November 02, 2015

U. S. Department of Transportation

Docket Management System

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

Re: Summary Processing: Exemption Request Under Section 333 of the FAA Reform Act 

and Part 11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations Based Upon Exemption 11110A Issued

to Trimble Navigation Limited

Dear Sir or Madam:

[ Gistec Aerocarto,Inc.] (“Applicant”) herewith applies for the issuance of an exemption 

under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (“Reform Act”) based upon 

Exemption 11110 issued to Trimble Navigation Limited (“Trimble”) on December 10, 2014, as 

amended on May 7, 2015 with issuance of Exemption 11110A in FAA Docket 2014-0367.

The requested exemption would allow Applicant to operate the UX5 and the UX5 hp 

aircraft manufactured by Trimble or other Trimble aircraft approved for commercial operations 

under Exemptions 11110 and 11110A, as they may be amended in the future. Applicant notes 

that, in Exemption 11257, the FAA also recently authorized use of the Trimble UX5 by a third 

party under conditions like those in Exemption 11110A.1 Applicant hereby confirms that it will 

accept the conditions in Exemptions 11110A and 11257.

Applicant aircraft will be used to conduct aerial surveys and perform aerial data 

collection for agriculture, mining, and other purposes, but not for closed set filming (hereinafter 

“the Purpose”). Applicant hereby applies for an exemption from the listed Federal Aviation 

Regulations (“FARs”) to allow commercial operation of its small unmanned aerial vehicles 

(“sUAVs”), so long as such operations are conducted within and under the conditions outlined 

herein or as may be established by the FAA in an exemption granted under either Section 333 

or Section 49 U.S.C. §44701(f).

As this exemption request is identical to the already issued precedent, this request

should qualify for summary processing as the FAA has already provided public notice of and 

granted similar exemptions. The FAA has issued exemptions in circumstances similar in all 

material respects to those presented in this petition. In numerous exemptions, the FAA has 

found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (“UA”) with the 

specifications described by the petitioners and carrying no passengers or crew, when compared 

to flights of much larger manned aircraft that carry crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the 

FAA good cause to find that the sUAV operation enabled by the exemptions serves the public 

interest.2In those cases, use of the proposed sUAV not only enhanced safety but also fulfilled

the Secretary of Transportation’s (the FAA Administrator’s) responsibility to “. . . establish 

 

1 Exemption No. 11257 to Montana Land Surveys (see Docket No. FAA-2014-0889).

2 Exemption Nos. 11062 to Astraeus Aerial (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0352),11109 to 

Clayco, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0507), 11112 to VDOS Global, LLC (see Docket No. 

FAA−2014−0382), and 11213 to Aeryon Labs, Inc. (see Docket No. FAA−2014−0642).
U. S. Department of Transportation

September 21, 2015

Page 2

2

requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system.” 

Section 333(c) of the Reform Act.

The name and address of the applicant is:

Zoila Vidal

Gistec Aerocarto, Inc.

110 W. Reynolds St. #201 Plant City Florida 33563

Tel. 813 757 0091 Fax: 813 759 0939

Regulations from which the exemption is requested:

14 C.F.R. 61.23(a) and (c)

14 C.F.R. 61.101(e)(4) and (5)

14.C.F.R. 61.113(a)

14 C.F.R. 61.315(a)

14 C.F.R. 91.7(a)

14 C.F.R. 91.119(c)

14 C.F.R. 91.121

14 C.F.R. 91.151(a)(1)

14 C.F.R. 91.405(a)

14 C.F.R. 91.407(a)(1)

14 C.F.R. 91.409(a)(1) and (2)

14 C.F.R. 91.417(a) and (b)

This exemption application is expressly submitted to fulfill Congress’ goal in passing 

Sections 333(a) through (c) of the Reform Act. This law directs the Secretary of Transportation 

to consider whether certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national 

airspace system (NAS) before completion of the rulemaking required under Section 332 of the 

Reform Act. In making this determination, the Secretary is required to determine which types of 

sUAVs do not create a hazard to users of the NAS or the public or pose a threat to national 

security in light of the following:

 The sUAV’s size, weight, speed, and operational capability;

 Operation of the sUAV in close proximity to airports and populated areas; and

 Operation of the sUAV within visual line of sight of the operator.

