PhaseOne iX MK 5 Operating instructions

iX Controller MK 5
Installation and Operation Guide
Version: 5.0.4
Date: April 18, 2023

iX Controller MK 5 Installation and Operation Guide
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Legal Notice
The company disclaims all liability and warranties in relation to this manual, including warranty of
merchantability, fitness for particular purpose and accuracy, and may amend it without further notice.
Trademarks
All trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contact Support
You can contact Phase One Technical Support directly by creating a support case at
https://support.phaseone.com/
Visit https://geospatial.phaseone.com/ for additional information.
Copyright © 2023 Phase One. All Rights Reserved.
Doc No. 80077000 Rev 5.0.4 iX Controller MK 5 Installation and Operation Guide 18/04/2023

iX Controller MK 5 Installation and Operation Guide
Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
1Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Scope...................................................................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Applicable Documents...............................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 List of Terms and Abbreviations...........................................................................................................................................5
2What’s in the Box........................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Product Identification .................................................................................................................................................................7
3Overview 8
3.1 Hardware ...........................................................................................................................................................................................8
3.1.1 iX Controller MK 5 Power Overview..................................................................................................................9
3.2 Configuration Options ................................................................................................................................................................9
3.3 Software...........................................................................................................................................................................................10
3.3.1 iX Flight Pro ..................................................................................................................................................................10
3.3.2 iX Capture (3.4.7 or higher)..................................................................................................................................10
3.3.3 Licensing.........................................................................................................................................................................10
4Connecting Cables and Peripherals ..................................................................................................................................................11
4.1 iX Controller MK 5 Power Cable (P/N 70348000) .....................................................................................................11
4.2 Grounding Cable.......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3 iX Controller/iX Camera Power Cable (P/N 70364000)....................................................................................... 12
4.4 iX Controller MK 5 to Camera I/O Cables (P/N 70378000) ................................................................................ 13
4.5 iX Controller MK 5 to Camera USB 3.0 Cables............................................................................................................14
4.6 Monitors ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.7 Keyboard and Mouse ................................................................................................................................................................16
4.8 External IMU...................................................................................................................................................................................18
4.9 PPS Output.....................................................................................................................................................................................18
5Powering up the iX Controller MK 5 ...............................................................................................................................................19
6iX Controller MK 5 Storage .................................................................................................................................................................20
6.1 Disk Management.......................................................................................................................................................................20
6.2 Locking the Carrier....................................................................................................................................................................20
6.3 Removing the SSD Drive Carrier......................................................................................................................................... 21
6.4 Inserting the SSD Drive Carrier........................................................................................................................................... 22
7Operating the iX Controller MK 5....................................................................................................................................................23
7.1 Powering Cameras ....................................................................................................................................................................23
7.2 Using iX Capture.........................................................................................................................................................................23
7.3 Using iX Flight Pro..................................................................................................................................................................... 23
7.4 Controlling iX Controller MK 5 Power Ports through iX Capture ..................................................................... 23
8Shutting Down the iX Controller MK 5 .........................................................................................................................................24

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9Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................................................................25
10 Maintenance................................................................................................................................................................................................26
10.1 Replacing SSD Drives...............................................................................................................................................................26
Appendix A Technical Data...................................................................................................................................................................28
A.1 iX Controller MK 5 Weight.....................................................................................................................................................28
A.2 Power Specifications................................................................................................................................................................28
A.2.1 Power Requirements...............................................................................................................................................28
A.2.2 Power Consumption................................................................................................................................................28
Appendix B Declaration of Conformity ..........................................................................................................................................29

iX Controller MK 5 Installation and Operation Guide
1. Introduction
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1Introduction
1.1 Scope
This manual describes how to install the iX Controller MK 5 as follows:
•Section 2 - What’s in the Box
•Section 3 - Overview
•Section 4 - Connecting Cables and Peripherals
•Section 5 - Powering up the iX Controller MK 5
•Section 6 - iX Controller MK 5 Storage
•Section 7 - Operating the iX Controller MK 5
•Section 8 - Shutting Down the iX Controller MK 5
•Section 9 - Troubleshooting
•Section 10 - Maintenance
•Appendix A - Technical Data
•Appendix B - Declaration of Conformity
1.2 Applicable Documents
Item
Manual
Applanix AP+
APX-15 User Guide
Phase One/Applanix
GNSS Configuration Guide for PAS Systems
Phase One iX Controller
Connecting to the iX Controller Using Remote Desktop Connection
Phase One iX Capture
iX Capture User Guide
Phase One iX Flight
iX Flight Operation Guide
Phase One iX Flight Pro
iX Flight Pro Operation Guide
Phase One iX Process
iX Process Operation Guide
Phase One iXM Cameras
Refer to your camera operation guide for your specific camera.
1.3 List of Terms and Abbreviations
Term/Abbreviation
Description
DP
DisplayPort connector for monitors.
GNSS
Global Navigation Satellite System.
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface connector for monitors.
IMU
Inertial measurement unit.
PPS
Pulse-per-second (time synchronization output mark from internal GNSS)
SATA
Serial ATA interface for connecting drives to computers.
SSD
Solid-state drive.

