Propeller AEROPOINTS User manual

USER MANUAL

An up-to-date version of this manual is available at:
propelleraero.com/aeropoints-help.
Propeller PPK users should refer to the PPK User Manual
foradditional information on how to use their AeroPoints.
IC RSS-102 Compliance
This system has been evaluated for RF Exposure per RSS-102 and is in compliance with the limits
specied by Health Canada Safety Code 6. The system must be installed at a minimum separation
distance from the antenna to a general bystander of 8 inches (20 cm) to maintain compliance with the
General Population limits.
L’exposition aux radiofréquences de ce système a été évaluée selon la norme RSS-102 et est jugée
conforme aux limites établies par le Code de sécurité 6 de Santé Canada. Le système doit être installé
àune distance minimale de 8 pouces (20 cm) séparant l’antenne d’une personne présente en conformité
avec les limites permises d’exposition du grand public.
IC RSS-Gen 8.4 Compliance
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire
de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même
silebrouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
AeroPoint 1.2
Contains FCC ID: 2AHMR-ESP12S
IC ID: 22439-APV102
Battery: 5000 mAh 3.2 V (16 Wh) LiFePO4

CONTENTS
4 Introducing AeroPoints
Product specications
Care instructions
6 Integrated cloud-based
processing
7 Activate online
8 Conduct a ight
Before your ight
During your ight
After your ight
10 Upload your AeroPoints data
11 Apply corrections and share
your AeroPoints data
Open the AeroPoints portal
Check all uploads are complete
Apply corrections
Share AeroPoints data
12 Turn your drone images
and ground control data
into 3D maps with the
Propeller Platform
13 AeroStencils:
For frequent yers
14 FAQ
15 Troubleshooting
18 Appendix I: AeroPoints
correction methods
19 Appendix II: Congure
your smartphone hotspot
to act as Propeller WiFi
network
20 Support

INTRODUCING
AEROPOINTS
AeroPoints are the world’s rst smart ground control points.
Purpose-built for drone surveying, each AeroPoint includes
asolar panel, battery, GPS, and WiFi inside a fully sealed,
durable, lightweight shell.
Just place and press.
Indicator light displays
current status.
One-button operation
1.5kg (3.3lb). Each set
includes acarry bag for
easy transport.
Lightweight
Records positioning data
every 10 seconds.
In-built GPS
Optimized for recognition
by processing software.
Strategic design
Store data from 100-plus
ights before upload
isrequired.
Large memory
Low maintenance. Charges
while running. Powerful
LiFePO4 battery for long
storage life.
Solar powered
Water-resistant.
Aerodynamic shape
prevents shifting and
aids water runoff.
Rugged and durable
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AeroPoints User Manual

AeroPoints are built tough, but you can extend their
life by keeping them clean and dry when not in use.
Simply remove dirt and dust with a damp cloth once
your job iscomplete or soon after.
Like a phone or a watch, AeroPoints are water-
resistant (they can handle some mud, splashes,
orlight rain) but not waterproof (they shouldn’t
besubmerged or left out in heavy rain).
Reduce the risk of sand or gravel scratching the solar
panels by stacking and storing AeroPoints with the
undersides together (illustrated on left). Keep your
AeroPoints healthy by charging them to full regularly
after use and before long-term storage.
Compatible drone
technology
Any GPS (including RTK)
enabled drone, including DJI
(Phantom, Matrice, etc).
Operating
temperature
14ºF (-10ºC) to 122ºF (50ºC)
ambient
Compatible
correction data
Propeller Corrections Network;
On-site base station (RINEX);
Known mark
Operating
humidity 100% (condensing)
Compatible image/
sensor types RGB only Battery life 45hrs (with no sun exposure)
Processed data
formats
View in Propeller Platform,
ordownload as CSV, PDF, KML
Charging time
forfull battery 16hrs in full sun
Software
compatibility
Any processing application that
accepts GCP data in CSV format
Regulatory
certications FCC, IC, CE, RCM
Product specications
Care instructions
AeroPoints are covered by a standard international
warranty for one year from activation.
Warranty
Above: Stack and store AeroPoints with their
undersides together.
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AeroPoints User Manual

INTEGRATED CLOUD-BASED
PROCESSING
If you’re looking to visualize your drone survey data, we recommend using
AeroPoints together with Propeller’s cloud-based visualization and analysis platform.
(Access to the Propeller Platform is available only with a software license purchase.
Without it, you only have access to the AeroPoints dashboard, where you can
process and export data to use elsewhere.)
With the Propeller Platform,
you can upload your geotagged
images and 24 hours later you’ll
get a 3D map of your survey
area. Powerful measurement
tools and calculators let you
track, map, and measure your
site from you browser and
share data with stakeholders.
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AeroPoints User Manual

Each set of AeroPoints must be activated before rst use. Go to propelleraero.com/activate-
aeropoints and enter the unique eight-character code included with your AeroPoints Group.
If you have more than one code, please use all codes simultaneously to assure AeroPoints
are grouped together onyour user portal.
Under Portal Name, enter the business/entity you wish your AeroPoints to be assigned to.
ACTIVATE ONLINE
You may be prompted to log into your AeroPoints
portal before activating your AeroPoints. If you
don’t have an account, you can register for one
atapp.prpellr.com/accounts/register.
Your AeroPoints Account:
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AeroPoints User Manual

