The Sentera 6X Series Sensors deliver science-grade, high-resolution visual image products through a streamlined, easy-to-use, data processing workflow.

Designed to meet the most demanding research and data science requirements, the 6X features six simultaneously triggered channels, each with a dedicated, high quality optical path. Each optical path allows for a fast capture rate (five frames per second) and produces highly accurate radiometric data.

Leveraging technology used in Sentera’s advanced sensors, the 6X is equipped with a custom processor, tailored to efficiently handle immense data throughput, and perform onboard computer vision and machine learning computations.

The 6X sensor is the camera unit, but the 6X Series Sensor kits may include a variety of components, depending on the purchase options. The 6X purchase may include a light sensor, GPS sensor, cabling, gimbal, and/or reflectance panel.

Introduction

Installation instructions for the gimballed 6X sensor on supported drone platforms.

For custom OEM installations please see the integration section of this manual.

DJI Aircraft

Freefly Aircraft

Inspired Flight

There are two variants of the sensor: 6X and 6X Thermal. The 6X contains five monochrome channels and an RGB channel. The 6X Thermal contains four monochrome channels, an RGB channel, and a thermal channel.

What's The Difference?

For the 6X Thermal & Thermal Pro, the blue band monochrome imager is removed and replaced with the FLIR Boson imager. See more on the specifications page.

Base Kit

• 6X Sensor.

• Hard Case w/ Custom Foam.

• 4ft Custom Ethernet Cable.

• 3ft Custom Power Cable.

• Incident Light Sensor & GPS Module

• Calibrated Reflectance Panel

• USB-C to USB-C Cable

SKUs

6X & Light Sensor

Instructions

1. Install light sensor/GPS into mounting tray.

2. Connect the 90 degree adapter to the straight end of the USB-C cable.

3. Connect USB-C cable into light sensor.

4. Secure USB-C Cable.

5. Install 6X gimbal into Skyport.

6. Connect USB-C cable to gimbal.

7. Power On the aircraft.

Light Sensor/GPS Mounting

If a Light Sensor/GPS was purchased with the 6X, the hardware to mount to the drone needs to be installed. See the instructions linked below.

Introduction

Learn more about the anatomy of the 6X sensor or gimbal.

Sensor Anatomy

Gimbal Anatomy

Information

The Sentera gimbal stabilizes the sensor in a dual-axis pitch and roll. Gimbals allow a sensor to continuously point nadir (straight down), while flying faster, covering more ground, with more accuracy, allowing the ability to gather more information, while maintaining high quality tagged images.

Isometric

Front

Profile

6X & Light Sensor

Compatibility Instructions

Current Astro firmware and 6X firmware requires two parameters to be set for seamless operation. Please use the page linked below for instructions on how to set the parameters.

Instructions

1. Install light sensor/GPS into mounting tray.

2. Install 6X gimbal into smart dovetail.

3. Secure smart dovetail latch.

4. Connect USB-C cable into light sensor.

5. Secure USB-C Cable.

6. Connect USB-C cable to gimbal.

7. Power On the aircraft.

Light Sensor/GPS Mounting

If a Light Sensor/GPS was purchased with the 6X, the hardware to mount to the drone needs to be installed. See the instructions linked below.

Introduction

Learn more about what is included with the 6X sensor. The contents of the 6X case will vary based on the 6X model that was purchased, as well as if optional accessories are also purchased.

Sensor with Gimbal

OEM Sensor

Optional Accessories

Replacement Cables

Isometric

Top

Left

Right

DJI

Freefly

Inspired Flight

Other

6X can be readily adapted to work on nearly any drone that can support the following connectors.

DJI Skyport

Smart Dovetail

Gremsy Hyper Quick HDMI

General Data Products

Orthomosaic

RGB Mosaic

Multispectral Mosaic

RGB VARI Mosaic

DSM/DEM

Thermal Mosaic (6X Thermal and Thermal Pro Only)

Sentera Product Catalog

These are products that can be ordered via Sentera FieldAgent. The links below will define the required flight settings and the data product deliverables.

Plot

Field Scale

Mosaics

Base Kit

• 6X Sensor & Gimbal.

• Hard Case w/ Custom Foam.

• External Power Supply.

• 10ft USB-C to USB-A Cable.

• Right Angle USB-C Adapter.

