Difference between revisions of "GeoLink Introduction"

Revision as of 17:15, 28 May 2018

GeoLink module is aiding peripheral for Spirit System units. It is utilizing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to acquire absolute position on Earth. To further improve precision it is embedded with Pressure, Temperature, Humidity sensors and also Gyroscope, Accelerometer and Compass sensors. All the signals are processed in a dedicated 32bit processor. This makes it extraordinary solution for R/C models.

A satellite navigation system with global coverage consists from:

• GPS
• GLONASS
• BeiDou
• Galileo

The module can use all these navigation systems at the same time. GNSS technology itself is able to provide precision of up to 2 meters. But thanks to all the algorithms and sensors it was possible to improve the precision by one order.

1 Purpose

GeoLink is very useful peripheral for all pilots that likes:

• To keep spot on position and/or altitude.
• To restrain area in which model can fly.
• To call helicopter back to home position when needed.
• To automatically engage Rescue mode at configured threshold.
• To not exceed configured altitude.
• To log flying paths and speed.

2 Signal quality

To work properly, it is crucial to provide optimal operating conditions that are mainly secured by correct module mounting on R/C model. It is always beneficial to ensure the best conditions as it is directly related to positioning precision, GNSS signal stability and time to first fix (TTFF). Any mounting improvement that can be done is helpful.

3 Time To First Fix

Whenever powering the module it starts by searching for all nearby satellites. This procedure takes a certain period until strong enough signal is found. Length of the period is directly associated with module mounting and possible interference. If conditions are good the TTFF takes usually around 30 seconds. But thanks to advanced features implemented in GeoLink the period can be greatly reduced down to 6 seconds. Thus the module can be fully operable immediately after initialization of the Spirit unit. This is described in the Features section.

4 Status

For easy recognization of GeoLink status please observe the Status LED of the module. Correct behavior is that after power up the LED is turned on for a second and then is turned off. This mean that module boot up procedure was correct.

After this, the module is searching for a satellites. Once module will find enough satellites, it is Fixed and the Status LED become steady on. At this point you are ready to fly. If fixing takes more than 50 seconds then signal quality is bad. This could be caused by a nearby buildings or trees or by wrong module mounting or less likely by RF interference. If you are indoor then fixing time is taking significantly longer or even could never happen depending on how signal is attenuated.

Once module is fixed then chance for loosing the signal is reduced noticeably.

5 Safety

Although Spirit unit with GeoLink modules can fly with no additional steering inputs, it is always required that pilot has full control over R/C models that are operated in this way. Pilot must always watch the model while holding radio transmitter and to not allow flying anywhere where a damage could occur. All functions that the module provide can be turned off at any time and with no delay so that pilot can steer the model normally. Improper operating conditions can lead to a failure of the system.

The user takes full responsibility for any damage or injury caused while flying an R/C model equipped with one of our devices. The manufacturer can neither guarantee nor control the conditions in which the unit is being used.