-board cameras to relay FPV of the race. Though DRL is the most recognized, it is not the only official drone racing association. In fact, many start-ups are hard at work to try and stake their spot in the emerging spectator market. Similar to the unexpected success and growth achieved by competitive gaming (think, EA Sports), drone racing is another spectator sport that many would not have considered a sport not so long ago. EA Sports' events now regularly fill arenas and attract millions more viewers online. Drone racing seeks similar success.  

Capturing a Growing Fan Base

While many enthusiasts around the world are starting to take notice of drone racing, nowhere is the sport already as popular as it is in the United States. Since its founding a little over 2 years ago, Drone Racing League raised over $12 million in finance and signed TV deals with major partners such as ESPN, Sky Sports, and MGM. These TV deals mean gaining access to a much bigger audience, further increasing the mainstream profile of the sport. Likewise, the US National Drone Racing Championship was created to foster the growth of the sport and its Drone Nationals event is also broadcast on ESPN. The Drone Nationals not only attract pro pilots but also UAV enthusiasts and students looking to grab their opportunity at a big cash prize or at the very least, their own 15 minutes of fame on national sports channels. DR1 is another drone racing league that pits professional pilots against each other in a variety of locations. DR1 races air on the Discovery Channel, Eurosport, and popular video games streaming website Twitch. Aside from mainstream TV coverage, drone racing has benefited from social media, which provides ease of access to race footage on sites such as YouTube.  

The Future of Drone Racing

To a large extent, the future of drone racing depends on spectator engagement. These high speed races coupled with complex courses can be hard to follow. The FPV perspective certainly helps viewers with an immersive experience. As with other fast-paced sports, replays of action shots, crashes and pilot reactions creates also goes a long way. The maneuvers and skill showcased by the pilots are part of what draws spectators to the sport, plus, the inevitable crashes. It is this spectacle, alongside drone technology’s rise in prominence, that will continue to fuel the sports popularity. Although there is a broad range of drone racing organizations already out there, no one league has emerged as the main governing body.  Rival leagues continue to work on rules, venues and increasing the number of spectators. Whether one organization emerges as the leading body or not, it’s clear that drone racing is here to stay.  
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07Mar

Wayward flyers beware, anti-drone hunters are gaining momentum

drone hunter It was inevitable. Given the vast proliferation of drones, counter-drone measures were simply a matter of time. After all, control of the airspace is a crucial aspect to security. Drones continued popularity, coupled with decreasing prices and increasing capabilities, also means increased potential for misuse. Though most drone operators are harmless, the threat still lingers from those who may harbor felonious or malicious intent.  

A viable threat from above

News reports of drones flying over prison yards to deliver contraband, are just one such example. Drones wandering into the flight path of commercial airlines, another. These incidents are serious enough to garner the attention and concern of security experts and firms from around the world. No Drone Fly Zones are now common occurrences around high profile events – from the Super Bowl to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland – in an effort to secure critical airspace. Effective enforcement of these zones has been problematic. But that’s starting to change.  

Drone hunters at work

Today, anti-drone technology is emerging at a rapid pace. In fact, by 2023, the anti-drone sector is predicted to be a billion-dollar industry. As of now, a few key players are attempting to position themselves to dominate the industry. Most anti-drone technology uses a variety of systems – from audio sensors and frequency scanners to cameras – to detect incoming threats. However, the detection and disabling capabilities of today’s anti-drone systems vary from product to product. Detect – Track – Neutralize are the commonalities but how they accomplish those goals vary widely.  

Protection via data aggregation

Founded in 2014, Dedrone is a front-runners in the drone deterrent arena. Its software platform detects and provides early warning of aerial intrusions. Almost all commercial drones depend on radio signals to operate – from receiving control commands to transmitting data. Dedrone exploits this dependency by honing in on these RF signals. DroneTracker’s RF sensor continuously searches a wide frequency band and then classified and decodes these signals. This all works to provide early warning – often before drones are even airborne. The DroneTracker comes equipped with a Wi-Fi sensor as an additional signal source. It can detect drones controlled by WLAN or who use Wi-Fi hotspots for video transmission. In some cases, it can also read the devices' MAC addresses so as to identify individual makes and models. If laws permit, jamming transmitters can be deployed to bring the drone down from the sky. Currently, Dedrone provides protection for data centers, prisons, airports and other critical facilities from corporate espionage, smuggling, terrorism, and hacking.  