• Calibrated Reflectance Panel

• Incident Light Sensor & GPS Module

• USB-C to USB-C Cable

• Light Sensor Mounting Hardware

Compatibility

For a full ist of accessories content see the follwoing page:

6X & Light Sensor

Instructions

1. Install light sensor/GPS into mounting tray.

2. Connect USB-C cable into light sensor.

3. Secure USB-C Cable.

4. Install 6X gimbal into Skyport.

5. Connect USB-C cable to gimbal.

6. Power On the aircraft.

Dual Gimbal Setup

For dual gimbal mount setup the 6X should be placed in the correct port for the slected mode of operation (sensor configuration).

Integrated Mode

Use gimbal slot 1. This will power the sensor/gimbal/light sensor, and allow the sensor to communicate with the DJI autopilot and ingest trigger commands, GPS, altitude, and attitude information.

Stand Alone Mode (Sentera GPS)

Use gimbal slot 2. This will power the sensor/gimbal/light sensor/external GPS. The 6X will use the light sensor/GPS module for GPS and altitude data, as well as allow the 6X to self trigger based on the auto-height overlap settings.

Light Sensor/GPS Mounting

If a Light Sensor/GPS was purchased with the 6X, the hardware to mount to the drone needs to be installed. See the instructions linked below.

Adding 6X to DJI Pilot

6X & Light Sensor

Instructions

1. Install light sensor/GPS into mounting tray.

2. Connect USB-C cable into light sensor.

3. Secure USB-C Cable.

4. Install 6X gimbal into Skyport.

5. Connect USB-C cable to gimbal.

6. Power On the aircraft.

Dual Gimbal Setup

For dual gimbal mount setup the 6X should be placed in the correct port for the slected mode of operation (sensor configuration).

Integrated Mode

Use gimbal slot 1. This will power the sensor/gimbal/light sensor, and allow the sensor to communicate with the DJI autopilot and ingest trigger commands, GPS, altitude, and attitude information.

Stand Alone Mode (Sentera GPS)

Use gimbal slot 2. This will power the sensor/gimbal/light sensor/external GPS. The 6X will use the light sensor/GPS module for GPS and altitude data, as well as allow the 6X to self trigger based on the auto-height overlap settings.

Light Sensor/GPS Mounting

If a Light Sensor/GPS was purchased with the 6X, the hardware to mount to the drone needs to be installed. See the instructions linked below.

Adding 6X to DJI Pilot

FieldAgent Desktop Import and Ordering

FieldAgent Web

Getting Started

To ensure the gimbal steering for the 6X Series Sensors will work for Inspired Flight aircraft two things need to be checked:

Verify that the 6X is on firmware version 3.13.1 or higher

Verify that the Inspired Flight compatibility parameters are set on the aircraft

Manual Gimbal Control

To manually control the gimbal use the rocker wheel on the left hand side of the herelink controller.

Pushing the wheel to the right will point the gimbal downwards (NADIR).

Pushing the wheel to the left will point the gimbal forward.

Automated Gimbal Control

To set a gimbal angle for a mapping mission do the following:

1. Navigate to the Plan screen
2. Select Survey (or other mission type)
3. Select the Waypoint option from the left hand menu
4. Place a waypoint into the flight plan
5. In the waypoint mission item on the right hand side of the screen select the camera drop down menu.
6. Check the gimbal options box, then enter your desired gimbal pitch angle.
7. Then plan the rest of your flight as normal. The gimbal will change the pitch angle of the sensor at the waypoint and remain at that pitch angle throughout the rest of the mission. to add additional gimbal pitch changes use the same method between survey mission items, or plan a waypoint mission and add the gimbal change commands as desired.

Post Processing In Metashape

Introduction

Learn how to install the mounting hardware for the light sensor/GPS module for your aircraft.

DJI Aircraft

Freefly Aircraft

Inspired Flight Aircraft

A reflectance panel has known spectral properties and can be used to convert imagery to reflectance values. The process of converting imagery into reflectance values allows for time series comparisons of imagery because it normalizes the data for different lighting conditions.

The reflectance panel is an optional component for the 6X sensor. The reflectance panel is a white balance card used to calibrate 6X images by measuring the reflectance of the card across the spectrum of light captured by the sensor (for example, red, green, blue, near infrared, and/or red edge bands).

Post Processing in Pix4D

Only U-Blox and MAVlink GPS messages are supported for GPS data input.

Getting Started

Learn how to update the firmware for the 6X sensor.

Firmware Email Notification Sign up

Stay up to date with the latest firmware. Sign up and receive an email whenever we release a new firmware for your sensor

Latest Version

Equipment

How To Update

Navigate to Configuration Page

Click Change Button

Select Desired Configuration

Click Apply and Restart

Wait For Sensor to Reconnect

Verify Correct Configuration is Shown

Red Solid

The 6X is booting/not ready.

