ULS-XSpot Operational Manual

ULSDC-PBOM231125 · version 1.0.1 · issued November 23, 2025
The numbered PDF is the controlled copy: download it from the portal.

Introduction

Purpose

This operational manual provides comprehensive guidance for operating the ULS-XSpot precision positioning system for tethered drone operations. It covers system setup, configuration, operation procedures, troubleshooting, and maintenance for safe and effective use of the system.

Scope

This manual is intended for operators, technicians, and engineers responsible for deploying and operating ULS-XSpot systems in tethered drone applications. It assumes basic familiarity with drone operations and autopilot systems.

About ULS-XSpot

The ULS-XSpot is a precision optical positioning system specifically designed for tethered drone operations. Key features include:

• 50-meter operational range - Covers typical tethered operating heights
• Tether-compatible transmitter - Center hole for cable passage
• Sub-5cm positioning accuracy - Precision positioning and landing (at touch point)
• 20Hz update rate - Real-time position feedback
• 24/7 operation capability - Continuous operation with tethered power

Safety Warnings

⚠️ WARNING: Always follow safety procedures when operating tethered drone systems.

⚠️ CAUTION: Ensure tether cable is properly routed through transmitter center hole to avoid optical path obstruction.

⚠️ NOTICE: Regular inspection of tether routing is required to maintain optimal system performance.

System Overview

System Components

Transmitter (Ground Unit - Tethered Design)

Figure: ULS-XSpot Transmitter with Center Tether Hole The ULS-XSpot transmitter is specifically designed for tethered drone systems. It features a center hole for tether passage, allowing the drone’s power and data cable to pass through while maintaining optical positioning capabilities. The transmitter is placed on the ground (platform, moving object) and emits a signal in the Infrared range, serving as a positioning beacon for tethered drone landing and station-keeping.

The primary function of the transmitter is to continuously send out a coded signal that can be detected and interpreted by the receiver unit onboard the tethered copter. This signal contains critical information needed for the operation of the system, such as positional data and status. The tethered design allows for extended flight duration while maintaining precision positioning.

Key Features:

• Center hole for tether cable passage (integrated tether management)
• Working range: 50 meters working distance
• Optimized for tethered drone operations
• Continuous power available via tether connection

Receiver (Onboard Unit)

Figure: ULS-XSpot Receiver The receiver is a device that is placed on board the tethered aircraft. The receiver decodes the IR signal to derive flight information such as positional coordinates, real-time transmitter status updates, and positioning guidance. It interprets the data to navigate accurately and ensure the drone maintains its position relative to the ground station. It provides feedback to autopilot systems, such as Ardupilot and PX4, to adjust the flight parameters as needed for optimal station-keeping, landing, or hovering operations while connected to the tether.

Key Features:

• Compatible with tethered drone configurations
• Real-time position feedback for station-keeping
• Seamless integration with tether management systems

What’s in the Box

Figure: ULS-XSpot System Package

The ULS-XSpot system is packaged in a protective hard case designed for field deployment in tethered drone operations.

Package Contents

• 1x Transmitter unit (with center tether hole)
• 1x Master receiver unit
• 2x Slave receiver units
• Connection cables
• Mounting hardware
• Quick start guide
• USB configuration cable

Package Specifications

Table: Package Specifications

Pre-Operation Checklist

Before operating the ULS-XSpot system, verify the following:

• All system components are present and undamaged
• Transmitter is securely mounted at ground station
• Tether cable is properly routed through transmitter center hole
• Receivers are properly mounted on aircraft
• All electrical connections are secure
• Power supply to transmitter is within specification (22-26V DC)
• Receiver power from flight controller is stable (5V DC)
• Autopilot is configured for precision landing
• Weather conditions are within operational limits
• Operating area is clear of obstacles
• Tether management system is operational

Installation and Setup

Ground Station Setup

Step 1: Transmitter Mounting

1. Select mounting location at tether launch/recovery point
2. Ensure clear line-of-sight to expected aircraft operating area
3. Route tether cable through center hole of transmitter
4. Secure transmitter using 16 mounting holes
5. Install strain relief above and below transmitter
6. Verify 10cm minimum clearance around transmitter

Figure: Transmitter Mounting with Tether

Step 2: Power Connection

1. Connect 24V DC power supply to transmitter
2. Verify power supply can provide minimum 4A peak current
3. Check power connections are secure
4. Verify transmitter LED indicators show normal operation

Step 3: Data Connection

1. Connect USB or CAN cable to transmitter for configuration
2. Launch ULS configuration software on control PC
3. Verify communication with transmitter
4. Configure transmitter parameters as needed