Reform Act § 333(a). Lastly, if the Secretary determines that such vehicles “may operate safely 

in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe 

operation of such aircraft in the national airspace system.” Id. § 333(c) (emphasis added).

3

The Federal Aviation Act, in addition to the authority granted by Section 333 of Reform 

Act, expressly grants the FAA the authority to issue exemptions. This statutory authority by its 

terms includes exempting civil aircraft, as the term is defined under § 40101 of the Act, from the 

 

3 Applicant interprets this provision to place the duty on the Administrator to not only 

process applications for exemptions under section 333, but for the Administrator to craft 

conditions for the safe operation of the sUAV, if it should be determined that the conditions set 

forth herein do not fulfill the statutory requirements for approval.
U. S. Department of Transportation

September 21, 2015

Page 3

3

requirement that all civil aircraft, which includes sUAVs, must have a current airworthiness 

certificate.4

The sUAVs that Applicant proposes to use are fixed wing and weigh 55 or fewer lbs. 

including payload. They operate, under normal conditions, at a speed of no more than 87 knots. 

They will operate at altitudes of no more than 400 feet, as further explained, and only within line 

of sight. They will operate as set forth in the manuals attached titled as; 1) Trimble UX5 Data 

Sheet; and 2) Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide (User Guide). Operations in 

compliance with these manuals will ensure that the sUAV will “not create a hazard to users of 

the national airspace system or the public”5 and that the aircraft will operate in compliance with 

the conditions set forth in this application.

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY/NATIONAL SECURITY

The Applicant states that operating in compliance with the conditions set forth in 

Exemption 11110A will provide an equivalent level of safety for the operation of the UX5 and 

UX5 hp. Approval of exemptions allowing commercial operations of sUAVs for aerial data 

collection will enhance safety by reducing risk. Conventional operations, using jet or piston 

power aircraft, operate at extremely low altitudes just feet from the subject being photographed 

and in extreme proximity to people and structures and present the risks associated with vehicles 

that weigh in the neighborhood of 6,000 lbs., carrying large amounts of jet A or other fuel (140 

gallons for jet helicopters). Such aircraft must fly to and from the project location. In contrast, a 

sUAV weighing fewer than 55 lbs. and powered by batteries eliminates virtually all of that risk 

given the reduced mass and lack of combustible fuel carried on board. The sUAV is carried to 

the target area and not flown. The sUAV will carry no passengers or crew and, therefore, will 

not expose them to the risks associated with manned aircraft flights. These lightweight aircraft 

operate at slow speeds, close to the ground, and in areas that are under the control of the 

operator and, as a result, are far safer than conventional operations conducted with larger 

manned aircraft operating in close proximity to the ground and people.

Given the small size of the sUAVs involved and the restricted environment within which 

they will operate, Applicant falls squarely within that zone of safety (an equivalent level of 

safety) in which Congress envisioned that the FAA must, by exemption, allow commercial 

operations of sUAVs to commence immediately. Also, due to the size of the sUAVs, the 

restricted areas in which they will operate, and the fact that they will be flown by pilots holding at 

least an FAA sport or recreational pilot license, approval of the application presents no national 

security issue.

PUBLIC INTEREST

The FAA has granted exemptions to the regulations listed on page 2 in the exemptions 

cited above. As discussed in detail for each of these regulations in the attached Appendix A, 

the public interest will be served by an exemption because, with respect to each, operation in 

 

4

“The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation 

prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any sections 44702-44716 of the 

Transportation Act if the Administrator finds the exemption in the public interest.” 49 U.S.C. 

§44701(f). See also 49 U.S.C. § 44711(a); 49 U.S.C. § 44704; 14 C.F.R. § 91.203(a)(1).

5 Section 333(b) of the Reform Act.
U. S. Department of Transportation

September 21, 2015

Page 4

4

compliance with the requested conditions will ensure an equivalent level of safety. As also 

explained at length in Trimble’s original Section 333 exemption request submitted on May 30, 

2014, the grant of the requested exemption is in the public interest given the clear direction in 

Section 333 of the Reform Act; the authority included in the Federal Aviation Act, as amended; 

the strong equivalent level of safety surrounding the proposed operations; and the significant 

public benefit derived from, among other things, the enhanced safety and reduced 

environmental impact, including the reduced emissions associated with allowing battery 

powered sUAVs instead of turbine or gas powered aircraft.