Green Solid

The 6X has booted and a session has started.

White Flash

The 6X took a picture.

Red Flashing

The 6X has detected an error.

This can also be a sign of the internal storage being full.

Post Processing In QGIS With Sentera Plugin

About

In this mode the 6X ingests triggering commands and GPS/Altitude/Attitude from the drone to capture and geotag imagery. This is the most common operational mode.

Default Configuration

Instructions

1. Begin creating a mapping mission in DJI pilot

2. Open the Select Camera Model drop down
3. Press Create
4. Fill in the parameters as shown, then press Done
5. You will now be able to select the Sentera 6X from the custom camera list.

Getting Started

Everything needed to install the 6X sensor and light sensor/GPS (optional) will be included in the case. This is the best place to start with a new 6X.

It is recommended to install the 6X and related equipment onto the aircraft in a controlled environment like an office before your first flight to ensure that everything fits and powers on as expected.

Light Sensor/GPS Mount Installation

Use the provided mount(s), screws, and alcohol wipes to install the light sensor/GPS mounting hardware.

Detailed Mounting Hardware Installation Instructions

6X & Light Sensor Installation

1. Install the light sensor/GPS and 6X onto the aircraft.

2. Connect the USB-C to USB-C cable to the light sensor/GPS and the gimbal.

3. Power on the aircraft.

Detailed Sensor Installation Instructions

Light Sensor/GPS Mount

1. Clean mounting bracket with alcohol wipe and let dry.

2. Place mounting bracket onto the aircraft. The longer legs of the mounting bracket should be pointed towards the front of the aircraft.

3. Use the provided screws to attach the bracket to the aircraft.

4. Remove the adhesive backing from the mounting tray and place onto the mounting bracket as shown. Press firmly into place.

5. Use the alcohol wipe to clean the side of the aircraft and let dry.

6. Remove the adhesive back of the cable clip and attach to the side of the aircraft as shown. Press firmly into place.

Introduction

Learn more about operating the 6X sensor, what flight settings should be used, and how to offload data.

Standard Operating Procedure

Recommended Flight Settings

Status LEDs

SD Card

Data Offload

Light Sensor/GPS Mount

1. Remove the 2 screws shown using a 2.5mm hex driver.

2. Place mounting bracket onto the aircraft as shown.

3. Reinstall the screws.

4. Clean the top of the mounting bracket with an alcohol wipe and let dry.

5. Remove the adhesive backing from the mounting tray and place onto the mounting bracket as shown. Press firmly into place.

6. Use the alcohol wipe to clean the side of the aircraft and let dry.

7. Remove the adhesive back of the cable clip and attach to the side of the aircraft as shown. Press firmly into place.

Introduction

Learn about the operation of the incident light sensor/GPS module.

How To Use

Status LEDs

Purpose

The incident light sensor is used to measure the color spectrum of incident light from the sun.

The GPS receiver is used for position information for geo-tagging the imagery at the time of capture. It may also be used to convey to the 6X when to trigger image capture.

Incident Light Sensor & GPS

The incident light sensor and GPS module (ILS-GPS) is a combined sensor module. Including the incident light sensors and a GPS receiver.

The intended use of this module is to collect incident light information for the imagery during the flight to help correct for non-uniform lighting.

The GPS receiver may or may not be used for geo-tagging position information depending on the configuration of the 6X.

Stand-alone GPS

The stand-alone GPS module only has a the GPS receiver onboard. The intended use of this module is to geo-tag the imagery for 6X installations that do not receive position information from the aircraft autopilot.

Introduction

Use the following pages to learn about what equipment is needed to offload data from the 6X, how to offload the data, and how to import the data into post processing software.

Equipment

Offload Process

Data Import

File Structure

Instructions

1. Use the provided screws to attach the mounting bracket to the aircraft.

2. Clean the mounting bracket surface with the provided alcohol wipes.

3. Remove the backing on the mounting tray and install onto the mounting bracket.

4. Use the alcohol wipe to clean the surface of the aircraft near the strobe.

5. Remove the backing on the cable clip and install onto the aircraft as shown.

Required

Optional

Introduction

The 6X hosts a local web page that is used for several applications including: Status, Configuration, Image Adjustment, and updating firmware.

How To Access Web Page User Interface

Home Page

Configuration Page

Image Adjustment Page

Firmware Update

Introduction

The 6X uses an internal SSD to store the captured data. This article will describe the file storage structure.

