MicaSense RedEdge-M User manual

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
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MicaSense RedEdge-M™
Multispectral Camera
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User Manual
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Rev 01 – November 2017
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© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 1 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
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MicaSense, Inc.
Seattle, WA
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Table of Contents
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RedEdge-M Overview 4
Using The RedEdge-M Camera 5
Getting Started: Connections 5
Using the RedEdge-M Camera 9
Camera Configuration and Live View 13
Establishing WiFi Connection 13
Home Page 14
Live View Page 16
Coverage Page 19
Settings Page 27
Timer Mode 28
External Trigger Mode 29
Overlap Mode: 30
Advanced Configuration: 31
Manual Exposure: 33
Magnetometer Calibration 34
Magnetic Heading Check 37
Magnetic Interference Check 38
Mapping Operations 39
External Connections 39
File Storage 40
Data Collection Recommendations 41
Checklist for Operation 44
Firmware Update 46
Specifications 47
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© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 2 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
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DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
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MICASENSE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE            
REDEDGE-M CAMERA. MICASENSE DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL,        
PUNITIVE, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOST DATA, LOST           
REVENUE, LOST PROFITS, OR REPLACEMENT PRODUCT COSTS ARISING OUT OF THE PURCHASE, USE,            
OR PERFORMANCE OF THE REDEDGE-M CAMERA, UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, EVEN IF            
MICASENSE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. MICASENSE DISCLAIMS ANY            
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND DISCLAIMS           
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING FROM A COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, DEALING, USAGE, OR TRADE            
PRACTICE. THE PRICE OF PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTED BY MICASENSE OR ITS AUTHORIZED DEALERS           
REFLECTS THE ALLOCATION OF RISK ARISING FROM THE WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS AND THIS           
DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. 
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 3 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
1. RedEdge-M Overview
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The MicaSense RedEdge-M is a professional multispectral camera capable of simultaneous
capture of five discrete spectral bands to generate precise and quantitative information on
the vigor and health of crops.
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Figure 1: RedEdge-M Camera Features and Connections
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© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 4 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
2. Using The RedEdge-M Camera
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2.1.Getting Started: Connections
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Insert SD Card
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▪Insert SD card, label side facing up, until
it clicks into place.
▪To remove SD card, press the edge of
the card until the spring mechanism
unlatches.
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NOTE
An SDHC Class 10 SD card with a write-speed capability of at least 45 MB/s is
required (32 GB SanDisk Extreme recommended). SDXC SD cards are not
compatible with the RedEdge-M camera.
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 
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 5 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01

Connect DLS and GPS Module

The Downwelling Light Sensor (DLS) is a 5-band light sensor that connects directly
to a MicaSense RedEdge-M camera. The DLS measures the ambient light during a
flight for each of the five bands of the camera and records this information in the
metadata of the images captured by the camera. When properly installed and
calibrated, the information sensed by the DLS can be used to correct for lighting
changes in the middle of a flight, such as those that can happen due to clouds
that cover the sun during a flight.



▪Connect DLS to the camera port labeled
“DLS/GPS”using the 6-pin cable. The
other end of the 6-pin cable is
connected to the “CAM” port in the
DLS.
▪Connect the GPS module to the DLS
using the two cables that are attached
to the GPS module (4-pin and 6-pin).
▪If stand-alone GPS module is used
(without DLS):
o Connect 6-pin cable that is
attached to GPS module to
camera connector labeled
“DLS/GPS”. The 4-pin cable
attached to the GPS module is
left unconnected.
▪For more advanced integrations where
GPS data is provided by the autopilot or
other GPS source, refer to RedEdge-M
Integration Guide.
▪To remove connectors, do not pull on
wires; instead use a small flathead
screwdriver to pry out the connector.
See “External Connections”.
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 6 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01

DLS and GPS connected

CAUTION 
Always connect the DLS or the GPS module to the camera before turning on the
camera. Failure to do so may damage the DLS or the GPS module.

Connect Power Cable

▪Refer to RedEdge-M Integration Guide for
details on power requirements and
connector pinout.
▪Connect either the USB power cable, or
another power cable to connector labeled
“PWR/TRIG”.
▪To remove connector, do not pull on wires;
instead use a small flathead screwdriver to
pry out the connector. See “External
Connections”.

© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 7 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
CAUTION 
Power must not exceed 15.8V DC. Ensure correct pinout and polarity before
connecting power. Failure to follow these instructions may result in permanent
damage to the camera, the DLS, or the GPS module.

 
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 8 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01

2.2.Using the RedEdge-M Camera

Power ON the Camera

▪The camera starts automatically when power
is connected.
▪Alternatively, press and release the Power
Button.
▪The Status LED will remain OFF while the
camera is initializing (approx. 15 seconds).
▪ After initialization has completed, Status LED
will flash at approximately once every 1.5
seconds.

NOTE
The camera will automatically turn ON when power is first applied to the external
power connector. If the camera is manually turned OFF, it can be re-powered ON
by pressing the Power Button.

To Power OFF the Camera:

▪Press and hold the Power Button for at least 5
seconds.
▪The Status LED will stop flashing once the
camera has shut down.

