AMIMON CONNEX User manual

CONNEXTM User Guide
1
333
CONNEX
TM
User Guide
Version 1.0
www.amimon.com
Simply Plug-and-Fly!

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About This Guide
This user guide describes how to setup and use the CONNEXTM wireless video link in order to
transmit video from an aircraft. This user guide consists of the following chapters:
• Chapter 1, Introducing CONNEX, page 9, introduces the CONNEX system, its components, its
connectors, buttons and cables.
• Chapter 2, Setting Up CONNEX, page 19, describes how to setup and connect the CONNEX
Air Unit and Ground Unit.
• Chapter 3, Using CONNEX, page 29, describes how to get started using the Air Unit and the
Ground Unit. This chapter also describes the Ground Unit’s On Screen Display (OSD), how to
set up multicasting and how to set up control of the aircraft’s camera gimbal from a gimbal
remote control.
• Chapter 4, CONNEX Management Application, page 37, describes how to configure and
upgrade the CONNEX Air Unit and Ground Unit.
For a quick summary of the essential steps for setting up quickly, you may refer to the CONNEX
Quick Start Guide.
Support and Contacting Information
Support: www.AMIMON.com/support
When contacting a support representative, make sure to have the Air Unit’s and Ground Unit’s
serial number available. This number appears on the label on the bottom of each device.

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Important Notice
Copyright © 2015 AMIMON. All rights reserved.
All intellectual property rights are owned by AMIMON and protected by applicable copyright laws and international treaty
provisions. All software/hardware is furnished under a license agreement. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
AMIMON reserves the right to make corrections, modifications, enhancements, improvements, and other changes to its products
and services at any time and to discontinue any product or service without notice. Customers should obtain the latest relevant
information before placing orders and should verify that such information is current and complete. All products are sold subject to
AMIMON’s terms and conditions of sale supplied at the time of order acknowledgment.
AMIMON warrants performance of its hardware products to the specifications applicable at the time of sale in accordance with
AMIMON’s standard warranty. Testing and other quality control techniques are used to the extent AMIMON deems necessary to
support this warranty. Except where mandated by government requirements, testing of all parameters of each product is not
necessarily performed.
AMIMON assumes no liability for applications assistance or customer product design. Customers are responsible for their products
and applications using AMIMON components. To minimize the risks associated with customer products and applications,
customers should provide adequate design and operating safeguards.
AMIMON does not warrant or represent that any license, either express or implied, is granted under any AMIMON patent right,
copyright, mask work right, or other AMIMON intellectual property right relating to any combination, machine, or process in which
AMIMON products or services are used. Information published by AMIMON regarding third-party products or services does not
constitute a license from AMIMON to use such products or services or a warranty or endorsement thereof. Use of such information
may require a license from a third party under the patents or other intellectual property of the third party, or a license from
AMIMON under the patents or other intellectual property of AMIMON.
Reproduction of information in AMIMON data books or data sheets is permissible only if reproduction is without alteration and is
accompanied by all associated warranties, conditions, limitations, and notices. Reproduction of this information with alteration is
an unfair and deceptive business practice. AMIMON is not responsible or liable for such altered documentation.
Resale of AMIMON products or services with statements different from or beyond the parameters stated by AMIMON for that
product or service voids all express and any implied warranties for the associated AMIMON product or service and is an unfair and
deceptive business practice. AMIMON is not responsible or liable for any such statements.
All company and brand products and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
CE1588 This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other
relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
Revision History
Version Date Description
1.0 March 2015 Initial Release

