Micasense Dls 2 Quick setup guide

DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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Downwelling Light Sensor 2 (DLS 2)

Integration Guide

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Revision 03, Jan 2020

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Seattle, WA

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DLS 2 Integration Guide      Rev 03
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Table of Contents
Overview and Scope 3
Measurements and Attachment Points 4
DLS 2 Connectors and Buttons 5
DLS 2 Installation Guidelines 6
Fixed-wing 6
Multirotor 7
DLS Firmware Upgrade 7
Magnetometer Calibration 7
Magnetic Heading Check 11
Magnetic Interference Check 13
Basic Integrations 14
Standalone Integration Using RedEdge-MX and DLS 2 14
Example RedEdge-MX + DLS 2 Integration 15
Standalone Integration Using Altum and DLS 2 16
Example Altum + DLS 2 Integration 17
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© 2020 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 2 of 17
 

DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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Overview and Scope

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The Downwelling Light Sensor (DLS 2) is an advanced incident light sensor that connects

directly to your MicaSense sensor (RedEdge 3, RedEdge-M, RedEdge-MX, and Altum).

During a mission, the DLS 2 measures the ambient light and sun angle for each of the five

bands of the camera and records this information in the metadata of the TIFF images

captured by the camera. This information can then be used by specialized processing tools

(like Pix4Dmapper) to correct for global lighting changes in the middle of a flight, such as

those that can happen due to clouds covering the sun.

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In addition, the DLS 2 provides GPS data to the MicaSense sensor unless GPS data is

provided from an external source (for more information see the connections section). If using

an alternative GPS source, the GPS receiver will remain on at very low power (uBlox C/A

code GPS @ 5 Hz).

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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Measurements and Attachment Points

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BOTTOM

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Height

14.03 mm

Width

46.00 mm

Length

63.50 mm

Weight

49 g

DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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SIDE

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DLS 2 Connectors and Buttons

The sensor kit includes all required interface cables to connect to the DLS 2.

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The LED camera status indicator mimics the LED signals on the MicaSense sensor. The signal

types are outlined in the Sensor Firmware Guide. The camera trigger button will command a

capture on the MicaSense sensor. This is useful for capturing a preflight image of the

calibration panel.

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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The RF connector is not available for use at this time but may be used as in the future. When

it is available, we will update this guide.

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DLS 2 Installation Guidelines

The DLS 2 should always be the highest object on the aircraft in order to avoid shadows or

reflections. It contains an integral GPS sensor that may be utilized for geotagging of the

MicaSense sensor imagery if system GPS signals are not provided to the sensor by other

means. Install the module where it will have a clear view of the sky, far away from any

devices that could interfere with it (like a data link or video transmitters).

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When the DLS 2 starts up, it attempts to calibrate, which requires it to be still and

motionless. Ensure that there is no vibration or movement until the DLS 2 has completed

this procedure, indicated by normal LED status lights (shown in the Firmware Guide).

NOTE

The 6-pin connector on the DLS 2 should be facing forward in the flight direction.

Mounting it in the opposite direction will cause the magnetometer calibration

process to be backwards.

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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Fixed-wing

Always install the DLS 2 at the high-point of the fuselage (if possible) to avoid any

shadowing or reflections from aircraft fuselage or rotors.

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Do not recess or embed the DLS 2 sensor body below the metallic base.

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Local reflections could impact light sensor measurements. Avoid bright or metallic paint near

the DLS 2 light sensor as this may interfere with incoming light values.

Multirotor

Install the DLS 2 on a rigid post such that it is the highest object on the aircraft, with a

minimum of 5 cm above the rotor plane.

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Ensure that there are no obstructions in the DLS 2’s field of view to the sky, including

propellers and other items on the aircraft.

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Keep the DLS 2 away from the aircraft GPS. Installing the DLS 2 near the aircraft GPS may

impact the aircraft’s GPS reception.

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DLS 2 Firmware Upgrade

MicaSense Sensor firmware upgrades will periodically contain DLS 2 firmware updates as

well.

To update the firmware on your DLS 2, you can either have it plugged into the camera at the

time you are upgrading the camera’s firmware, or plug the DLS 2 in later after you have

upgraded the camera’s firmware and are ready to use the DLS 2. Remember to not connect

the DLS 2 to the camera with the camera powered ON.

The camera will automatically update the firmware on the DLS 2 if it contains a newer

version.

Magnetometer Calibration

This procedure is for the included GPS only and is not required for configurations that

provide GPS and attitude information via the serial or Ethernet connection. If the

DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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configuration for your sensor is one that uses the provided module for GPS and

magnetometer data, a calibration process for the magnetometer is needed.