Aircraft Installation

Step 1: Receiver Mounting

Master Receiver Installation:

1. Mount master receiver on top of aircraft
2. Ensure receiver has clear view downward toward ground station
3. Position away from tether cable to avoid shadowing
4. Secure using provided mounting hardware
5. Verify receiver orientation (arrow pointing forward)

Slave Receiver Installation:

1. Mount slave receivers on aircraft (typically 2 units)
2. Position for optimal triangulation (90° apart recommended)
3. Ensure clear view toward ground transmitter
4. Avoid tether cable shadow zones
5. Secure and verify orientation

Step 2: Electrical Connections

Receiver to Autopilot:

1. Connect receiver to autopilot UART or CAN port
2. Verify correct pinout per receiver specifications
3. Configure autopilot serial port (230400 baud for UART)
4. Ensure power connection is stable 5V DC
5. Verify receiver LED indicators show normal operation

Step 3: Tether Integration

1. Verify tether routing does not obstruct receiver views
2. Check tether management system compatibility
3. Confirm tether power distribution if used for receivers
4. Test tether connection and disconnection procedures

Software Configuration

Transmitter Configuration

Using the ULS configuration software:

1. Orientation:

   • Calibrate transmitter IMU
   • Set transmitter mounting orientation
   • Verify compass calibration

2. Network Configuration:

   • Set CAN bus parameters if used
   • Configure device ID for multi-system operations
   • Set communication protocols

Autopilot Configuration

For ArduPilot:

#Enable precision landing
PLND_ENABLED = 1
PLND_TYPE = 1  
PLND_EST_TYPE = 0  #Raw sensor data

#Set serial port (example using SERIAL2)
SERIAL2_PROTOCOL = 2  # MAVLINK V2
SERIAL2_BAUD = 230
SR2_EXTRA1 (or MAV2_EXTRA1)	 = 20	 # Stream Attitude 
SR2_POSITION (or MAV2_POSITION)	 = 20	# Optional - Stream Vehicle position


#Precision landing parameters
PLND_LAG = 0.02  #20Hz update rate
PLND_XY_DIST_MAX = 10  #Maximum distance for precision landing (meters)

For PX4:

Configure precision landing in QGroundControl:

1. Navigate to Vehicle Setup → Parameters
2. Set PLD_HACC_RAD = 0.2 (horizontal accuracy radius)
3. Set PLD_FAPPR_ALT = 10.0 (final approach altitude)
4. Configure appropriate serial port for ULS receiver
5. Enable precision landing mode in flight modes

Operation Procedures

Pre-Flight Checks

1. Visual Inspection:

   • Check transmitter for damage or obstruction
   • Verify tether is properly routed through center hole
   • Inspect receivers for secure mounting
   • Check all cable connections

2. Power On Sequence:

   • Apply power to ground station transmitter
   • Wait for transmitter initialization (LED solid green)
   • Power on aircraft and autopilot
   • Verify receivers detect transmitter signal

3. System Status Check:

   • Verify transmitter status (green LED)
   • Check receiver status on autopilot (position data received)
   • Confirm tether management system ready
   • Verify communication links active

4. Functional Test:

   • With aircraft on ground near transmitter, verify position data
   • Check position accuracy (should show near-zero offset)
   • Verify orientation data if multi-receiver setup
   • Test tether connection and release mechanism

Normal Operations

Station Keeping

For tethered drone station-keeping operations:

1. Takeoff:

   • Launch aircraft in standard mode
   • Allow tether to deploy gradually
   • Maintain visual contact during initial climb
   • Monitor position data on ground station

2. Station Keeping:

   • Engage position hold mode
   • ULS-XSpot provides continuous position reference
   • Autopilot maintains position over ground station
   • Monitor tether status and tension
   • Typical operating altitude: 10-50m

3. Position Adjustment:

   • Use autopilot commands to adjust position
   • ULS-XSpot provides reference for offset positioning
   • Maintain awareness of tether length and tension
   • Monitor weather conditions and wind

Precision Landing

For precision landing on ground station:

1. Landing Preparation:

   • Aircraft should be in visual range
   • Verify ULS-XSpot position data is stable
   • Engage precision landing mode in autopilot
   • Monitor tether retrieval system ready status

2. Approach Phase:

   • Autopilot follows precision landing approach
   • ULS-XSpot guides aircraft to transmitter center
   • Typical final approach from 10m altitude
   • Descent rate: 0.5-1.0 m/s recommended

