Intro to SUAS

(Small Unmanned Aerial Systems) You are here: Home > Intro to SUAS Ask Yourself A lot has changed in the small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) industry over the last few years. Now, with multi-rotor systems becoming easier to fly, more reliable and with ever increasing payload ability, it is a better time than ever to start using these systems to either start a new business or compliment your existing business. Here at Heliguy we have been building, flying and using SUAS for a good few years. We have built up extensive knowledge and experience from every aspect of the industry. We answer a lot of questions about the best ways to start up, what equipment is needed, and what qualifications are required to operate commercially. This guide should hopefully help to answer those questions, allowing you to get the system you need, that will get the results you want. First and foremost, ask yourself these questions:
1. What is the end result you want to achieve? Are you a photographer who simply wants to get a new angle from the air? Are you a

cinematographer looking to get beautiful aerial HD of wildlife? Do you need a system for inspection purposes, or thermal imaging? Is it for a university project? There are so many applications for these systems, you need to know want you want to achieve before thinking about anything else.
2. What kind of equipment are you going to be lifting? A GoPro? A Canon 5D? or other data aquisition equipment? Weight and size will

determine what kind of system you will eventually need.

3. How much experience do you have with RC systems? Are you a complete novice? Have you flown basic RC helicopters before? Are

you an experienced pilot, or are you going to hire one? Although these system have become easier to fly and maintain over the last year, a working knowledge is essential, both operating and maintanence. Most countries will require certification/permission which involves a test to prove this. Remember we can or course build, maintain and teach you how to use these systems.
4. Do you have a budget in mind? Answers to the questions above will largely determine this for you (see our example systems). But

there are many additonal options to consider, many of which are great to have, but not completely neccessary. Got the answers?

If you've got a good idea about what you want to achieve, take a look at our Example Systems and fully built, ready to fly Turnkey Systems Maybe we've got you thinking (hopefully not more confused though!). Take a look below for some advice on building your own basic/trainer system, the kind of capabilites you can expect from more advanced systems, and what services we can provide to help you get the most out of your SUAS: Building a basic Quadcopter:

Pro SUAS Capabilities

Our Services

What you'll need: A Quad frame, 4 Motors, 4 ESCs, 4 props (to CW, 2 CCW), A Flight Controller, A Radio System (6CH+) and Batteries with a Charger. Take a look here. What you'll have to do: Basic Soldering. You'll will need to assemble a wiring harness to distribute power to your four motors, via the ESCs from the battery. Take a look at our guide coming soon. Set up your FC. The DJI and Hoverfly systems we offer and plug and play, not programming required. Simply follow the instructions. Assemble it all. Again, our frames are easy to put together, screw in your motors, plug in your electronics, make sure everything is secure. Test. With the props taken off the motors, do a test spin up on the bench, makesure all the motors are spinning the correct direction. Be sure to put the props on corrcetly for that direction. Go fly. Take it slow, have fun! Photo: Use a light weight point and shoot on a small quadcopter, or lift a 5D for awesome full-frame shots using flight controllers that deliver a super stable aerial platform. Use a video downlink and remote camera control to frame perfect shots. Film: Fly the camera closer than a full size heli ever could, with advanced gymbal manangement systems that are more accurate than ever before. Replicate camera-jib manouvres anywhere. And lift upto 8kg. Fly RED Epic. Cinematography on a new level.

Data Imaging: Photogrammetry. With automatic systems programmed to photograph a certain area you can build up an accurate image or 3D model of a site or building. Or use small, nimbal systems for close up inspection and thermal imaging. Turnkey Solutions: We have built and flown a lot of systems in our time. We build certified* multicopter systems that deliver. All our machines use components that have been fully tested and that are widely available and easy to replace, this make maintenace easier and cheaper than other systems out there. Add to this full support, servicing and maintenance along with unlimited advice and you can see we are probably one of the best solutions out there for SUAS. Components: All our components have, at one point or another, been used by us in a turnkey build. This means that they are well tested, sourced and work. If you want to build your own system, these parts will allow you to build soemthing that meets your requirements. We're always on hand for advice, and will happily source new kit to meet your needs. Browse the specialist menu on the le A great NEARLY COMPLETE beginner multicopter system, complete with the DJI Naza flight controller (see below). All esc's, motors and props INCLUDED. Just add your radio transmitter, reciever and batteries and of you go! This new platform allows demanding hobbyists the most versatile plug and play performance, with patented internal shock sensor and reliability for fun and sport flying unlike anything else on the market. DJI proprietary navigational and control algorithms continue to be the best in providing excellent flight stability and highly accurate calibration of inertial locking feature to support dual-axis-gyro with PTZ control interface. NAZA will have firmware update and upgrades to download for future expansion and features. Supports Quad an Hex Rotor configurations