File Structure

The 6X file structure is as follows:

data > snapshots > session folders > data sub-folders (rgb, NIR, Red Edge, etc) > image files

The session folders are labeled as YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS. Where YYYY-MM-DD is the date that the imagery was collected on, and HH-MM-SS is the UTC time that the session folder created at (when the 6X status lights turned green).

Inside of each session folder there are 6 sub-folders. These sub-folders contain the imagery from each individual lens/channel of the 6X.

The folders are labeled based on the lens filter (Blue, Green, Red, Red Edge, NIR, RGB, etc). The center wavelength and filter width are also displayed.

Inside of each sub-folder the imagery that corresponds to the folder will be found.

Instructions

1. Remove the two screws near the GPS on the right hand side (Nearest the A) as shown.

2. Install the mounting bracket as shown.

3. Use the provided screws to secure the bracket using the holes the original screws were removed from.

4. Install the first cable clip on the top side of the aircraft in the area shown.

   1. Use the provided alcohol wipes to clean the surface of the drone before adhering the clip.

5. Install the second cable clip on the underside of the aircraft in the area shown.

   1. Use the provided alcohol wipes to clean the surface of the drone before adhering the clip.

Panel Types & Coefficients

Sentera offers two reflectance panels with different coefficients for each band. Check the cover of your panel to verify which coefficients you should use. You can also consult the image on the inside of your panel to determine which version you have, and use the following values.

About

In this mode the 6X uses GPS data from the light sensor/GPS module to determine when it should trigger the camera.

Default Configuration

1. Power 6X using aircraft battery or AC power cable.

2. Connect 6X to a computer using the provided USB-C cable.

3. Open a file browser.

4. In the address bar type \\192.168.42.1 and press enter.

5. Login into the sensor. Enter the user name sentera and press okay. There is no password.

6. Select the data folder.

7. Select the snapshots folder.

8. Select the session folder with the correct data and copy it to the computer or an external hard drive.

Detailed Data Offload Instructions

Light Sensor / GPS Mast

Instructions

1. Attach the mounting tray to the mast using the attached adhesive tape.

2. Use the provided M3 x 8mm screws and 2.5mm hex driver (provided with Astro) to attach the mast to the aircraft.

Introduction

Learn how to use the reflectance panel with the 6X sensor.

Push Button Method

For light sensors with the push button feature

Manual Method

For legacy light sensors without the push button.

Calibration Imagery Post Processing

Navigate to Configuration Page

Locate Trigger Field and Select Overlap

Set Overlap

Press Apply and Restart

Wait For Sensor to Reconnect

Verify Correct Overlap is Shown

The 6X can capture calibration imagery using the reflectance panel. This calibration imagery is used to help correct for changing lighting conditions that may occur during the flight.

During the calibration image collection process 12 images will be captured where each image has varying exposure/ISO values.

Dimensions

Mounting Locations

Center of Gravity

FPA Locations

Filter Configuration Options

Custom filtering options for the 6X sensor can be supported.

Center Wavelength Spectral Range:

Filters in the 450nm to 975nm range can be supported. The sensitivity of the monochrome sensors drops off dramatically outside of these regions. Pass bands placed outside of these regions would be excessively wide and spectral content would be heavily weighted to one end of the pass band.

The minimum required bandwidth is driven by the spectral sensitivity of the sensor, the reflectance of the imaged content, sunlight intensity, and typical lens transmissivity. At 750nm, for example, the sensitivity of the camera, reflectance of the vegetation, sunlight intensity, and lens transmissivity are all quite high. Therefore, only a narrow pass band is needed to pass sufficient light to the sensor.

Imager Configurations

Changing the imager configuration of the 6X is generally not supported. I.e. removing the RGB imager for another monochrome imager, and vice versa. The configurations of the 6X and it's imagers are inherent to the hardware design and cannot be easily changed.

Solid Red

Powered, not connected.

Solid Green

Powered and connected.

Operational GIF

Nominal operation of the Light Sensor.

Sensor Cables

Data Transfer Cables

USB-C to USB-A

USB-C to USB-C

Power Cable

SKU: 34028-00

Contact [email protected] or your sales rep to purchase a replacement 6X power supply.

Light Sensor/GPS Cables

OEM/Integrator Cables

Contact [email protected] or your sales rep to purchase a replacement 6X integrator cables.

Introduction

6X uses standard metadata tagging formats and labels, such as EXIF and XMP. They are compatible with standard GIS and image processing tools, such as Pix4D.

6X implements a custom processing pipeline that is designed to maintain high linearity between a recorded digital number (DN) and irradiance. This characteristic is critical for utilization and analysis of multispectral data.