NOTE

You will need a compass to verify the calibration once completed.

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From the Settings page, access the DLS Configuration section.

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“Calibrate DLS Mag” is a clickable button that will start the calibration process. This

calibration process is for the magnetometer sensor that is inside the DLS 2 module.

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Ensure that the DLS 2 is connected to the Sensor using the provided cables. Additionally,

your DLS 2 module should be rigidly mounted to your aircraft frame.

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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NOTE

Before beginning the calibration routine, position yourself and the drone away

from large metal objects such as cars and buildings. Also avoid paved areas, which

may have metal rods inside the cement. An open field is preferred to avoid

interaction with any sources of magnetic interference or objects that may perturb

the Earth’s natural magnetic field.

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Once the startup sequence has finished, you will be guided through the orientations your

drone should be in for each of the calibration steps.

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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To calibrate the magnetometer, a 6-axis calibration routine needs to be performed. During

the routine, the drone (specifically the DLS 2 module) should remain in a fixed position while

being rotated, i.e. the user performing the calibration should be moving around the

magnetometer. The drone and DLS 2 module should also be kept level to the plane they are

on in each position. The on-screen rotation guide will show you when you have successfully

completed one orientation and can move on to the next.

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NOTE

The black dot is a level (like a bubble level), indicating how level the unit is

compared to the plane it is on. It does not indicate how far away from the center of

rotation the unit is.

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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NOTE

If you are using a Serial or HTTP connection to supply GPS and attitude information

to the sensor, you do not need to perform the magnetometer calibration described

above.

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Magnetic Heading Check

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Once the calibration routine has been completed, it is important to verify that the

magnetometer information displayed in the Heading section of the sensor’s Home Page is

accurate.

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A handheld compass has been provided with your kit that will allow you to verify this in the

field. Access the sensor’s Home Page and use the “Heading” field to check the four cardinal

directions (North, East, South, West) and ensure a good match between the compass and

the reading by the sensor. You should see an error of less than +/- 5 degrees. If this error is

exceeded, redo the magnetometer calibration.

DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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Additionally, you will want to perform a magnetic interference test to verify that your drone

will not affect the heading readings during flight.

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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Magnetic Interference Check

A test procedure should be conducted any time electrical equipment is added or removed

from the drone to ensure the magnetic field profile of the aircraft has not changed.

To test for any magnetic interference from the drone that is affecting the magnetometer,

start by placing your drone facing North (you can use the magnetic heading from the Wi-Fi

page to align yourself).

⚠ WARNING

The next section involves spinning up the motors of your drone.

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If you have a fixed wing aircraft this will require holding the aircraft in place while keeping

clear of the propeller.

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If using a multi-rotor, setup the aircraft as if it was ready for a normal take off, but you do not

need to actually take off, just spin up of motors.

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You DO NOT need to provide full power to the motor(s).

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Throttle up the motor(s) on your drone and ensure that the heading reading has not

changed, then throttle back down. Repeat this for each direction (North, East, South, West)

to ensure there is no magnetic interference in any of the four cardinal directions.

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⚠ WARNING

FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS TO KEEP CLEAR OF SPINNING BLADES

COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.

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NOTE

Electromagnetic interference during the operation of your drone can cause errors

in the magnetic heading readings. This can cause the irradiance data generated by

the DLS 2 to be not usable during processing.

DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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Basic Integrations

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MicaSense sensors are designed for integration into a variety of platforms. Below are some

common integration configurations.

1. Standalone Integration Using RedEdge-MX and DLS 2

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The standalone integration option requires only that power is provided to the RedEdge-MX

system. Triggering is configured via the WiFi interface to either “Overlap” or “Timer” mode.

GPS information is provided by the integrated GPS receiver within the DLS 2.

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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Example RedEdge-MX + DLS 2 Integration

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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2. Standalone Integration Using Altum and DLS 2

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The standalone integration option requires only that power is provided to the Altum system.

Triggering is configured via the WiFi interface to either “Overlap” or “Timer” mode. GPS

information is provided by the integrated GPS receiver within the DLS 2.

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DLS 2 Integration Guide Rev 03

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Example Altum + DLS 2 Integration

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MicaSense Downwelling Light Sensor 2

Integration Guide

Rev 03 – Jan 2020

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MicaSense, Inc.

Seattle WA 98103

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●The contents of this guide are subject to change without notice

●MicaSense, Inc. assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages

arising from the use of this product, and any claims by a third party.

●Copying of the contents of this guide, in whole or in part is prohibited under

the copyright law.

MicaSense DLS 2 Quick setup guide

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