All-in-One design All-in-One Design integrates inner damping, controller, gyroscope, accelerometer and barometer, which simplifies installation and saves space.

Advanced attitude stabilization algorithm Advanced mix guidance algorithm and control algorithm, inherits outstanding flight stability of DJI products, provides excellent maneuverability, gives hobbyists wonderful flight experience.

Low voltage protection Two-level low voltage protection. low voltage LED alarm, and automatic landing.

D-BUS D-Bus supports S-BUS receiver system.

2-axis Gimbal Stabilization The gimbal stabilization module is compatible with almost all 2-axis gimbal systems. The system will adjust the gimbal and camera according to the attitude of the helicopter after setting the parameters the first time.

Upgradeable and extendible Easy firmware upgrade, extendible port for future use is available. SUAS Under 5K Best in class performance up to 1.5kg payloads. Designed to provide a super stable and smooth aerial platform for applications ranging from photography and HD video to full data imaging. These systems use version 3 Droidworx AD series frames that have been proven to provide outstanding performance in a variety of applications. We use GPS-aided flight control systems that hold the systems rock-steady in the sky. Our camera gimbals allow for pan and roll compensation, for super smooth natural video, and can be outfitted with advanced gymbal management systems. Add to this high quality electronics and you can see why you can rely on our systems whatever your doing, wherever you're doing it. Using off-the-shelf, proven components allows us to put together systems that are a lot better value for money than many of the SUAS systems you will no doubt have come across. We have tested these components to make sure they work well together, and their availability means repairs and maintenance are not only easier, but cheaper.

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Example Systems

AD4 GoPro A great upgradable system to begin with and add to as you go. Go co-axial with 8 motors to give more lift when you want to use a larger camera. Spec: AD4 frame | GoPro Mount | HoveryFly Pro Starting Price: 2000 | 2320 | $3140

ADX3 TM700

Six rotors Y6 give reliability and redundancy and allow for a larger wide FOV camera, like the 1080 50P TM700. You can see some example video we shot with a similar system in the slideshow above. Spec: ADX3 Frame | AV130 Gymbal | DJI WK-M Starting Price: 3500 | 4060 | $5495 *We offer a similar machine ready-to-fly

AD6 550D Flat Hex config gives redundancy and larger props provide power for a mid-size DSLR such as the Canon 550D. A system that will provide excellent stills and super smooth video. Spec: AD6 Frame Extended | AV200 Gymbal | DJI WK-M Starting Price: 4000 | 4640 | $6280

SUAS Unlimited High performance systems realizing a new era in aerial cinematography and industrial applications. HIGH PAYLOAD

Providing the best platform we have seen for true high end performance. With a payload up to 9KG with the right electronics, these systems open up a new world of possibilities in not only cinematography, but across the industrial sector. 3D imaging, surveillance, waypoint missions and high payload allow these systems to lift heavier equipment, and keep it in the air for longer. Want to fly Red EPIC? These machines will deliver that 4K 120FPS aerial footage in a way that no other aerial platform ever could. This is a new age of cinematography. LIGHT INDUSTRIAL Small, lightweight CX series craft provide a great platform for industrial mission that don't require the payload, but require the versatility to fly in less-than-perfect weather conditions. With an enclosed electronics bay, these craft can operate in these conditions and their small size allows them to fly in tight spaces, even indoors. Inspection, thermal imaging and advanced FPV are only some of the applications these craft excel in.