 
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 9 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
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Camera LED Signals
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One flash indicates normal behavior, that the camera is operating as expected.
More than one flash indicates an issue as outlined in the following table:
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
Status LED Indicators
Color
Type
Meaning
Green
1 Flash
Camera is ready for operation (it has a GPS
fix and more than 2 GB available on SD card)
Blue
1 Flash
Capture completed
Yellow
2 Flashes
GPS unit detected, but does not have a fix
Red
3 Flashes
GPS timeout
Red
4 Flashes
No SD card installed
Red

5 Flashes
SD card is full (or almost full)


 
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 10 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
DLS LED Signals
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There are two green LED lights on the DLS, one on either side of the unit. The
meaning of the LEDs is as shown in the table below. The LEDs are small and
may not be easy to see without getting close to the unit. Refer to the following
table for signal meanings:

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DLS LED Signal Type
Meaning
4 simultaneous flashes
on both LEDs
This occurs upon boot-up of the DLS
Sporadic flashing
Communications received. This is normal behavior
Alternating blinking
between the two LEDs
Indicates a software/hardware problem. If the
problem persists, contact MicaSense at
[email protected]
Both LEDs solid ON
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▪
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© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 11 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01

CAUTION
Power OFF the camera before removing the SD card. Failure to do so may
corrupt some of the files in the SD card if they are still being written.
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Capturing Images (Manual Trigger)
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▪With the camera turned ON and SD card
installed, press and release the Manual
Trigger button.


NOTE
Captures created using the manual trigger are taken using a mode designed for
panel pictures. Images taken this way may appear significantly darker than
images taken using other trigger methods.
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 
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 12 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
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3. Camera Configuration and Live View
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The RedEdge-M camera hosts a WiFi access point that is used in conjunction with any
WiFi-capable device for configuration of the camera and live preview of images acquired
with the camera.
3.1.Establishing WiFi Connection
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Any device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) can be used to establish a connection
with the camera. To establish the WiFi connection:
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1. Turn on the camera and wait for initialization process to complete
2. Use the device’s WiFi configuration method to search for a WiFi access point
called “rededgeRMXX-XXXXXXX-XX”, where the Xs are the serial number of the
camera. The serial number of the camera is printed on the rear of the camera.
3. The password for this WiFi access point is “micasense”.

Once connected to the camera’s WiFi, open any web browser and access the
camera’s web page by typing in “192.168.10.254” in the address bar of the browser.

There are 4 main “pages” for the camera:


Home Page

Live View Page

Coverage Page

Settings Page


© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 13 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
3.2.Home Page

Provides status information for the camera and the GPS receiver that is connected to
it.
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Figure 2: Home Page
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 
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 14 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
DLS Verification

You can verify that the DLS is connected to the camera from the camera
configuration home page. If connected, the DLS status should be green and display
“Connected”.
 
In the Camera Settings page, under “Advanced Configuration” in the “Multi-Camera
Configuration” section, the DLS serial number and software version should be
displayed.


© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 15 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
3.3.Live View Page
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Provides a live preview of images captured with the camera.

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Figure 3: Live View Page
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 16 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01

Figure 4: Imager Nomenclature
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Whenever the camera captures images manually (using either the physical button or
the web button), the selected image(s) will be displayed in the Live View page based
on the setting of the “Band” pull-down menu

Setting
Action
Multi
Shows all five single-band images at once in a
matrix
Band 1
Shows imager #1 (Blue filter)
Band 2
Shows imager #2 (Green filter)
Band 3
Shows imager #3 (Red filter)
Band 4
Shows imager #4 (Near IR filter)
Band 5
Shows imager #5 (Red Edge filter)


© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 17 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
Capture: The Capture button forces a capture for the camera, and is equivalent to
pressing the Manual Trigger button on the camera.

Streaming: The Streaming checkbox is used for near-real-time preview images from the
camera. When the Streaming mode is enabled, the images shown will update as
quickly as the camera can support it (approximately twice a second). Note that
Streaming mode does not save any images to the SD card. It just enables fast capture
of the camera for preview purposes only.
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NOTE
Streaming mode is intended for live-preview. It is recommended that streaming
mode be disabled before any other operations (particularly before enabling
Auto-Capture mode or flying).
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 
© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 18 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
3.4.Coverage Page
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The coverage page provides information on the geographic location where images in
the SD card were captured based on the GPS module information. This page also
provides a calculator for estimating parameters for mission planning.
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Figure 5: Coverage Page
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Captures.kmz
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Clicking the “captures.kmz” link will cause the camera to generate a KMZ file that will
be downloaded by your browser. The KMZ file contains the lat/lon/alt of all captures
in the SD card and can be used to verify coverage after a flight or series of flights.
The KMZ file can be opened using Google Earth or a GIS application.
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© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 19 of 47

RedEdge-M User Manual                                             Rev 01
 
Figure 6: KMZ File Can Be Viewed In Applications Like Google Earth

Pre-Flight Estimator
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The Pre-flight Estimator is a calculator to estimate the results of a flight mission. Enter
the mission parameters and press the “calculate” button to see the results below.
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© 2017 MicaSense, Inc.                                                                                                     Page 20 of 47