3. Final Approach:

   • Below 5m altitude, position accuracy improves
   • Autopilot centers aircraft over transmitter
   • Tether should be nearly vertical
   • Prepare for touchdown

4. Landing:

   • Aircraft lands centered on ground station
   • Tether cable guides through transmitter center hole
   • Verify safe landing and aircraft secured
   • Disarm autopilot and secure aircraft

Range Operations

The ULS-XSpot supports operations up to 50 meters:

Table: Performance by Altitude Range Considerations:

• Higher altitudes require more tether management
• Wind effects increase with altitude
• IR signal quality may vary with atmospheric conditions
• Always maintain visual line-of-sight

Emergency Procedures

Loss of Position Signal

If ULS-XSpot position signal is lost:

1. Aircraft will revert to GPS or manual control (per autopilot configuration)

2. Immediate Actions:

   • Pilot takes manual control if needed
   • Stabilize aircraft position
   • Check transmitter status (LED indicators)
   • Verify tether not obstructing IR path
   • Check receiver power and connections

3. Recovery:

   • If signal not restored, execute emergency landing procedure
   • Use tether as physical reference for aircraft retrieval
   • Do not exceed tether length limits
   • Land in safe area and troubleshoot system

Tether Emergency

If tether becomes tangled or compromised:

1. Stop Operations:

   • Hold aircraft position immediately
   • Assess tether status
   • Do not attempt to force tether retrieval

2. Safe Recovery:

   • If tether is safe, execute controlled landing
   • If tether is compromised, execute emergency landing in clear area
   • Maintain aircraft control using GPS/manual
   • ULS-XSpot may still provide position reference

3. Post-Emergency:

   • Secure aircraft and assess damage
   • Inspect entire tether length
   • Check ULS-XSpot system for damage
   • Do not resume operations until system verified

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

No Position Data

Symptom: Autopilot not receiving position data from ULS-XSpot

Possible Causes:

1. Receiver not powered
2. Serial port configuration incorrect
3. No line-of-sight to transmitter
4. Tether blocking optical path

Solutions:

• Verify receiver power LED is on
• Check autopilot serial port settings (230400 baud)
• Clear line-of-sight between receiver and transmitter
• Verify tether routing not obstructing IR path
• Check transmitter is powered and operating (LED status)

Intermittent Position Data

Symptom: Position data drops in and out

Possible Causes:

1. Range too far for conditions
2. Receiver blocked by some object

Solutions:

• Improve tether cable management
• Reduce operating range if near 50m limit
• Secure receiver mounting to reduce vibration
• Check receiver cleanliness (lens clear)

Inaccurate Position Data

Symptom: Position shows large offset from actual location

Possible Causes:

1. Receiver orientation incorrect
2. Transmitter not level or calibrated
3. Multiple reflections (indoor use)
4. System needs calibration

Solutions:

• Verify receiver mounted with correct orientation (arrow forward)
• Check transmitter is level and calibrated
• Ensure outdoor operation or controlled indoor environment
• Perform system calibration procedure
• Check for magnetic interference affecting IMU

Transmitter Not Emitting

Symptom: Transmitter powered but receivers not detecting signal

Possible Causes:

1. Transmitter in configuration mode
2. Emission disabled in settings
3. Hardware failure

Solutions:

• Check transmitter LED status (should be solid green for normal operation)
• Connect to configuration software and verify emission enabled
• Power cycle transmitter
• Check firmware version and update if needed
• Contact technical support if issue persists

LED Status Indicators

Transmitter LED

Table: Transmitter LED Status

Receiver LED

Table: Receiver LED Status

Maintenance

Routine Maintenance

Daily (Before Each Operation)

• Visual inspection of all components
• Check tether routing through transmitter
• Verify all connections secure
• Clean receiver lenses if necessary
• Check transmitter mounting security
• Verify LED indicators normal

Weekly

• Inspect tether for wear at transmitter contact points
• Clean transmitter exterior and check for damage
• Verify receiver mounting hardware tight
• Check cable connections for corrosion
• Test system at various ranges
• Backup configuration settings

Monthly

• Perform full system calibration
• Check transmitter IMU calibration
• Verify receiver orientation settings
• Inspect all cables for damage
• Check firmware versions and update if available
• Review system logs for errors or warnings
• Test emergency procedures

Annual

• Factory calibration recommended
• Comprehensive system testing at all ranges
• Replace any worn or damaged components
• Update documentation and procedures
• Review and update training materials

Cleaning Procedures

Receiver Lenses:

1. Power off receivers
2. Use soft, lint-free cloth
3. Gently wipe lens surface
4. For stubborn dirt, use isopropyl alcohol (90%+)
5. Allow to dry completely before powering on