Go to propelleraero.com/aeropoints-coverage-map to see whether your site
iscovered by the Propeller Corrections Network.
If you’re ying inside the Network, proceed as normal. If not, turn to Appendix I
(page 16) to learn about alternative correction methods.
Distribute the full set of AeroPoints (10 units) around your site, paying special
attention to the perimeter.
For best results, place an AeroPoint near each corner and distribute the
remainder around the center, aiming to cover both high and low elevations.
Fail: AeroPoints are missing from one part of
the site (protruding area at bottom).
Fail: AeroPoints are too far away from the site
perimeter.
Success: AeroPoints are distrubuted evenly
around the site perimeter, with remainder near the
center.
x x
Fail: AeroPoints are missing from one part of
the site (protruding area at bottom).
Fail: AeroPoints are too far away from the site
perimeter.
Success: AeroPoints are distrubuted evenly
around the site perimeter, with remainder near the
center.
x x
Fail: AeroPoints are missing from one part of
the site (protruding area at bottom).
Fail: AeroPoints are too far away from the site
perimeter.
Success: AeroPoints are distrubuted evenly
around the site perimeter, with remainder near the
center.
x x
CONDUCT A FLIGHT
Before your ight
Fail: AeroPoints are missing
from one part of the site
(protruding area at bottom).
Fail: AeroPoints are too
far away from the site
perimeter.
Success: AeroPoints are distributed
evenly around the site perimeter,
with remainder near the center.
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AeroPoints User Manual

After you place each AeroPoint, press the button
to start recording. The light will turn on, indicating
AeroPoints are in “recording mode.”
Avoid placing AeroPoints beneath trees, walls,
buildings, power lines, or near running machinery or
site vehicles. For the best results, they should have an
unobstructed view of the sky in every direction above
a 15 degree angle (illustrated above).
Avoid placing AeroPoints where they will be disturbed
by people, animals, or vehicles. (You should notify site
manager/personnel that AeroPoints are in use.)
AeroPoints will begin recording data 60 seconds after
you press the button to start. Avoid adjusting the
position of an AeroPoint after this time.
If you change your mind about the position
ofaAeroPoint and want to start over, that’s ne.
Just push the button once to stop recording, move
your AeroPoint, then push button again to start
recording.
Made a mistake?
15°15°
Important: AeroPoints (and/or AeroStencil marks)
should have an unobstructed view of the sky in ever
direction above a 15˚ angle.
Each AeroPoint should be left in place
torecord at least 45 minutes of data.
To maximize recording time, we recommend
carrying out preight drone checks and
safety routines after you lay out AeroPoints,
and packing up your drone before collecting
AeroPoints.
Be aware that AeroPoints will automatically turn
themselves off (sleep mode) after ve hours.
Collect AeroPoints in reverse order to how you
laid them out (i.e. pick up the last-placed AeroPoint
rst; nish with the one you placed rst).
Press the button on each AeroPoint to nish
recording before you pick them up.
AeroPoints can store GPS data from at least
100 surveys before requiring upload.
Data from separate locations will
beautomatically grouped in your portal.
During your ight
After your ight
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AeroPoints User Manual

UPLOAD YOUR AEROPOINTS DATA
When you press the button on AeroPoints to nish
recording, they enter “WiFi search mode,” indicated
bythe light blinking once every 30 seconds.
In this mode, AeroPoints will search intermittently for
a WiFi network called “propeller” with the password
“propeller.”
Turn to Appendix II (page 19) for instructions onhow
toset up this WiFi network using the hotspot functionality
on your smartphone or device. Alternatively, you can
use a wireless router.
If AeroPoints nd the propeller WiFi network within
24hours, they’ll enter “upload mode” and automatically
connect to the network to upload recorded data. This
mode is indicated by a slow blink (connecting) followed
by a fast blink (uploading).
If more than 24 hours have passed since AeroPoints
nished recording, you’ll need to wake them up from
“sleep mode” (light off) in order to upload data. To do
this, simply press the button twice (once to switch
to“recording mode”; again to switch to “WiFi
search mode”).
In “upload mode,” the AeroPoint’s light will blink fast,
indicating that it is connected and uploading data to
Propeller. At the same time, you’ll see a blue bar at the
top of your device screen, indicating that your hotspot
connection is active.
If you’re logged into your AeroPoints processing portal,
you can also monitor upload progress there.
It takes approximately one minute to upload each hour
of recorded AeroPoint data (but can take longerwith
a slow connection). When upload is complete, the
AeroPoint light will turn off (sleep mode).
Establishing a WiFi network
Connecting AeroPoints
Above: A blue bar will indicate that your Personal
Hotspot is active as AeroPoint data uploads.
iOS devices allow only ve concurrent connections to your
Personal Hotspot.
If you’re using an iOS device, we recommend uploading
your data ve AeroPoints at a time.
Uploading Using iOS:
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AeroPoints User Manual