*********

Pursuant to 14 C.F.R. Part 11, the following summary is provided for publication in the 

Federal Register, should it be determined that publication is needed:

Applicant seeks an exemption from the following rules:

14 C.F.R. §§61.23(a) and (c ), 61.101(e )(4) and (5), 61.113(a), 61.315(a), 91.7(a), 

91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(a)(1), 91.405(a), 91.405(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1) and (2), and 91.417(a) 

and (b) to operate commercially a small unmanned vehicle (55 lbs. or less) in motion picture 

and television operations and aerial data collection.

Satisfaction of the criteria provided in Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012 – size, 

weight, speed, operating capabilities, proximity to airports and populated areas and operation 

within visual line of sight and national security – provide more than adequate justification for the 

grant of the requested exemption allowing commercial operation of applicant’s sUAV for the 

Purpose outlined herein and are consistent with exemptions already granted, including 

Exemption 1110A. Accordingly, the applicant respectfully requests that the FAA grant the 

requested exemption without delay.

Very truly yours,

Zoila Vidal

Gistec Inc.
U. S. Department of Transportation

September 21, 2015

Page 5

5

APPENDIX A

14 C.F.R. § 61.23(a) and (c): Medical Certificates: Requirement and Duration

Sections 61.23(a) and (c) address the requirement of medical certificates for pilots. 

Section 61.23(a) requires a person exercising the privileges of a recreational pilot to hold at 

least a third class medical certificate. Section 61.23(c) permits the holder of a sport pilot 

certificate to act as PIC of a light-sport aircraft with either a medical certificate or U.S. issued 

driver’s license. Light-sport aircraft may weigh up to 1,430 pounds and seat up to two persons, 

including the pilot. Comparatively, the Trimble craft will weigh fewer than 55 pounds, and it will 

not carry pilots, passengers, or cargo. The UAS will also be operated within visual line of sight 

of the PIC and below 400 feet above ground level and limited to operations with permission over 

private or controlled-access property. 

Given these safety parameters, Applicant requests that the FAA waive Section 61.23(a) 

upon a finding that an equivalent level of safety will be provided by allowing operation of the 

Trimble craft by pilots with a recreational or sport pilot certificate and a valid U.S. state issued 

driver’s license, in lieu of an FAA-issued medical certificate. Applicant also requests that the 

FAA grant relief from Section 61.23(c) to allow sport pilot certificate holders to operate aircraft 

other than light-sport aircraft with a valid U.S. issued driver’s license. The FAA has granted 

exemptions to conduct similar operations in a number of cases, including Exemption 11213.

14 C.F.R. Part 61: Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Pilot in Command

Sections 61.113 (a) & (b) limit private pilots to non-commercial operations. 

Section 61.315(a) addresses the privileges and limitations of the holder of a sport pilot 

certificate.

Because the sUAV will not carry a pilot or passengers, the proposed operations can 

achieve the equivalent level of safety of current operations by requiring the PIC operating the 

aircraft to hold a certificate issued by the FAA authorizing operation of any aircraft (ATP, 

Commercial, Private, Recreational or Sport). Unlike a conventional aircraft that carries the pilot 

and passengers, the sUAV is remotely controlled with no living thing on board. The area of 

operation is controlled and restricted, and all flights are planned and coordinated in advance as 

set forth in the manual. The level of safety provided by the requirements included in the 

manuals exceeds that provided by a single individual holding a commercial pilot’s certificate 

operating a conventional aircraft. The risks associated with the operation of the sUAV are so 

diminished from the level of risk associated with commercial operations contemplated by Part 

61 when drafted, that allowing operations of the sUAV as requested with any certificate issued 

by the FAA as the PIC greatly exceeds the present level of safety achieved by 14 C.F.R. Part 

61. The FAA has granted exemptions for private and sport or recreational pilots to conduct 

similar operations in Exemptions 11062, 11213, 11360 and 11447.