Shield of protection

Similar to an umbrella with the protected asset sitting in the middle, the shield is a favored method that provides 360° coverage. Both the Drone Shield and the Drone Dome incorporate this concept – though the scope and means of providing coverage differ. The Drone Dome, designed by an Israeli technology firm, detects and neutralizes hostile drones by using radar and cameras. Once a detected threat attempts to enter a prohibited flight area, Drone Dome alerts the operator. If the incursion continues, the system can disrupt the drone’s electronic systems and end its flight. There are additional ways to disrupt the drone’s flight via satellite navigation interference and radio jamming systems. DroneShield, based in Australia, implements various technologies to fight illegal drone incursions. The company offers a “shield” approach that uses acoustic sensing to detect incursions. It then provides security alerts in real-time. First adopters of this technology include prison systems seeking to prevent contraband drops over prison walls.  

The big guns

DroneGun is the latest technology introduced by DroneShield. Dubbed a tactical drone jammer, DroneGun forces the wayward drone into a vertical landing or returns it to its starting point. It does not destroy the drone. Weighing over 10 pounds, has a one mile range and implements a variety of jamming measures. CyberRifle, designed by the Army Cyber Institute at West Point, uses antenna, Wi-Fi radio and a cheap computer to detect weaknesses in a drone to power it off and send it crashing to the ground. It is inexpensive to build, makes no noise, uses no projectiles. Instead, radio signals are the drone’s kiss of death.  

Scoop and drop

SkyWall takes a much different approach. Its shape and form more closely resembles a bazooka but it doesn’t launch missal, it launches a net. An intruding drone is lined up and a “smart scope” calculates the drone’s distance and vector so the operator knows exactly where to aim. The net deploys, wraps around the drone effectively disabling its flight. A parachute gently brings the catch to the ground.  

The future of anti-drone technology

Currently, the Federal Communication Commission prohibits the “operation, marketing or sale of any type of jamming equipment.” The FCC is concerned about the risk such jammers pose to critical public safety communications, law enforcement communications, and interference with people making 9-1-1 and other emergency calls. Until laws change, any anti-drone technology reliant on jamming equipment will remain unavailable to the general public. Another deterrent is simply the costs associated with these systems. For now, anti-drone systems are mostly viable options for prisons, airports and other high-target assets. However, as drones continue to populate the skies, the emergence of low-cost, consumer friendly anti-drone systems is simply a matter of time.    
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01Mar

Drone Insurance: what is it and do you need it?

Drone InsuranceWhen it comes to insuring personal possessions, many are tempted to decide against getting coverage if the law does not specifically require it. People are even more resistant if the cost to cover the item is higher than the cost to replace the item. That's just common sense, right? Maybe. Insurance can be an important part of planning for the unexpected, particularly if a business is involved. If you use drones in your organization, or are looking to do so, it makes sense to get insurance coverage for your air vehicles...just as you would for your terrestrial kind. There are several advantages to insuring your drone. For one, it enables you to recoup any losses due to mishap, crash or theft. And, even more importantly, drone insurance could potentially win you more clients. Many individuals simply won't work with a company that is not insured. But what is drone insurance and do you need it? And, if you're operating a drone-based business, what kind of insurance coverage do you need? Is it different from drone insurance? Read on to find out if drone insurance is the right move for you.  

Drone Insurance Coverage

Similar to other insurance policies, drone insurance provides coverage in the event of a mishap, accident or theft of the drone and any related equipment. This coverage can also include other ground-based and non-pilot crew in addition to drone operators. Drone insurance policies commonly comprise two parts; damage to the drone itself, and liability, which cover any damage and claims from third-parties. For additional peace of mind, your chosen insurer should also offer coverage for third party liability, personal injury, and premises liability. This provides insurance for any damage to your company’s buildings or those of a customer or private owner.  

Drone Insurance 101

The process of getting drone insurance is similar to securing coverage for a home or vehicle. Some companies may require additional information, such as: proof of training, maintenance logs, operating manuals, a record of parts or add-ons. Such documentation proves that you are operating your vehicle in a safe, conscientious manner. It also improves your chance of acquiring more favorable insurance rates. In terms of selecting coverage, it depends on a few factors including the primary way you employ your drone and the environments in which you operate. A drone used to take real estate photography may need different coverage than a drone used to inspect bridges. Identifying these potential hazards is a key to choosing the right amount of coverage.  