Co-Registration

All image layers are captured simultaneously. The TIFF image layers are co-registered by the 6X onboard and in real-time. Registration, vignetting correction, and RGB color correction, can all be turned off, if desired.

Folder Structure

Each session folder created by the 6X will contain 6 subfolders. One for each imager on the sensor.

Common Post Processing Tools

Before Starting

Reflectance Panel

If a reflectance panel is also being used see the page linked below:

Install Light Sensor/GPS

1. Install the light sensor and gimbal onto the aircraft.

2. Connect the USB-C cable to the light sensor.

3. Secure the cable to the aircraft.

4. Connect the USB-C cable to the port on the gimbal.

Power on Aircraft & Verify Status LEDs

1. Power on the aircraft. This will also power the gimbal, sensor, and light sensor on.

2. Verify the Status LEDs shown below have all turned solid green.

Fly

The sensor and light sensor are now ready for flight.

Intro

Current Astro firmware and 6X firmware requires two parameters to be set for seamless operation. This requirement will be removed in an upcoming firmware release. Please use the page linked below for instructions on how to set the parameters.

Instructions

1. Power on Astro and hand controller & connect

2. Open AMC
3. Enter advanced mode by rapidly tap on the Auterion logo in the upper left hand corner until a dialog box appears.
4. Press Switch to Advanced
5. Press the Auterion logo in the upper left hand corner and press Advanced
6. Scroll down to Parameters on the left hand menu
7. In the search bar search "baud"
8. Change SER_EXT2_BAUD to 115200 8N1 and press Save
9. In the search bar search "MAV"
10. Change the MAV_2_MODE from GIMBAL to Normal and press Save
11. Turn the aircraft off

12. Connect the sensor to the aircraft

13. Power on aircraft

14. Restart AMC

15. Verify the lights on the 6X turn solid green

Purpose

The Micro SD card is used for recording diagnostic log file data.

Specifications

Provided Card

SD Card Formatting Tool

New 6X Sensors

Brand new 6X sensors should come pre-configured for the aircraft/installation that it is expected to be used with. This information is provided when the 6X is purchased from Sentera.

This means that the camera configuration should not need to be changed.

Used 6X Sensors

If a 6X has been used before and the configuration is unknown the camera configuration should be verified and changed as required.

The most common configurations are:

Key Specifications

Dimensions

There are multiple options available for users to interface with the 6X. These interfaces support the following hardware devices:

• Sentera Light Sensor/GPS based triggering/metadata

• DJI Skyport based systems (plug and play gimbal mount)

• Freefly Dovetail based systems (plug and play gimbal mount)

• MAVLink based systems (3.3V UART)

• Sentera based systems (ethernet)

• Customized ICD options, available upon request

• Gremsy T3/S1 Hyper Quick Mount based systems (plug and play gimbal mount)

Cables to interface to the sensor can be purchased directly from Sentera upon request.

I/O

Communication Protocol

Mechanical

Gimbal Connectors

Electrical Connectors

CAD Download

EXIF and XMP Tags

Getting Started

1. Take your aircraft, 6X, and related gear to your desired flight location.

2. Assemble aircraft.

3. Install 6X & Light Sensor/GPS.

4. Power aircraft

5. Verify a session has started (status lights turn green).

6. Capture calibration images (optional).

7. Verify camera model, altitude, overlap , and flight speed settings in flight app.

8. Fly.

9. Offload data (optional).

Detailed Operation Instructions

Thermal Temperature Conversion Formula

.Tif files from the 6X thermal are recorded in Kelvin*100. As a result, images must be converted to be viewed in Celsius.

To convert thermal pixel values to degrees Celsius:

$Degrees\ Celsius = \dfrac{DN_{LWIR}}{100} - 273.15$

Grey Images

Raw 6X images off the 6X Thermal will appear solid grey when viewed on most basic image viewers (ex. Windows Photo Viewer). The color scale on a basic photo viewer is set to the range of all possible temperatures that the 6X thermal sensor can record; Black being the coldest and white being the hottest. Relative to the range of possible temperatures, the range of temperatures recorded in a typical 6X image is relatively small. This relatively small range is somewhere in-between the coldest (black) and hotest (white) extremes, causing the image to appear as a nearly constant grey.

Most advanced imagery software will automatically adjust the displayed color range to match the range of temperatures recorded in an image. As a result, raw images viewed using most GIS tools will highlight the temperature differences you'd expect to see in a thermal image.