14 C.F.R. § 91.119: Minimum Safe Altitudes

Section 91.119 establishes safe altitudes for operation of civil aircraft. Specifically, 

91.119(c) limits aircraft flying over areas other than congested areas to an altitude of 500 feet 

above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the 

aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
U. S. Department of Transportation

September 21, 2015

Page 6

6

As set forth herein, the Trimble craft will never operate at higher than 400 feet AGL. 

They will, however, be operated to avoid congested or populated areas that are depicted in 

yellow on VFR sectional charts. Because aerial survey work must be accomplished at relatively 

low altitudes and at altitudes less than 400 feet AGL, an exemption from Section 91.119(c) is 

needed.

The equivalent level of safety will be achieved given the size, weight, speed, and 

material with which the Trimble craft are built. Also, no flight will be taken without the 

permission of the landowner or those who control the land. Because of the advance notice to 

the landowner, all affected individuals will be aware of the survey flights. Compared to aerial 

survey operations conducted with aircraft or rotorcraft weighing far more than the Trimble craft 

and carrying flammable fuel, any risk associated with these operations will be far less than 

those currently allowed with conventional aircraft operating at or below the same altitude. 

Indeed, the low-altitude operations of the sUAV will maintain separation between these sUAV 

operations and the operations of conventional aircraft that must comply with Section 91.119. 

The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062, 11213, 

11360 and 11447.

14 C.F.R. § 91.121: Altimeter Settings

This regulation requires each person operating an aircraft to maintain cruising altitude by 

reference to an altimeter that is set “...to the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate 

altimeter setting available before departure.” As each sUAV model in at least one operating 

mode will not have a barometric altimeter, but instead a GPS altitude read out, an exemption 

will be needed. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved by the operator, pursuant to the 

manuals, confirming the altitude of the launch site shown on the GPS altitude indicator before 

flight. The FAA has granted exemptions to conduct similar operations in Exemptions 11062, 

11213, 11360 and 11447.

14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a): Fuel Requirements for Flight in VFR Conditions

Section 91.151 (a) prohibits an individual from beginning “a flight in an airplane under 

VFR conditions unless (considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel 

to fly to the first point of intended landing, and, assuming normal cruising speed – (1) During the 

day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or (2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 

minutes.” 

The battery powering the sUAV limits the duration of a flight. To meet the 30-minute 

reserve requirement in 14 C.F.R. § 91.151, sUAV flights would be severely limited, in some 

cases to approximately 10 minutes in length. Given the limitations on the sUAV’s proposed 

flight area and the location of its proposed operations within a predetermined area, a longer time 

frame for flight in daylight or night VFR conditions is reasonable.

Applicant believes that an exemption from 14 C.F.R. § 91.151(a) falls within the scope of 

prior exemptions. See Exemption 10673 (allowing Lockheed Martin Corporation to operate 

without compliance with FAR 91.151 (a)). Operating the sUAV, in a tightly controlled area 

where only people and property owners or official representatives who have signed waivers will 

be allowed, with less than 30 minutes of reserve fuel, does not engender the type of risks that 

Section 91.151(a) was intended to alleviate given the size and speed of the sUAV.
U. S. Department of Transportation

September 21, 2015

Page 7

7

Applicant believes that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved by limiting flights to 

five minutes of reserve time on the batteries. This restriction would be more than adequate to 

return the sUAV to its planned landing zone from anywhere in its limited operating area. Similar 

exemptions have been granted to other operations in Exemptions 2689F, 5745, 10673, 10808 

and Exemptions 11062, 11213, 11360 and 11447.

14 C.F.R. Part 91: Maintenance Inspections

Section 91.405(a) requires that an aircraft operator or owner “shall have that aircraft 

inspected as prescribed in subpart E of this part and shall between required inspections, except 

as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, have discrepancies repaired as prescribed in 

part 43 of this chapter . . . .” Section 91.407 similarly makes reference to requirements in 

Part 43; Section 91.409(a)(2) requires an annual inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness 

certificate. Section 91.417(a) requires the owner or operator to keep records showing certain 

maintenance work that has been accomplished by certificated mechanics, under Part 43, or 

licensed pilots and records of approval of the aircraft for return to service.