Drone Insurance Costs

When it comes to cost there are, of course, many variables. What type of drone a you're flying? How many drones do you need to cover? What are your potential operating liabilities? How much coverage do you need to protect yourself and your equipment? For example, a commercial-use policy for top end drones, such as the Yuneec Typhoon H or the DJI Phantom 4, costs between $600-$800 per year with coverage up to $1 million in liability. Another factor that influences cost is your flight experience. Of course, costs rise depending on the size of liability coverage you require. Each insurance company structures their policies differently. Some only cover single units while others are willing to insure multiple drones.  One option for fleet owners is a policy that offers coverage for both liability and physical damage using a pricing model for one UAV. As long as only one UAV is flown at a time, there is no additional cost to cover additional drones in the fleet.  

How to Get Drone Insurance

To insure your drone, simply get in touch with any of the insurance companies listed below. In addition to proof of any ongoing or completed drone pilot training, here’s what you’ll need to ensure that you get the best possible insurance policy for your business:
  • A minimum of 50 – 100 hours of piloting and flying UAVs
  • An FAA Drone pilot licence
  • Maintenance Logs
  • Type of Coverage; liability/ Hull
  • Details of Leases, or Proof of Ownership
  • Information pertaining to how the drone is used and operational environments
To ensure you get the best coverage for your dollar, you will need to shop around. Get quotes from a number of companies, compare costs and coverage and decide which one is right for you. A word of caution, it is possible to lose your coverage if any of the policy providers’ conditions are not met. These include but are not limited to: failure to log flight and maintenance data, operating a drone without proper identification details or serial numbers, and instances of unethical flying. For commercial operations based in the United States the following companies offer drone, UAV, and UAS insurance policies. Providers include Allianz, Avalon Risk Management, Aviation Insurance, Berkley Aviation, Skyvuse, UAV Protect, Verifly, Starr Aviation, and many others. There are many drone-specific insurers but others offer a broader range of insurance products.  

Filing Claims

Unfortunately, mishaps do occur and when that happens you'll need to file a claim. It's a good idea to review your policy and understand the claim process before an incident occurs. That way there are no surprises. Most often, the first step is to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Depending on the incident, you may also need to notify local authorities. To expedite the entire process, cooperate with the insurance company. Provide any information needed quickly and efficiently. Though there are many advantages to drone insurance, particularly for commercial drone operators, ultimately the decision is up to you, the operator.
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28Feb

NuWaves Unveils HILNA CX Broadband Low Noise Amplifier Covering C to X Band Frequencies

February 28, 2017 – NuWaves Engineering, an international Radio Frequency (RF) and Microwave solutions provider, unveils HILNA CX broadband low noise amplifier covering C to X Band frequencies. Effectively extending the frequency range and potential applications over which the HILNA family of low noise amplifier (LNA) products can operate. The HILNA CX is the latest addition to the NuWaves’ High Intercept Low Noise Amplifiers (HILNA) family of LNA’s, covering C- to X-Band frequencies.  

HILNA CX Broadband Low Noise Amplifier Features

This model features a miniature form factor of 1.2 cubic inches, allowing for ease of integration into space-constrained systems. The HILNA CX delivers over 35 dB of gain across the entire broad range of 5 GHz to 10 GHz with a noise figure of 2.5 dB and OIP3 of +21 dBm. The HILNA CX’s ultra-broadband coverage allows the user comprehensive spectrum coverage within a single, miniature module. Custom solutions for this LNA module are available for systems requiring other bandwidths, military screening, form factors, filtering, and gain. “As an add-on to an existing communications system, the HILNA CX offers the systems integrator the ability to amplify C- and X-Band signals with high linearity for higher resolution imagery and high-resolution imaging radars for target identification and discrimination.” said Jeff Wells, President and CEO of NuWaves Engineering. “NuWaves Engineering takes pride in offering first-rate communications solutions to the Warfighter. Our low noise power amplifiers enable greater standoff distances for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) applications, giving our armed forces the advantage in hostile environments.”  

About NuWaves Engineering

NuWaves Engineering is a veteran-owned, premier supplier of RF and Microwave solutions for Department of Defense (DoD), government, and industrial customers. An RF engineering powerhouse, NuWaves offers a broad range of design and engineering services related to the development and sustainment of key communications, telemetry and electronic warfare systems, as well as a complete line of commercially available RF products. Unmanned Systems Source is proud to partner with NuWaves Engineering. Shop their product line today to find your RF solution.
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