The image shown below is the same "grey" image seen above, but as it appears in Irfanview. QGIS and other GIS tools will similarly convey the temperature differences in raw imagery.

Free Recommended Image Viewers

6X & Light Sensor

Instructions

1. Install light sensor/GPS into mounting tray.

2. Connect USB-C cable into light sensor.

3. Secure USB-C Cable.

4. Install 6X gimbal into smart dovetail.

5. Secure smart dovetail latch.

6. Connect USB-C cable to gimbal.

7. Power on the aircraft.

Light Sensor/GPS Mounting

If a Light Sensor/GPS was purchased with the 6X, the hardware to mount to the drone needs to be installed. See the instructions linked below.

Compatibility

If you have an IF800 that was not configured for Sentera sensors by Inspired Flight or Sentera, use the following instructions:

Isometric

Front

Back

Bottom

Key Specifications

Channels

The monochrome channels are based on 3.2MP global shutter focal plane arrays. These are commonly called the narrowband channels. Each narrowband channel optical path includes a high-quality optical filter.

The RGB channel is a 20.1 MP Bayer-filtered rolling shutter imager. The micro-lens filtering on the focal plane array provides RGB imaging, and this single image channel provides a 3-band RGB product.

Imager Specifications

Specification Sheet Download

6X Multispectral

6X Thermal

6X Thermal Pro

Sensor Outputs

Dimensions

Sensor Orientation Reference

Navigate to Image Adjustment Page

Set Desired Values

The settings on this page can be applied while a session is currently running and no reboot of the camera is needed.

Press Apply

After modifying one or more values, click the ‘Apply’ button in the lower right corner of the page. The settings will be updated for the next trigger.

Test Image (optional)

If a session is currently running, the ‘Capture Image’ button will be enabled on this page to allow more rapid testing of settings changes. Sessions can be started from the `Home` page if one isn’t currently running.

6X & Light Sensor

Instructions

1. Install light sensor/GPS into mounting tray.

2. Connect USB-C cable into light sensor.

3. Secure USB-C Cable using upper cable clip.

4. Secure USB-C Cable using lower cable clip.

5. Install 6X gimbal into smart dovetail.

6. Secure smart dovetail latch.

7. Connect USB-C cable to gimbal.

8. Power on the aircraft.

Light Sensor/GPS Mounting

If a Light Sensor/GPS was purchased with the 6X, the hardware to mount to the drone needs to be installed. See the instructions linked below.

Compatibility

If you have an IF1200 that was not configured for Sentera sensors by Inspired Flight or Sentera, use the following instructions:

Operational Modes

The 6X can operate in two different modes. Each of these modes has a slightly different Standard Operating Procedure.

Integrated Mode

In this mode the 6X ingests triggering commands and GPS/Altitude/Attitude from the drone to capture and geotag imagery. This is the most common operational mode.

Supported Aircraft:

• DJI M300/350

• DJI M200/210

• Freefly Astro

• Inspired Flight IF800 & IF1200

Stand Alone Mode (External GPS)

In this mode the 6X uses GPS data from the light sensor/GPS module to determine when it should trigger the camera.

Notes

Introduction

The 6X gimbal supports several interface options for mounting & connecting to an aircraft.

Smart Dovetail

Gremsy HDMI Hyper Quick

DJI XT30/Skyport

General Instructions

1. Assemble aircraft.

2. Install 6X & Light Sensor/GPS.

3. Power aircraft

4. Verify a session has started.

5. Verify overlap settings on 6X via webpage user interface.

6. Verify camera model, altitude, overlap, and flight speed settings in flight app.

   • Aircraft must be flown East facing.

7. Capture calibration images (optional).

8. Fly.

9. Offload data (Optional).

Detailed Instructions

Assemble Aircraft

Assembly the aircraft per manufacturer instructions.

Attach 6X & Light Sensor/GPS

1. Attach 6X to the aircraft.

2. Attach the light sensor/GPS to the aircraft.

3. Connect the light sensor/GPS to the 6X using the provided USB-C to USB-C cable.

4. Secure the USB-C to USB-C cable to the aircraft.

Power Aircraft & Wait For Session Start

1. Power the aircraft on.

2. Let the 6X boot (solid status red LEDs).

3. Verify the 6X has started a session (solid green status LEDs). This take about 1 minute and requires a GPS fix.

Verify Camera Settings

1. Connect USB-C cable to the USB-C port on the 6X.

2. Connect the other end of the cable to a laptop.

3. Open the webpage user interface.

4. Select Configuration.

5. Under Trigger verify the overlap is set to the desired percentage.

6. Unplug the USB-C cable from the 6X.

Verify Flight Settings

Verify the camera model/parameters, flight speed, survey altitude, and overlap settings.