Given that these sections and Part 43 apply only to aircraft with an airworthiness 

certificate, these sections will not apply to the applicant. Maintenance will be accomplished by 

the operator pursuant to the manuals. An equivalent level of safety will be achieved because 

these sUAVs are very limited in size and will carry a small payload and operate only in areas for 

limited periods of time. If mechanical issues arise, the sUAV can land immediately since it will 

be operating from no higher than 400 feet AGL. As provided in the manuals, the operator will 

ensure that the sUAV is in working order prior to initiating flight, perform required maintenance, 

and keep a log of any maintenance performed. Moreover, the operator is the person most 

familiar with the aircraft and best suited to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition in order 

to provide the equivalent level of safety. The FAA has granted exemptions for similar operations 

in Exemptions 11062, 11213, 11360 and 11447.
USER GUIDE

TRIMBLE UX5 AERIAL

IMAGING SOLUTION

1

Version 2.0

Revision A

February 2015
Legal Information

Trimble Navigation Limited

935 Stewart Drive

Sunnyvale, California 94085

U.S.A.

www.trimble.com

Copyright and Trademarks

©2013–2015, Trimble Navigation Limited. Allrights reserved.

Trimble and the Globe and Triangle logo are trademarks of Trimble

Navigation Limited,registered in the United States and in other

countries. Access is a trademark of Trimble Navigation Limited.

Microsoft and Windows are eitherregistered trademarks ortrademarks

of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

All othertrademarks are the property of theirrespective owners.

COCOM Limits

The U.S. Department of Commerce requires that all exportable GPS

products contain performance limitations so thatthey cannot be used in

a mannerthat could threaten the security of the United States. The

following limitations are implemented on this product:

– Immediate access to satellite measurements and navigation results is

disabled when the receiver velocity is computed to be greaterthan

1,000 knots, orits altitude is computed to be above 18,000 meters. The

receiverGPS subsystem resets until the COCOM situation clears. As a

result, all logging and stream configurations stop until the GPS

subsystem is cleared.

Notices

United States

Certification number: FCC ID HSW-DNT2400P.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for

a Class A digital device, pursuantto part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits

are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference when the equipmentis operated in a commercial

environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if notinstalled and used in accordance with the

instruction manual,may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. Operation of this equipmentin a residential area is

likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be

required to correctthe interference at his own expense.

Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer

orregistrant of this equipment can void your authority to operate this

equipment under Federal Communications Commission rules.

Canada

UnderIndustry Canada regulations,this radio transmittermay only

operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (orlesser) gain

approved forthe transmitter by Industry Canada.

To reduce potentialradio interference to other users,the antenna type

and its gain should be so chosen thatthe equivalentisotropically

radiated power(e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary forsuccessful

communication.

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard

(s). Operation is subjectto the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that

may cause undesired operation of the device.

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Certification numberIC: 4492A-DNT2400P.

This apparatus complies with Canadian RSS-210.

Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent

émetteurradio peutfonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un

gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pourl'émetteur parIndustrie

Canada.

Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à

l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisirle type d'antenne etson

gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.)

ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une

communication satisfaisante.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables

aux appareils radioexempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux

deux conditions suivantes:

(1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et

(2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit acceptertout brouillage radioélectrique

subi,même si le brouillage estsusceptible d'en compromettre le

fonctionnement.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003

du Canada.

Numérique de certification IC: 4492A-DNT2400P.

Cet appareil est conforme à la norme CNR-210 du Canada.

Europe

The product covered by this guide are intended to be used in all EU

member countries,Norway, and Switzerland.

This equipmentis classified as Group 1, Class A equipment according to

EN55011. Group 1 is applicable for all equipment within the scope of EN

55011 thatis not classified as Group 2 equipment, which contains all ISM

RF equipment. Class A equipmentis equipmentsuitable for use in all

establishments otherthan domestic. Using Class A equipmentin

domestic environments may cause difficulties ensuring electromagnetic

compatibility.