Transmitter:

1. Power off transmitter
2. Clean exterior with damp cloth
3. Check IR emission window for dirt or obstruction
4. Verify center hole clear of debris
5. Dry completely before powering on

DO NOT:

• Use abrasive cleaners or cloths
• Apply excessive pressure to lenses
• Allow water to enter connectors
• Clean while powered on

Calibration Procedures

Transmitter IMU Calibration

Perform when:

• After initial installation
• After transmitter is moved or remounted
• Monthly maintenance schedule
• If position accuracy degraded

Procedure:

1. Connect to transmitter via USB
2. Launch configuration software
3. Navigate to IMU Calibration section
4. Ensure transmitter is level and stationary
5. Follow on-screen calibration steps
6. Verify calibration successful
7. Test system operation after calibration

System Alignment Check

Perform to verify overall system accuracy:

1. Place aircraft on ground near transmitter (2-3m away)
2. Power on system and wait for stable position lock
3. Record position offset reported by system
4. Should be within ±15cm of physical measurement
5. Move aircraft to different positions and verify
6. If offsets consistently large, recalibrate system

Technical Specifications

Table: Common Specification

Table: Receiver (Slave) Specifications

Table: Receiver (Master) Specifications

Table: Transmitter (Ground) Specifications - Tethered Design

Appendix A: Tethered System Integration

Tether Cable Recommendations

For optimal performance with ULS-XSpot:

Table: Tether Cable Recommendations

Ground Station Integration

The ULS-XSpot transmitter should be integrated with the tether management system:

Mechanical Integration:

• Mount transmitter at tether launch point
• Align center hole with tether path
• Provide strain relief above and below transmitter
• Ensure 360° access for maintenance

Electrical Integration:

• 24V DC power from ground station supply
• USB or CAN connection for monitoring/configuration
• Optional: Integrate with ground station control system

Safety Integration:

• Emergency stop procedures
• Tether tension monitoring
• Position data to ground station display
• Weather monitoring integration

Aircraft Integration

Power Distribution:

• Receiver power from flight controller (5V) or
• Receiver power from tether power distribution
• Ensure power quality and filtering

Data Integration:

• Position data to autopilot via UART or CAN
• Integration with flight management system
• Data logging for performance analysis

Physical Integration:

• Mount receivers for optimal view of ground station
• Avoid tether shadow zones
• Consider aircraft dynamics and tether effects
• Maintain equipment access for maintenance

Appendix B: Operating Limits

Environmental Limits

Table: Environmental Operating Limits

Performance Limits

Table: Performance Limits

Operational Limits

Table: Operational Limits

Appendix C: Configuration Examples

ArduPilot Full Configuration

# Precision Landing Parameters
PLND_ENABLED = 1
PLND_TYPE = 1
PLND_EST_TYPE = 0
PLND_LAG = 0.02
PLND_XY_DIST_MAX = 10
PLND_LAND_OFS_X = 0
PLND_LAND_OFS_Y = 0

# Serial Port Configuration (SERIAL2 example)
SERIAL2_BAUD = 230
SERIAL2_OPTIONS = 0
SERIAL2_PROTOCOL	2	MAVlink2 protocol support.

# Landing Configuration
LAND_SPEED = 50  # cm/s descent rate
LAND_SPEED_HIGH = 100  # cm/s high altitude descent

# Position Hold Parameters
PSC_POSXY_P = 1.0
PSC_VELXY_P = 2.0

PX4 Configuration Parameters

# Precision Landing
PLD_HACC_RAD = 0.2
PLD_FAPPR_ALT = 10.0
PLD_MAX_SRCH = 3.0

# Landing Detection
LNDMC_ALT_MAX = 10.0
LNDMC_TRIG_TIME = 0.3

# Position Control
MPC_XY_VEL_MAX = 5.0
MPC_XY_P = 1.0
MPC_Z_VEL_MAX_DN = 1.0

Support and Contact

Technical Support

UAVLAS sp. z o.o.

• Email: info@uavlas.com
• Website: www.uavlas.com
• Documentation: https://docs.uavlas.com

Product Information

• Product Code: ULS-XSPOT
• Family: ULS-XSpot Tethered Positioning System
• Hardware Version: 1.0
• Software Version: 1.0

Related Documentation

• ULS-XSpot Datasheet (ULSDC-PBDS231125)
• ULS-XSpot Interface Control Document (ULSDC-PBICD231125)
• ULS-ProCopter Online Manual: https://docs.uavlas.com/docs/uls-procopter/