The side overlap setting in the flight planning app should match the overlap setting on the 6X. This ensures the aircraft will fly with the appropriate spacing between transects that the 6X is expecting.

Capture Calibration Images (Optional)

1. Place the reflectance panel on a flat surface in direct sunlight.

2. Pick up the aircraft and hold it waist high with the 6X directly over the reflectance panel.

3. Press the button on the light sensor to start the calibration image capture.

4. Hold the aircraft over the panel until the image capture is complete.

5. Set down aircraft and pick up panel.

Fly

Prepare the aircraft for launch, then fly.

Offload Data (optional)

Offload the data after aircraft has landed or fly again.

The 6X gimbal with the Smart Dovetail mounting configuration can be used with Smart Dovetail equipped aircraft.

Connection I/O

The 6X has Serial and Ethernet I/O available on Smart Dovetail hardware.

Pinout Table

See further information here:

Mechanical Connection

Where to Purchase

Smart Dovetail interfaces can be purchased from Freefly.

Mounting Specs

The Mounting patterns can be found here:

Requirements

DJI Skyport operation is available on DJI Skyport equipped hardware:

To have the 6X sensor operate in this mode, the camera must be set up for the DJI Skyport, Gimballed configuration:

If the 6X is not configured for this mode, follow the instruction to update the configuration:

Mode Description

In this mode, the 6X is tightly integrated with the DJI airframe. This allows for gimbal control and image triggering from the DJI hand controller (e.g., using the FieldAgent iOS application). All data necessary for metadata population is available and automatically written to generated imagery.

Skyport Hardware Compatibility

DJI has produced two versions of Skyport hardware, designated as Skyport-V1 and Skyport-V2. A Sentera gimbal built with Skyport-V2 hardware will contain an etching or sticker on the back of the assembly:

A Sentera gimbal built with Skyport-V1 hardware will not contain a corresponding etching or sticker. DJI aircraft only support specific versions of DJI Skyport hardware. The list of compatibility follows:

Contact Sentera if desiring to fly a Sentera gimbal on an incompatible DJI airframe. It's possible for Sentera to modify a gimbal (e.g., Skport-V1 -> Skyport-V2), but this requires significant hardware modification.

Skyport Firmware Compatibility

DJI aircraft require a specific version of DJI Skyport firmware to operate successfully. The following list identifies this required firmware:

The version of DJI Skyport firmware can be viewed and upgraded using the DJI Assistant 2 application. See DJI documentation for detail and instructions.

Power Sensor

Power the sensor using the AC power adapter or install into the aircraft and turn the aircraft on.

Then wait for the LEDS on the sensor to do the following:

This verifies that the sensor is fully booted.

Connect To Computer

Connect the sensor to the computer using a USB cable.

Verify Connection

Open your wifi/network panel from the task bar. Verify that you see "unidentified network - No internet". This is the 6X appearing as a network device.

Open Web Browser

Open a web browser (chrome, safari, firefox, etc).

Enter IP Address

In the address bar enter 192.168.42.1 and press enter/go.

Page Appears

The webpage will appear.

Introduction

For inspired flight systems that were not purchased through or configured by Inspired Flight or Sentera use the following instructions to configure your aircraft for Sentera sensors.

Instructions

1. Power on aircraft and hand controller

2. Open IGC/QGC and verify connection to aircraft
3. Tap the IGC Icon in the upper left hand corner and enter the vehicle setup menu
4. Scroll down in the left hand menu and select Parameters
5. In the search bar search "CAM2_TYPE"
6. Set CAM2_TYPE = 5 and press Save
7. Repeat this process for the following parameters listed in the table below

8. Once all of the parameters are set power down the aircraft

9. Connect the sensor to the aircraft

10. Power on the aircraft

11. Wait for the lights on the sensor to turn solid green (requires a GPS fix)

The shoulder wheel on the hand controller should now also control the gimbal pitch of the camera.

Light Sensor/GPS Mount

1. Clean the top of the aircraft with an alcohol wipe and let dry.

2. Remove the adhesive backing from the mounting tray and place onto the mounting bracket as shown. Press firmly into place.