CE Declaration of Conformity

Hereby, Trimble Navigation, declares thatthis productis

in compliance with the essentialrequirements and other

relevant provisions of:

– EMC Directive (2014/30/EU)

– Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU)

– RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)

– Machine Directive (2006/42/EC)

Note– Deviation from Machine directive 2006/42/EC: The CE

marking for the UX5 systemis placed on the Trimble UX5 eBox and is

only visible when the eBox isremoved fromthe Trimble UX5 wing.

Japan

Certification numbers forthe DNT2400P RFM radio module:

007WWCUL0739 and 003UVA110681

Brazil

Este produto está homologado pela Anatel, de acordo com os

procedimentos regulamentados pela Resolução no. 242/2000 e atende

aos requisitos técnicos aplicados, incluindo os limites de exposição da

Taxa de Absorção Específica referente a campos elétricos,magnéticos e

eletromagnéticos de radiofrequência de acordo com as Resoluções no.

303/2002 e 533/2009.

Manter distância mínima de 2,5 cm do corpo humano.

Para maiores informações, consulte o site da ANATEL

www.anatel.gov.br.

Australia and New Zealand

This product conforms with the regulatory requirements of

the Australian Communications and Media Authority

(ACMA) EMC framework,thus satisfying the requirements

for C-Tick Marking and sale within Australia and New

Zealand.

Taiwan – Battery Recycling Requirements

The product contains a removable Lithium polymer battery. Taiwanese

regulations require that waste batteries are recycled.

廢電池請回收

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

For productrecycling instructions and more information,

please go to

www.trimble.com/Corporate/Environmental_

Compliance.aspx.

Recycling in Europe: To recycle Trimble WEEE (Waste

Electrical and Electronic Equipment, products thatrun on electrical

power), call +31 497 53 24 30, and ask forthe “WEEE Associate”. Or,

mail a requestforrecycling instructions to:

Trimble Europe BV

c/o Menlo Worldwide Logistics

Meerheide 45

5521 DZ Eersel,NL

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 2
FCC Declaration of Conformity

We, TrimbleNavigation Limited.

935 Stewart Drive

PO Box 3642

Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3642

United States

+1-408-481-8000

Declare under sole responsibility that DoC products comply

with Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Operation issubject to the following two conditions:

(1) This devicemay not cause harmful interference, and

(2) This devicemust accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Environmental hazards

The product complies with international RoHS regulations.

Toxic and hazardous substances and elements

Part name Lead

(Pb)

Mercury

(Hg)

Cadmium

(Cd)

Hexavalent

Chromium

(Cr6+)

Poly-brominated

biphenyls

(PBB)

Poly-brominated

diphenyl ethers

(PBDE)