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Safety Instructions and Maintenance
All the instructions in this user guide must be adhered to when operating this equipment. Keep
these instructions in a safe and accessible place for future use.
Safety Symbols
High Voltage Sign: Warns the user of the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within
the product enclosure, which may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk.
General Warning Sign: Warns the user of the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the product manual.
Safety Instructions
• Do not open the Air Unit or Ground Unit enclosures. There are no user-serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel only. The use of controls, adjustments or
procedures other than those specified in this user guide may result in exposure to shock
and/or electrical or mechanical hazards.
• Do not immerse the units in water.
• Do not block the air ventilation openings.
• Always disconnect a unit’s power by pulling the mains plug.
• Only clean with a dry cloth.
• Keep powered on units at least 20 cm from your body.
• Do not expose the units to moisture or excessive heat. Unit operating temperature is 32–104⁰F
or 0−40⁰C.
• Unplug the units during lightning storms or when not using them for long periods of time.
• Only use the originally approved power supply adapter and only use it indoors.
• Only use the supplied accessories or those recommended on the Amimon website.
Accessories (including cables) must not be replaced, as they may affect performance or
functionality or damage the unit. We highly recommend that you use the provided Amimon
cables. If an alternate cable is used, make sure that it is of the highest quality.
• Do not use the product if there is any physical damage to the enclosure.
• It is normal for the product to become slightly hot during use. However, if the enclosure’s
temperature becomes unbearable to touch, turn the product off and contact support. The
internal fan of the Air Unit (transmitter) should work at all times when the power is on.
• Do not let the product come into contact with corrosive materials.
• Do not let the product come into contact with explosives, corrosive gas or nuclear weapons.
• Do not let the product come into contact with fire.

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Potential Hazards
The CONNEXTM Air Unit and Ground Unit contain HD wireless video modules devices that should
be operated according to the same rules and limitations as expected from normal HD wireless
video modules devices. Do not operate the units in an environment that may be susceptible to
radio interference resulting in danger, specifically:
• Areas where prohibited by the law: Follow any special rules and regulations and obey all
signs and notices. Always ensure that the unit is turned off (the power switch is not lit) when
instructed to do so or whenever it may cause interference or danger.
• Where explosive atmospheres may be present: Do not operate the CONNEX units in any
area where a potentially explosive atmosphere may exist. Sparks in such areas could cause an
explosion or fire, resulting in bodily injury or even death. Be aware and comply with all signs
and instructions.
• It is not advisable to operate the CONNEX units while at a refueling point or service
station: Users are reminded to observe restrictions on the use of radio equipment in fuel
depots (fuel storage and distribution areas), chemical plants or where blasting operations are
in progress.
• Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always, clearly
marked: Potential locations can include gas stations, below deck on boats, chemical transfer
or storage facilities, vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or butane), areas
where the air contains chemicals or particles, such as grain, dust or metal powders and any
other area where it would normally be advisable to turn off a vehicle’s engine.
• Near medical and life support equipment: Do not operate the CONNEX units in any area
where medical equipment, life support equipment or near any equipment that may be
susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the host communications device
must be turned off. The CONNEX unit may transmit signals that could interfere with this
equipment.
For more information, visit www.AMIMON.com.

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Contents
About This Guide ................................................................................. 2
Support and Contacting Information ................................................................................ 2
Safety Instructions and Maintenance ............................................................................... 4
Contents ................................................................................................................................ 6
Chapter 1, Introducing CONNEXTM .................................................... 9
About CONNEX ..................................................................................................................... 9
Key Features .............................................................................................................................. 10
In the Box ............................................................................................................................ 10
Air Unit (Transmitter) ............................................................................................................... 11
Ground Unit (Receiver) ............................................................................................................ 15
Chapter 2, Setting Up CONNEXTM .................................................... 19
Setting Up the CONNEX Air Unit ...................................................................................... 19
Connecting the Telemetry Port .............................................................................................. 23
Placement Guidelines – Air Unit Cable Antennas ................................................................ 23
Air Unit Antenna Mounting Accessories ............................................................................... 25
Setting Up the CONNEX Ground Unit .............................................................................. 26
Placement Guidelines – Ground Unit .................................................................................... 27
Chapter 3, Using CONNEXTM ............................................................. 29
Getting Started – Air Unit .................................................................................................. 29
Getting Started – Ground Unit.......................................................................................... 29
Ground Unit – On Screen Display (OSD) .......................................................................... 30
Default Information Overlaid on Video ................................................................................. 30
Additional Telemetry Information Overlaid on Video ......................................................... 31
Alert and System Messages .................................................................................................... 33
Multicasting to Multiple Ground Units ........................................................................... 34
Overview .................................................................................................................................... 34
Pairing Additional Ground Units with an Air Unit ................................................................ 34
Controlling the Aircraft Camera Gimbal ......................................................................... 36
Chapter 4, CONNEXTM Management Application .......................... 37
Overview ............................................................................................................................. 37
Installing the CONNEX Management Application ......................................................... 38
Connecting the Air Unit or Ground Unit to a Computer ............................................... 39
Upgrading the Air Unit or Ground Unit Firmware ......................................................... 40
Configuring the Link .......................................................................................................... 42
Checking the Ground Units Registered to an Air Unit ................................................... 44
Unregistering All Ground Units ........................................................................................ 45