3. Use the alcohol wipe to clean the side of the aircraft and let dry.

4. Remove the adhesive back of the cable clip and attach to the side of the aircraft as shown. Press firmly into place.

General Instructions

1. Assemble aircraft.

2. Install 6X & Light Sensor/GPS.

3. Power aircraft

4. Verify a session has started.

5. Capture calibration images (optional).

6. Verify camera model, altitude, overlap , and flight speed settings in flight app.

7. Fly.

8. Offload data (optional).

Detail Instructions

Assemble Aircraft

Assembly the aircraft per manufacturer instructions.

Attach 6X & Light Sensor/GPS

1. Attach 6X to the aircraft.

2. Attach the light sensor/GPS to the aircraft.

3. Connect the light sensor/GPS to the 6X using the provided USB-C to USB-C cable.

4. Secure the USB-C to USB-C cable to the aircraft.

Power Aircraft & Wait For Session Start

1. Power the aircraft on.

2. Let the 6X boot (solid status red LEDs).

3. Verify the 6X has started a session (solid green status LEDs). This take about 1 minute and requires a GPS fix.

Capture Calibration Images (Optional)

1. Place the reflectance panel on a flat surface in direct sunlight.

2. Pick up the aircraft and hold it waist high with the 6X directly over the reflectance panel.

3. Press the button on the light sensor to start the calibration image capture.

4. Hold the aircraft over the panel until the image capture is complete.

5. Set down aircraft and pick up panel.

Verify Flight Settings

Verify the camera model/parameters, flight speed, survey altitude, and overlap settings.

Fly

Prepare the aircraft for launch, then fly.

Offload Data (optional)

Offload the data after aircraft has landed or fly again.

Documentation

CE Declaration of Conformity

NDAA Compliance

Blue UAS

The 6X series sensors eligible for Blue UAS conformity. If Blue UAS is a requirement or you wish to sponsor the 6X for Blue UAS conformity please contact Sentera.

Export Control

6X Thermal and 6X Thermal Pro are export controlled products.

FLIR 320x240 60Hz and 30Hz Fast-Video and 640x480 30Hz Fast-Video (>9Hz) uncooled LWIR Thermal Camera Core products are export controlled and require validated export licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce prior to export or re-export outside of the United States to certain countries. Strategic Trade Authorized (STA) Countries are an exception. In circumstances whereby "RHP International" delivers a camera to a customer in the U.S. who intends to export or re-export the FLIR camera outside of the United States, whether or not the camera is integrated into another product, it is the customer’s responsibility to apply for the required export license from the appropriate department of the U.S. government. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited. See below for a list of STA countries and other Export information.

ECCN

6A003.b.4.b

STA Countries

STA countries do not require you to obtain a license, but there are requirements for use of STA- sending the export classification, obtaining a consignee statement from the customer, and sending documentation with the shipment on the use of STA.

Before Starting

General Instructions

Instructions

1. Assemble aircraft, 6X sensor, and light sensor.

2. Power on aircraft.

3. Wait for 6X and light sensor status LEDs to turn green.

4. Place the reflectance panel in an open and unobstructed area.

5. Pick up aircraft and hold at waist height over calibration panel.

   • Ensure aircraft is not shadowing the reflectance panel.

   • Ensure the light sensor is not shadowed by your body.

6. Press the button on the light sensor to start calibration image capture.

7. Continue to hold the aircraft over the reflectance panel until image capture completes.

8. Set down aircraft and pick up panel.

Detailed Instructions

Setup

Setup the aircraft, attach the light sensor and gimbal, then connect the light sensor to the gimbal.

Power On & Verify Session Start

Power the aircraft on. This will also power the gimbal, sensor, and light sensor.

Wait for the lights on the 6X and the light sensor to turn green to verify a camera session has been started.

Place Reflectance Panel

In a clear area, open the reflectance panel and place it on a flat surface.

Pick Aircraft Up & Start Image Capture

1. Lift the drone waist-high and centered over the reflectance panel.

2. Press the button on the light sensor to start the calibration image capture sequence.

3. Listen for beeps from the 6X Sensor and watch the LED lights on the camera. They will begin blinking green, then white, then turn solid green, which indicates the images were captured.

Verify Calibration Images (Optional)

Connect the Sensor to a laptop and check the current session folder for calibration imagery.

Use the same data offload process linked below to access the calibration images:

Fly

Pack away the reflectance panel, being sure to only handle it by the edges.

Once the reflectance panel images have been recorded it is time to fly and the imagery can be converted to reflectance values after the flight.

Getting Started

The 6X stores the imagery on an internal solid state hard drive that is not removeable from the sensor. Use the process outline below to access the collected data.

Power On Sensor

Power the 6X using the AC adapter or keep it attached to the aircraft and turn the aircraft on.