iX Controller MK 5 Installation and Operation Guide
2. What’s in the Box
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2What’s in the Box
The following table lists all iX Controller MK 5 parts.
iX Controller MK5 Parts
Part No.
Item
Image
40900705 SSD carrier key.
40900718 1.5 mm hex screwdriver.
70306000 iX Camera to External GNSS Control Cable.
70348000
Aircraft to iX Controller MK 5 power cable.
Note
If the iX Controller MK 5 is supplied as part of
system with a stabilizer, a different power cable
is supplied, as detailed in the Operation Guide
for that system.
70364000 iX Controller MK 5 to camera power cable.
70378000 iX Controller MK 5 to camera I/O cable.

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2. What’s in the Box
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Part No.
Item
Image
73275000 iX Controller MK 5.
76004600 SSD frame (for assembly in post-processing host
computer).
86718900 USB drive with documentation.
86720500 iX Products warranty certificate
2.1 Product Identification
To enable support for your system, you must record the serial number mark on the rear panel of your unit.

iX Controller MK 5 Installation and Operation Guide
3. Overview
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3Overview
3.1 Hardware
The iX Controller MK 5 is a new generation of aerial controller. This robust command center onboard the
aircraft is designed for smooth performance of geospatial project missions. A preconfigured precision
GNSS-Inertial (AP+ AV) is integrated inside the controller.
The controller is provided with ports to connect with up to six cameras, three monitors, a gyrostabilizer, the
Applanix IMU unit, and standard aircraft power supply. A high-capacity data storage SSD tray (factory
provided with two 1 TB SSD drives) can be easily accessed or removed for rapid download of image and
telemetry data.
iX Controller MK5 - Front Panel
1. SSD carrier eject button
2. SSD carrier keylock
3. SSD drive LEDs
4. SSD drive carrier
5. AUX2 power ports (x3)
6. AUX2 Power LED
7. AUX1 Power LED
8. AUXILIARY Power LED
9. MAIN Power LED
10. AUX1 power ports (x3)
11. Main circuit breaker
12. Auxiliary circuit breaker
13. Camera USB 3 cable bracket
14. Camera USB 3 ports (x6)
15. HDMI ports (x2)
16. DP port
17. USB-C port
18. Ethernet ports (x2)
19. USB 3 ports (x2)
20.USB 3 cable bracket
21. I/O port
22. COM port (for stabilizer)
23. IMU port
24.28 VDC power in port

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3. Overview
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iX Controller MK5 - Rear Panel
1. Satellite Tracking LED
3. PPS Output
2. Antenna Connector
3.1.1 iX Controller MK 5 Power Overview
The Auxiliary power circuit breaker controls all power to the six AUX1 and AUX2 power ports. It also
controls power to the internal GNSS AP+ card. The output voltage from all six power ports is the same as
the incoming voltage from the iX Controller MK 5 power source.
Each set of power ports (AUX1 and AUX2) can be software-controlled using iX Capture.
See Appendix A.2 - Power Specifications for more information.
3.2 Configuration Options
The iX Controller MK 5 with its internal GNSS supports connection to the following IMUs for a range of
orientation accuracies:
•Applanix IMU 79 - internal
•Applanix IMU 69 - external
•Applanix IMU 82 - external
•Applanix IMU 91 – external
•Applanix IMU 57 - external
Note
•All GNSS-enabled configurations are provided with the Trimble AV39 FAA certified GNSS antenna.
•All GNSS-enabled configurations are provided with an interface cable between the iX Controller
MK 5 and the external IMU.
•If you will be using an external IMU, it should be mounted on the pod plate as follows:
X axis - towards flight direction
Y axis - towards the right wing