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Appendix A, Technical Specifications ............................................. 47
Appendix B, Supported Remote Controls, Gimbals and Telemetry
Flight Controllers ............................................................................... 48
Supported Air Unit Camera Gimbals ............................................................................... 48
Supported Gimbal Remote Controls ................................................................................ 48
Supported Flight Controllers for Telemetry ................................................................... 48
Appendix C, Supported Resolutions ................................................ 49
Appendix D, Limitation of Liability and Warranty ........................ 50
Appendix E, FCC Caution ................................................................... 51
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement ................................................................................. 51
About Amimon ................................................................................................................... 52

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Blank Page for Double-sided Printing

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Chapter 1, Introducing CONNEXTM
This chapter introduces the CONNEX system, its components, its connectors, buttons
and cables.
About CONNEX
Amimon’s CONNEX provides a high-end, high-performance wireless HD connection
that can operate in challenging unmanned air or ground platforms under harsh
conditions with zero latency, such as UAV/UGV. The small and lightweight CONNEX
system transmits commercial, industrial, inspection and monitoring video in real time
to its Ground Unit, which can be located up to 1,000 meters away.
Figure 1: How CONNEX Works

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• Air Unit: The Air Unit is connected to an aircraft in order to capture video from the
aircraft camera and to transmit it to up to four Ground Units simultaneously
(multicast), thus creating a wireless video link.
• Ground Unit: The Ground Unit connects to various types of monitors, video goggles
or a portable video monitor via the HDMI port. This enables the pilot and/or camera
operator to monitor the video transmitted from the Air Unit.
• Pilot: The pilot can view the video on a monitor or wear video goggles connected to
the Ground Unit. Flight control (telemetry) information from the aircraft is overlaid
on the video. The pilot uses a remote flight controller to control the aircraft.
• Camera Operator: The camera operator can hold a portable or PC video monitor
on which the video can be viewed. The camera operator can use a gimbal remote
control to control the aircraft camera’s gimbal through the S.BUS port of the Air
Unit.
Key Features
• True full HD 1080P at 60fps
• Up to 1,000 meter range (LOS)
• Zero latency, real-time video
• Extremely resilient 5GHz digital link
• Automatic Frequency Selection (AFS) that fully complies with regulations and
automatically selects the best free frequency available
• Encrypted and secure
• Sturdy design for harsh conditions
• Built-in OSD view with embedded MAVLInk-based telemetry
• Gimbal control over Futaba® S.BUS
• Plug-and-Fly, ready to operate out of the box
• DFS support enables multiple free channels, thus boosting robustness
In the Box
CONNEX is comprised of the following components:
• Air Unit (Transmitter), page 11
• Ground Unit (Receiver), page 15

