# 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. --- Site [llms.txt](/llms.txt) --- > **ULSDC-PBOM210925** · version 1.0.0 · issued January 26, 2026 > The numbered PDF is the controlled copy: [download it from the portal](https://downloads.uavlas.com). # ULS-Heli-G2 Operation Manual --- ## Table of Contents 1. [Introduction](#introduction) 2. [Safety Information](#safety-information) 3. [Getting Started](#getting-started) 4. [Installation](#installation) 5. [Basic Operation](#basic-operation) 6. [Advanced Features](#advanced-features) 7. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting) 8. [Maintenance](#maintenance) 9. [Specifications](#specifications) 10. [Support](#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 1. Power Beacon and verify status indicator. 2. Power aircraft receivers; confirm data link availability. 3. 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. [Contact for more information](/contact/) ---
## Document Change History | Version | Date | Author | Description of Changes | |---------|------|--------|------------------------| | 1.0 | 2026-01-26 | UAVLAS Documentation Team | Initial release |