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3. Overview
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3.3 Software
3.3.1 iX Flight Pro
iX Flight Pro uses iX Plan data to manage and guide the precise execution of aero-photography flight. Using
the pilot and operator monitors, the pilot can easily maintain precise trajectory by following altitude and
localizer instructions, while the operator manages the flight, controls the order of passes, tags images and
start/stops image collection.
For detailed information on using iX Flight Pro, see the iX Flight Pro Operation Guide.
Note
To process images captured with iX Flight Pro, use iX Process available from Phase One.
3.3.2 iX Capture (3.4.7 or higher)
iX Capture is a professional capture and raw file converter software that provides full control over the
cameras installed on the iX Controller MK 5 aerial system. It enables the operator to easily monitor and
control every aspect of aerial digital data acquisition using the operator monitor.
iX Capture enables you to capture, monitor, and process images in a fast, flexible, and efficient workflow.
For detailed information on installing iX Capture on another PC and using iX Capture, see the iX Capture
User Guide.
3.3.3 Licensing
For software licensing details, contact Phase One.
If you cannot mount the IMU in these directions, you will need to configure the rotation around the
Z axis accordingly as described in the GNSS Configuration Guide for PAS Systems.
•You can also use the following external GNSS solutions:
Applanix POS AVX 210
Applanix POS AV V6
For more information, refer to the GNSS Configuration Guide for PAS Systems.

iX Controller MK 5 Installation and Operation Guide
4. Connecting Cables and Peripherals
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4Connecting Cables and Peripherals
Warning
•The iX Controller MK 5 has been tested and certified for connection to a 28 VDC power supply.
Installation on aircraft with other power supplies is not recommended unless special measures are
taken to provide the iX Controller MK 5 with a 28 VDC supply.
•On the aircraft side, a 10 A circuit breaker must be installed on the 28 VDC power supply.
4.1 iX Controller MK 5 Power Cable (P/N 70348000)
To connect the iX Controller MK5 power cable tothe iX Controller MK5:
1. Connect the open end of the power cable to the aircraft power supply as shown in the following figure
and table:
Caution
Before connecting the power cable to the adaptor, make sure you have verified voltage polarity.
Aircraft Power Cable Pinout
Wire
Pin
Polarity
Red
1
+
Black
2
GND
Aircraft Power Cable Pin Designation

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4. Connecting Cables and Peripherals
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2. Connect the power cable with the LEMO connector to the iX Controller MK 5 28 VDC port.
Power Cable Connection to iX Controller MK5
4.2 Grounding Cable
Connect a grounding cable (not supplied by Phase One)asfollows:
1. Connect one end of the grounding cable to the uncoated underside of a mounting panel.
2. Connect the other end to the aircraft frame.
4.3 iX Controller/iX Camera Power Cable (P/N 70364000)
The iX Controller/iX Camera power cable provides power to the camera.
iX Controller
MK5 Power
Port

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4. Connecting Cables and Peripherals
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To connect iX Controller/iX Camera power cables:
1. Connect one end of the iX Controller/iX Camera power cable to an iX Controller MK 5 AUX1 or AUX2
port.
iX Controller/iX Camera Power Cable Connection to iX Controller MK5
Note
It is recommended to connect all cameras to the same set of power ports (AUX1 or AUX2).
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the Phase One camera power port.
3. Repeat for additional cameras.
4.4 iX Controller MK 5 to Camera I/O Cables (P/N 70378000)
The iX Controller MK 5 to camera I/O cable transfers trigger, black reference and MEP signals between the
iX Controller MK 5 and the camera. In addition, it provides metadata to the camera.
To connect the iX Controller MK5 to camera I/O cables:
1. Connect one end of the iX Controller MK 5 to camera I/O cable to the iX Controller MK 5 I/O port.
Camera I/O Cable Connection to iX Controller MK5
iX Controller
MK5 to
Camera Power
Connector
iX Controller
MK5 to Camera
I/O Connector

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4. Connecting Cables and Peripherals
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2. Connect the other end to the camera left I/O port.
Note
For I/O connections on additional cameras, use a Phase One camera to camera multisync cable (PN
75007000) ordered separately.
4.5 iX Controller MK 5 to Camera USB 3.0 Cables
The iX Controller MK 5 to camera USB cable (supplied with each camera) transfers control data from the iX
Controller MK 5 and the camera, and images from the camera for storage in the iX Controller MK 5.
To connect iX Controller MK 5 to camera USB 3.0 cables:
1. Using a 1.5 mm hex key, remove all four screws securing the left USB 3.0 cable bracket to the iX
Controller MK 5.
2. Connect up to six USB cables as required to the left USB 3 ports.
3. Place the USB 3.0 cable bracket in place on the iX Controller MK 5 and secure all four screws using the
1.5 mm hex key.
4. Connect the other end of each USB 3 cable to a Phase One aerial camera.
4 screws

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4. Connecting Cables and Peripherals
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4.6 Monitors
Phase One recommends ordering and using the pilot and operator monitors available from Phase One. The
monitors are supplied with the following cables for connection to the iX Controller MK 5:
•iX Controller MK 5 to pilot monitor cable (75021000)
•iX Controller MK 5 to operator monitor cable (75022000)
The following figure shows power and communication connections for the pilot and operator monitors.
Monitor Connections
To connect the pilot monitor:
1. Connect the cable end with 2 connectors to the pilot monitor power and video ports (video cable
includes USB signal).
2. Connect the cable end with 3 connectors to an iX Controller MK 5 AUX2 power port, an HDMI port and
one of the camera USB 3 ports.
To connect theoperator monitor:
1. Connect one end of the cable to the operator monitor power, video, and USB ports.