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Air Unit (Transmitter)
Figure 2: Air Unit (Transmitter)
Table 1: Air Unit Components
S.BUS: Control port for the gimbal, which can be connected to a flight controller compatible
with the S.BUS protocol or directly to an Air Unit receiver for the purpose of controlling the
camera gimbal. S.BUS properties can be configured using the CONNEX Management
application, which runs on the computer connected to the Ground Unit, as described in
Chapter 4, CONNEXTM Management Application on page 37.
Do not try to use the S.BUS signal for controlling the aircraft’s flight.
This port should only be connected to the gimbal’s S.BUS of D.BUS port.
Telemetry: Enables the display of flight control data from an aircraft that has a
MAVLink-supported flight controller overlaid on an On Screen Display (OSD). Telemetry
information includes flight mode, number of connected GPS satellites, speed, height and
more. To receive telemetry data on Ground Unit, the Air Unit should be connected to the
aircraft’s telemetry port. You may refer to Appendix B on page 48 for more information.
Power Connector: 8-26-VDC voltage (3−6 cells).
Micro USB Port: This port enables configuration and upgrade of the Air Unit software using
the CONNEX Management application, as described in Chapter 4, CONNEXTM Management
Application section on page 37.
Mini HDMI IN: For receiving video from the camera.
HDMI Connector Screw: For stabilizing the HDMI cable to the Air Unit.
Link Button: The Air Unit is provided pre-paired (preregistered) with the Ground Unit that
comes in the box. The Link button can be used to pair up to three additional Ground Units
with the same Air Unit. You may refer to the Multicasting to Multiple Ground Units section on
page 34 for a description of how to pair additional Ground Units with an Air Unit.
Reset Button: Resets the Air Unit.
Tx Cable Antenna Ports: Two lightweight 2dbi cable antenna ports.
Reset Button
USB Port
HDMI IN Port
Two Tx Cable
Antenna Ports
Power
Link Button
LEDs
S-BUS Port
Telemetry Port

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For a description of the Air Unit LEDs, you may refer to:
• Table 3: Air Unit – Power LED
• Table 4: Air Unit – Video LED
• Table 5: Air Unit – Network LED
Air Unit Accessories
The box number in which each cable is provided is indicated below.
Tx Cable Antennas
Two flat lightweight 2dbi cable antennas. Box 2.
Figure 3: Flat Tx Cable Antennas
Cable Antenna Mounting Accessories
Plastic accessories for mounting the antennas on the aircraft. Box 2.
Figure 4: Cable Antenna Mounting Accessories
Micro to Mini HDMI Cable
Micro to Mini (Right Angled) – 50cm length. Box 1A.
Figure 5: Micro to Mini HDMI Cable

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S-BUS Cable
5-pin JST to S-BUS female – 50cm length. Box 6.
Figure 6: S-BUS Cable
Telemetry Cable
6-pin JST female to 6-pin DF13 – 50cm length. Box 6.
Figure 7: Telemetry Cable
Air Unit Power Cable
4-pin JST to XT-60 Male – 50cm length. Box 1B.
Figure 8: Air Unit Power Cable
Micro USB Cable
Standard Micro USB cable for upgrading the Air Unit software. The same cable can be
used for both the Air and Ground Units. Box 6.
Figure 9: USB Cable

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Mounting Plate
For connecting the Air Unit to the aircraft. This item consists of two parts. Box 3.
Figure 10: Mounting Plate
Note: For information about additional accessories, go to www.AMIMON.com.

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Ground Unit (Receiver)
The following shows both sides of the Ground Unit.
Figure 11: Ground Unit (Receiver) – 1
Figure 12: Ground Unit (Receiver) – 2
Table 2: Ground Unit Components
Tripod Mount Hole: Enables you to connect the Ground Unit to a tripod. Connection to a
tripod is optional.
Power Port: 7-17VDC voltage.
Micro USB Port: This port enables configuration and upgrade of the Ground Unit software
using the CONNEX Management application, as described in Chapter 4, CONNEXTM
Management Application section on page 37.
S.BUS Trainer: This port can be connected to the Futaba Remote Control trainer port. This port
enables you to remotely control the gimbal on the aircraft using the link between the Ground
Power Port
USB Port
S.BUS Trainer Port
Tripod Mount Hole
LEDs
Rx Antennas
ON/Off Switch
OSD Button
Link Button
HDMI Port