Lithium polymer

rechargeable battery

X O O O O O

Power supply X O O O O O

Printed circuit board

assembly

X O O O O O

Radio module X O O O O O

Chassis O O O O O O

Plastic enclosure O O O O O O

Paper manual O O O O O O

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 3
Contents

Environmental hazards 3

1 Introduction 6

The UX5 aerial imaging rover 7

Parts of the UX5 aerial imaging rover 8

Solution components 10

Flight case contents 11

Inserting the eBox and camera 12

Installing the Aerial Imaging software 14

Projects, missions, blocks, and flights 16

Project phases 17

Software overview 18

Changing the system settings 21

Performing maintenance 22

2 Planning a Project 24

Creating a project 25

Preparing the project map 25

Defining the blocks 30

Obstacle clearances 33

Defining the flights 37

Exporting the project 43

Checking flight permissions and conditions 43

3 Preparing Equipment 48

Checking the launcher 49

Checking the UX5 aerial imaging rover 49

Charging the UX5 batteries 52

Charging the Tablet batteries 55

Charging the camera batteries 55

Checking the camera 55

Pairing the transmitter with the tracking receiver 60

Locating your equipment 60

4 Completing a Flight 62

Importing the project 63

Validating the blocks 63

Validating the flights 63

Dealing with sudden weather changes 64

Completing the flight checklist 65

Monitoring the flight 79

Landing the UX5 89

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 4
Contents

Completing the post-flight checklist 91

Disassembling the launcher 92

5 Analysis and Export 94

Transferring the images 95

Returning the project to the Aerial Imaging Desktop software 95

Exporting flight data for processing 96

6 Troubleshooting 98

Errors and warnings 99

Landing issues 104

Aerial Imaging software issues 105

eBox LED status 106

Technicalsupport 106

7 Specifications and Settings 107

UX5 specifications 108

Camera specifications 109

Camera settings 110

Battery charger settings 121

UX5 battery safety 121

A Country-Specific Regulatory Information 131

FAA conditions and limitations of operation 132

Glossary 137

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 5
Introduction

n The UX5 aerial imaging rover 

n Parts of the UX5 aerial imaging rover 

n Solution components

n Flight case contents

n Inserting the eBox and camera

n Installing the Aerial Imaging software

n Projects, missions, blocks, and flights

n Project phases

n Software overview

The Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User

Guide provides detailed information about

operating the components of the Trimble®

UX5 aerial imaging solution.

Even if you have used other unmanned aviation

systems before, please read this user guide

carefully to familiarize yourself with the

UX5 aerial imaging solution.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 6

C H A P T E R 1
1   Introduction

The UX5 aerial imaging rover 

The Trimble UX5 aerial imaging rover is an unmanned aircraft (UA). An unmanned aircraft is a generic

term, and refers to an aircraft that is operated with no pilot on board. Such an aircraft is commonly

also referred to as a remotely-piloted aircraft (RPA). The UX5 aerial imaging rover follows a

pre-programmed path where takeoff, flight, and landing require minimal human intervention. If

required, the crew operating the aircraft from the ground can intervene to change the flight path or

to land. In some cases, such as communications failure or loss of GPS signal, a pre-programmed

intervention is automatically activated to re-establish signal loss or to terminate the flight early and

complete a safe landing.

The UX5 aerial imaging rover holds a camera that takes aerial images over the defined area. During

the flight, all pictures are acquired at a specified height, along parallel lines with specified overlap

between the image exposures. At the same time, position information of the pictures is recorded for

further processing in image processing software such as Trimble Business Center software.

Typical applications

Image acquisition can be used for:

l Orthophoto creation

l Digital Elevation Model (DEM) or Digital Surface Model (DSM)

l Photogrammetry

The resulting data is useful for a range of applications, including:

l Topographicalsurveying, particularly in remote or difficult to access areas, typical in the mining

and dredging industries

l Vegetation monitoring

l Infrastructure mapping

ISA conditions

All operating specifications provided in this guide for the UX5 aerial imaging rover are determined

using International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) conditions. The ISA conditions used to determine

the specifications for the UX5 aerial imaging rover are:

Specification Value

Humidity 0 %

Air pressure 1013.25 hPa (760 mm Hg)

Temperature 15 °C (59 °F)

Air density 1.225 kg/m3 (0.076 lb/ft3)

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 7
1   Introduction

Parts of the UX5 aerial imaging rover 

The main parts of the UX5 aerial imaging rover are shown below.

Top view

❶ Aircraft body ❻ eBox ❿ Download cable connector

❷ Leading edge ❼ Pitot tube ⓫ Elevon servos

❸ Payload bay ❽ GPS antenna ⓬ Inboard elevon

❹ Battery ❾ Mode button ⓭ Outboard elevon

❺ Camera

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 8
1   Introduction

Bottom view

❶ Camera lens hole ❸ Motor ❺ Propeller

❷ Launcher slat ❹ Propeller nut ❻ Winglet

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 9
1   Introduction

Solution components

The UX5 aerial imaging solution comprises the following components:

l UX5 aerial imaging rover

l Camera

l Ground controlstation

l Launcher

l Tracker (optional)

UX5 aerial imaging rover

The UX5 aerial imaging rover consists of the wing kit (or body) and the eBox. The eBox is a

removable box containing the computer that controls the UX5. The eBox is connected to a GPS

antenna and a radio antenna so that the ground controlstation can communicate with the UX5

while it is in the air.

Camera

The camera captures images during the flight. The camera has a large 24.3 megapixel (Sony a5100) or

16.1 megapixel (Sony NEX-5) APS-C sensor that provides sharp, detailed images. The standard RGB

solution includes a UV HAZE 1 filter. The optional NIR (near infrared)solution is for use in specialized

applications such as agriculture.