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4. Connecting Cables and Peripherals
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2. Connect the other end of the cable to an iX Controller MK 5 AUX2 power port, DP port and one of the
camera USB 3 ports.
Note
You can connect up to three monitors simultaneously to the iX Controller MK 5 HDMI/DP ports.
4.7 Keyboard and Mouse
To connect a keyboard and mouse to theiX Controller MK 5:
1. Using a 2.5 mm hex key, remove both screws securing the USB 3.0 cable bracket front plate to the cable
bracket bottom plate.
2. Remove the cable bracket front plate, the screws and washers and set them aside.
3. Connect the keyboard and mouse cables to the USB ports.
4. Use a 2.5 mm hex key to reattach the cable bracket front plate to the cable bracket bottom plate using
the screws and washers you set aside in Step 2. The front plate should secure the cable hoods.
Note
If the length of the cable hoods prevent you from securing the cable bracket front plate to the cable
bracket bottom plate, you can increase the distance between the front plate and the iX Controller MK 5
as follows:
1. Gently place the iX Controller MK 5 on its upper grilled plate.

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4. Connecting Cables and Peripherals
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2. Remove both screws securing the cable bracket bottom plate to the iX Controller MK 5.
3. Mount the cable bracket bottom plate to the iX Controller MK 5 using the holes near the bottom plate
edge.
For USB cables
with short hoods
For USB cables
with long hoods

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4. Connecting Cables and Peripherals
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4.8 External IMU
If you are using an external IMU (see Section 3.2 - Configuration Options), you must connect it to the iX
Controller MK 5 using the cable supplied with the external IMU.
To connect an external IMU to the iX Controller MK 5:
1. Connect one end of the IMU cable to the IMU.
2. Connect the other end of the IMU cable to the iX Controller MK 5 IMU port.
4.9 PPS Output
The internal GNSS provides a pulse-per-second (PPS) time synchronization output mark.
To use this signal, connect the iX Controller MK 5 PPS output cable (73263000) to the PPS Output
connector on the iX Controller MK 5 rear panel.
The following table shows the pinout for the iX Controller MK 5 PPS output cable.
iX Controller MK5 PPS Output Cable
Wire
Pin
Voltage
Description
Orange
1
PPS_OUT
PPS (Pulse Per Second) output is the signal that indicates the integer
epoch of UTC/GPS time. It is a 1 msec wide, active low 5 V pulse with a
5 µsec fall time, from buffer that can drive 8 mA.
Green
2
GND
Ground
Blue
5
AUX_Event
AUX_Event is the time marker of external pulses. It captures the exact
time of the external event initiated by a sensor. Event inputs are 3.3 V
LVTTL inputs, but 5 V tolerant.
Gray
8
GND
Ground
Black
9
GND
Ground

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5. Powering up the iX Controller MK 5
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5Powering up the iX Controller MK 5
To power uptheiX Controller MK 5:
1. Push the MAIN circuit breaker. The MAIN Power LED comes on and the iX Controller MK 5 powers up.
2. When the Windows 10 login window appears, log in using the following credentials:
User name: user
No password required.
Note
To remotely login to the iX Controller MK 5, see
Connecting to theiXController Using Remote
Desktop Connection
available for download at https://www.phaseone.com/download-categories/geo-
guides-documentation/

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6. iX Controller MK 5 Storage
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6iX Controller MK 5 Storage
6.1 Disk Management
The iX Controller MK 5 storage consists of a built-in frame with a removable carrier containing two SSD
drives. The drives store the images captured by cameras connected to the iX Controller MK 5.
The carrier front panel contains the following LEDs:
LED
Color
State
Description
Drive power
Green
Solid
The drive is powered on.
Drive activity
Amber
Blinking
The drive is being accessed by the iX Controller MK 5.
The drives are assigned the following drive letters:
•D - top drive
•E - bottom drive
Note
For information on transferring data from the SSDs to the processing computer, see the iX Process
Operations Guide.
6.2 Locking the Carrier
Note
The carrier must be locked with the SSD carrier key for the iX Controller MK 5 to recognize the drives.