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Example Systems

AD8 360 7D Take a Canon 7D into the air for truly awesome photography and beautiful, smooth full HD cinematography from a reliable, stabilised system. Spec: AD8 360 extended frame | AV200 Gymbal | PicLoc 3X Pro | DJI WK-M Starting Price: 5000 | 5800 | $7850

CX4 Thermal Use a Flir TAU thermal camera to capture imagery and data from an angle previously reserved for highly paid skilled workmen or full size helicopters. The ultimate industrial tool. Spec: CX4 Frame | Flir Tilt Mount | DJI WK-M | Heliguy SUAS Groundstation Starting Price: 5000 | 5800 | $7850 *We offer a similar machine ready-to-fly

SkyJib 8 Epic Fly one of the best cameras in the world to capture footage like nothing else ever seen. We mean that, these systems can fly high or low, lower than a full size heli ever could. Spec: SkyJib 8 Frame | AV200 360 Gymbal with Retracts | DJI WK-M Waypoint Starting Price: 8500 | 9915 | $13200 *We offer a similar machine ready-to-fly

Notice 1. WK-M users purchase the DJI 2.4GHz or 900MHz data link would activation WKM View for free. Product installation Disk will be shipping with Data Link. 2. Purchase WK-M View Kit ( including WKM, Datalink) will get Free F450 Frame, please contact your local dealer. 3. Data Link will delivery on or before November 25, 2011.

Notice 1. WKM users should purchase 2.4GHz or 900MHz DJI Data Link and activation WK-M view first, and then upgrade to WKM Single Waypoint with fee USD 1,200. 2. WKM View users could upgrade to WKM Single Waypoint with fee USD 1,200. 3. Purchase WKM Single Waypoint Kit(including WKM, Datalink) will get Free F450 Frame, please contact your local dealer. 4. WK-M Single Waypoint will delivery on or before November 25, 2011.
Product Name MSRP Price (USD) Product Component Main IMU Controll er GPS LED PMU Data Modul Modul ) Link e e (2.4GH z) Data for Free Link (900MH z) Product Function Auto Buil Flight realti Keyboard/Joyst Click Click Takeo t-in Instrume me rick control to & Go ff 3D nt Board Flight Go map statue Hom

s WK-M 2.4GHz Data Link 900MHz Data Link WK-M View Kit (2.4GHz) WK-M View Kit (900MHz) WK-M Single Waypoint WK-M Single Waypoint Kit (2.4GHz) WK-M Single Waypoint Kit (900MHz) 1099 400 550 1,499 1,649 1,200 2,699 2,849 F450 Flame wheel F450 Flame wheel F450 Flame wheel WK-M View Activation WK-M View Activation F450 Flame wheel F450 Flame wheel

WooKong-M

GPS ATTI

GPS (inclusive) Position, Altitude hold and Heading hold

3-AXIS GYRO+Barometer

Attitude mode using accurate barometer sensor for altitude hold

The counter ESC

Use regular over the counter ESC

Three flight modes

Three flight modes manual, Attitude and GPS Attitude

Fail-Safe

Fail Safe Hover, Go Home & Auto Landing

 Low voltage protection

Two-level low voltage protection.

Power Module

Versatile power module for MC power supply,voltage monitoring and CAN bus connections 3A Switching BEC

D-Bus

D-Bus supports S-BUS receiver system

WooKong-M View

 Dedicated radio system

Two models of radio systems are available: 2.4GHz and 900MHz.

3D Map

Built-in Google 3D Map.With long range wireless data link module, View supplies real-time flight state and geographical information display.

Flight Instrument Board

Displays real-time attitude, speed, vertical speed, angle, altitude, throttle stick position, power voltage and so on. Let you know the flight state.
WooKong-M Single Waypoint

 Keyboard/Joystick Mode

Allow pilot use Keyboard/Joystick to operate aircraft through DJI wireless data link module even without RC. Enlarges the controllable flight range.

One Click Go Home

No matter where the aircraft is, just click the Go Home button on the ground station interface, aircraft will return home immediately.

Click Go Mode

Allows pilot to drag single flight route on 3D map, assign altitude and flight speed to a single destination. Altitude, speed and destination point can be changed on-the-fly with flight path tracking.