ULS-Heli-G2 Operation Manual
Installation, setup, integration and troubleshooting of ULS-Heli-G2 — precision landing for large VTOL drones and helicopters, up to 50 m range.
ULSDC-PBOM210925 · version 1.0.0 · issued January 26, 2026
The numbered PDF is the controlled copy: download it from the portal.
ULS-Heli-G2 Operation Manual
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Safety Information
- Getting Started
- Installation
- Basic Operation
- Advanced Features
- Troubleshooting
- Maintenance
- Specifications
- Support
Introduction
Purpose
The ULS-Heli-G2 is a professional-grade optical positioning system designed to enable precision approach and landing for helicopters and heavy-lift rotary-wing UAVs. It provides reliable short-range positioning in GPS-denied or degraded environments, including maritime and industrial operations.
Scope
This manual covers safe operation, installation, configuration, and routine maintenance of the ULS-Heli-G2 system, including aircraft receivers (Master/Slave) and the ground transmitter (Beacon).
Intended Audience
Pilots, flight technicians, and integration engineers responsible for installing and operating the system on helicopters or heavy-lift rotary UAV platforms.
Safety Information
Important Safety Guidelines
- WARNING: Rotary-wing aircraft operations are inherently hazardous. Only qualified personnel should install and operate this system.
- WARNING: Avoid direct eye exposure to high-intensity optical emitters. Do not stare into the Beacon emission aperture.
- CAUTION: Ensure secure mounting and vibration isolation compliant with airworthiness requirements for your platform.
- CAUTION: Verify electromagnetic compatibility and power budgets when integrating with aircraft systems.
- NOTE: Maintain clear line-of-sight between aircraft receivers and ground Beacon during approach and landing.
Regulatory Compliance
- System components should be installed per applicable aviation regulations and local maritime/industrial standards.
- Environmental considerations: the system is qualified for all-weather operation; verify local restrictions for optical emissions.
Getting Started
What’s in the Box
- 1× Ground Transmitter (Beacon) — heavy-duty IP-rated enclosure
- 1× Master Receiver — aircraft unit with enhanced features
- 2× Slave Receivers — compact aircraft units for redundancy
- Connection cables — USB, CAN, UART interface options
- Mounting hardware — aircraft and ground mounting kits
- Documentation — datasheet and operation manual
System Requirements
- Aircraft power for receivers: 5 V DC, ~3 W per receiver
- Ground power for Beacon: 22–26 V DC, ~10 W
- Supported autopilots: ArduPilot Helicopter (native), PX4 compatible; or custom AP via USB/UART/CAN
- Clear approach corridor ensuring line-of-sight to Beacon
Installation
1. Preparation
- Review aircraft electrical and mechanical integration constraints (space, power, EMI/EMC).
- Identify mounting locations for receivers with unobstructed forward field of view (~90°).
- Select Beacon site providing 60° emission coverage and safe standoff from rotor/obstacles.
2. Ground Transmitter (Beacon) Mounting
- Mount the Beacon on a stable platform (deck/helipad) within the planned landing area.
- Ensure emission aperture faces the approach path; verify no occlusion within 60° working angle.
- Connect 22–26 V DC supply; confirm IP-rated sealing and strain relief on cables.
3. Aircraft Receiver Installation
- Install Master and Slave receivers per platform layout, oriented to maximize forward line-of-sight.
- Provide vibration isolation per aircraft standards; route cables securely away from moving parts.
- Connect power (5 V DC) and chosen data interface (USB, UART, or CAN) to the flight computer/AP.
4. Initial Setup
- Power Beacon and receivers; confirm device enumerations and link status on AP.
- Configure AP integration (ArduPilot/PX4) to accept ULS-Heli-G2 positioning input.
- Perform alignment check: validate that receiver FOVs cover the approach corridor; adjust mounts if needed.
Basic Operation
Power-On Sequence
- Power Beacon and verify status indicator.
- Power aircraft receivers; confirm data link availability.
- Verify AP integration: positioning data visible and updating at 20 Hz.
Approach and Landing
- Establish approach with direct line-of-sight to Beacon within 50 m range.
- Maintain alignment within the 60° working angle.
- Monitor horizontal/vertical offsets on AP/HMI; use cues to correct approach.
- Execute landing per SOPs; system supports <5 cm horizontal and <10 cm vertical accuracy at 1 m (linearly scaling).
Operating Notes
- System operates day/night and in adverse weather (rain, fog, snow, dust) within qualified limits.
- If dual receivers are installed, Master manages fusion and automatic failover.
Advanced Features
Dual Receiver Configuration (Master/Slave)
- Redundancy with automatic failover for critical operations.
- Cross-checking and sensor fusion for enhanced accuracy.
- Independent power supplies recommended.
Interfaces
- USB, UART, CAN for integration to flight computers or custom APs.
- ArduPilot Helicopter: native support; PX4: full compatibility.
Update Rate and FOV
- 20 Hz update rate for smooth positioning.
- Receiver FOV ~90°; Beacon emission angle ~60°.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No positioning data | Interface misconfiguration | Verify AP settings; check USB/UART/CAN wiring |
| Intermittent updates | Obstructed line-of-sight or FOV misalignment | Re-orient receivers/Beacon; clear approach corridor |
| Reduced accuracy | Excessive vibration or misalignment | Improve mounting isolation; re-check alignment |
| Beacon not powering | Supply out of range | Verify 22–26 V DC and cable integrity |
| Receiver not powering | 5 V supply issue | Check aircraft power rail and connectors |
Maintenance
Regular Maintenance
- Clean receiver optics and Beacon aperture; remove salt spray/dust.
- Inspect mounts, fasteners, and cable strain relief.
- Verify firmware/software compatibility with AP after updates.
Preventive Maintenance
- Quarterly alignment verification and functional tests.
- Replace worn vibration isolators per aircraft maintenance schedule.
Specifications
System Performance
- Horizontal Accuracy: <5 cm at 1 m (linear scaling)
- Vertical Accuracy: <10 cm
- Operating Range: up to 50 m
- Update Rate: 20 Hz
- Working Angle (Beacon): 60°
Receiver (Slave)
- Weight: 40 g
- Dimensions: 46 × 26 × 12 mm
- Field of View: 90°
- Power Consumption: 3 W
- Supply Voltage: 5 V DC
- Interfaces: USB, CAN, UART
Receiver (Master)
- Weight: 60 g
- Dimensions: 50 × 50 × 14 mm
- Field of View: 90°
- Power Consumption: 3 W
- Supply Voltage: 5 V DC
- Interfaces: USB, CAN, UART
Beacon (Ground)
- Weight: 4100 g
- Dimensions: 290 × 215 × 48 mm
- Emission Angle: 60°
- Power Consumption: 10 W
- Supply Voltage: 22–26 V DC
- Interfaces: USB, CAN, UART
Support
- Technical Support and Services available via the website contact page.
- For integration assistance (ArduPilot/PX4/custom AP), engage engineering support.