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Unit and the Air Unit. The bit rate of this control can be configured in the S.BUS Rate field
using the CONNEX Management application, as described in the Configuring the Link section on
page 42.
Five Rx Antennas Connectors: The five provided antennas must be screwed onto these
connectors.
On/Off Switch: Set this switch to On in order to power on the Ground Unit.
OSD Button: Enables/disables the OSD display. The OSD display presents a screen of
telemetry MAVLink-based information collected by the CONNEX system on the monitor
connected to the Ground Unit, such as Air Unit flight parameters, height, direction, signal
strength and so on. You may refer to the Ground Unit – On Screen Display (OSD) section on
page 30 for more information. By default, OSD is enabled (displayed). Pressing this button
disables OSD and pressing this button again redisplays it.
Link Button: The CONNEX system supports up to four Ground Units per Air Unit. The Ground
Unit is provided out-of-the-box to automatically search for and connect to the Air Unit that is
provided in the same box. The Link button enables you to connect additional Ground Units to
the same Air Unit. You may refer to the Multicasting to Multiple Ground Units section on page 34
for a description of this procedure.
HDMI Port: Enables the display of the received video. Connect this port to a monitor’s HDMI
port using the provided Standard HDMI cable.
Battery Plate Screws: Four screws are provided on the bottom of the Ground Unit for
connecting a battery plate. The battery plate is an optional accessory and is not included. It is
available to be purchased from the Amimon’s website.
For a description of the Air Unit LEDs, you may refer to:
• Table 6: Ground Unit – Power LED
• Table 7: Ground Unit – Video LED
• Table 8: Ground Unit – Network LED

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Ground Unit Cables and Antennas
The box number in which each cable is provided is indicated below.
Standard HDMI Cable
1.2 meters. Box 7.
Figure 13: Standard HDMI Cable
AC Power Adapter and Cable
Four different adapters are provided for indoor use only. Box 5.
Figure 14: AC Power Adapter and Cable
S.BUS Trainer Port Cable
3-pin to Futaba – 1meter cable. Box 6.
Figure 15: S.BUS Trainer Port Cable

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Rx Antennas
Five 2dbi screw-on antennas. Box 4.
Figure 16: Rx Antennas
Micro USB Cable
Standard Micro USB cable for upgrading the Ground Unit software.
The Micro USB connector connects to the USB port on the Ground Unit.
The Mini USB connector connects to a computer on which the Ground Unit software is
installed. Box 6.
Figure 17: Micro USB Cable

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Chapter 2, Setting Up CONNEXTM
This chapter describes how to setup and connect the CONNEX Air Unit and the
CONNEX Ground Unit. This chapter contains the following sections:
• Setting Up the CONNEX Air Unit, page 19
• Setting Up the CONNEX Ground Unit, page 26
Setting Up the CONNEX Air Unit
Set up the CONNEX Air Unit (transmitter) and connect it to the aircraft, as described in
this section.
We highly recommend that you use the provided Amimon cables. If an alternate cable
is used, make sure that it is of the highest quality.
 To set up the CONNEX Air Unit:
1 Assemble the Air Unit/aircraft mounting plate:
 If attaching the Air Unit to a flat surface on the aircraft, then perform the
following:
• Place the Air Unit in the center of the provided mounting plate on the side with
the mounting plate bumps protruding.
• Use screws or plastic ties to hold the Air Unit to the mounting plate. You can
thread the plastic ties through any of the holes on the mounting plate.
Figure 18: Attaching the Air Unit to the Mounting Plate

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 If attaching the Air Unit to a bar on the aircraft, then perform the following
before attaching the Air Unit to the mounting plate:
• A clear plastic holder is provided to help attach the mounting plate to a bar or
to the landing gear of the aircraft. The square plastic insert can be placed in the
opening in the center of the mounting plate either horizontally or vertically
according to how you want to position the mounting plate relative to the bar to
which you are attaching it.
• Insert the plastic holder into the opening in the square center of the mounting
plate, as shown below:
Figure 19: Connecting the Mounting Plate to a Bar on the Aircraft
2 Attach the mounting plate (with the Air Unit attached to it as described above) to
the aircraft using screws or plastic ties. Typically, it can be placed on the bottom of
the aircraft. Make sure that the Air Unit’s ventilation openings are not obstructed.
3 IMPORTANT! For optimal performance, carefully read and then implement the
guidelines provided in the Placement Guidelines – Air Unit Cable Antennas section on
page 23. These guidelines describe the best mounting options for the Air Unit cable
antenna options.
Attach the Air Unit cable antenna mounting accessories to the aircraft. Make sure
the mounting accessories are placed close enough to the Air Unit for the cable
antennas to reach the Air Unit antennas port.
Square plastic insert
for attaching the
mounting plate to a
bar