Ground control station

The ground controlstation (GCS) is used to control the UX5 aerial imaging rover from the ground. It

comprises the Trimble Tablet running the Trimble AccessTM Aerial Imaging software. The Trimble UX5

modem is connected to the Tablet to enable radio communication to the unmanned aircraft.

Launcher

The launcher is a mechanical device that provides a safe way to launch the UX5 aerial imaging

rover in the direction of takeoff.

Tracker

The tracker consists of a transmitter inserted in the body of the UX5 aerial imaging rover and a

receiver. Ifrequired, the receiver is used to track the transmitter signalso the UX5 can be located

once it has landed. The exact type of tracker used depends on the country where the system is

being used. Check with your Trimble distributor what is available for your location.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 10
1   Introduction

Flight case contents

When you receive your solution components, unpack them and store them in the dedicated

cavities in the flight case.

Check off the components against the illustration below to ensure that you have all of the

components you need for a successful flight:

❾ ❿

❶ ❷ ❷ ❸

❹ ❺

❻ ❼

❽ ⓫

❶ Tablet, Tablet charger, modem and RF

antenna, download cable

❼ UX5 battery charger and charge cable

❷ UX5 battery ❽ Spare camera battery and camera

battery charger

❸ Tracker transmitter and receiver ❾ Lens cleaning paper

❹ Power strip and power cable ❿ Pre-moistened lens cloth

❺ UX5 body, with camera, eBox and top cover ⓫ Pitot cover, tools and optionalspare

parts

❻ Extra parts such as winglets, propellers

Note – Some components are small partsthat are easily lost. To avoid this, assoon as you unpack them:

— insert the camera battery and SD card into the camera.

— attach the GPS and RF antennasto the eBox. See Inserting the eBox and camera, page 12.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 11
1   Introduction

Note – According to ICAO/IATA regulations, Lithium polymer batteries must be carried in hand luggage

when transporting the system by air.

Note – The following parts of the Trimble UX5 aerial imaging solution are considered dual-use: the eBox,

Trimble Tablet and launcher. Dual-use goods are products and technologies normally used for civilian

purposes but which may have military applications. Under EU regulations, controlled items may not leave

the EU customsterritory without an export authorization. Additional restrictions are also in place

concerning the provision of brokering services with regard to dual-use items and concerning the transit of

such itemsthrough the EU. The same istrue when exporting goodsfrom any country outside the EU to

any other country outside the EU.

Inserting the eBox and camera

The eBox and camera are stored inside the UX5 body in the flight case.

1. Unpack the UX5 body, the eBox, GPS antenna, RF antenna, and camera.

2. Attach the RF antenna to the underside of the eBox.

3. Attach the GPS antenna to the top side of the eBox.

4. Insert the eBox into the eBox cavity of the UX5 body, sliding the bottom end into the cavity and

then pressing down so that the connector on the rear plugs into the connector in the UX5

body.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 12
1   Introduction

WARNING – Always disconnect the battery from the aircraft before inserting or removing the eBox from

the UX5 body. If the battery is still connected, you risk damaging the electronics inside the UX5 body. For

information on disconnecting the battery, see Removing the battery, page 52.

5. Insert the screw into the hole of the eBox and screw the eBox into place using a T10 Torx

screwdriver.

6. If you are using the:

Sony a5100 camera

Note – Make sure that the Sony NEX-5 adapter pieces and the IR LED trigger cable are removed

from the payload bay. Do not use any sharp toolsfor this.

a. Insert the adapter piece into the camera cavity of the payload bay of the UX5 body.

b. Connect the USB cable to the camera and to the connector from the eBox. Insert the eBox

connection vertically into the cavity.

c. Insert the camera into the camera cavity of the payload bay and secure it using the Velcro

strap.

Sony NEX-5 camera

Note – Make sure that the Sony a5100 adapter piece and the USB trigger cable are removed from

the payload bay. Do not use any sharp toolsfor this.

a. Insert the two adapter pieces into the camera cavity of the payload bay of the UX5 body.

b. Insert the IR LED cable into the cable duct:

a. Without using any sharp tools, position the LED vertically in the round opening and

gently push the cable into the duct.

b. Connect the IR LED cable connector to the connector from the eBox and insert the

connection vertically into the cavity.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 13
1   Introduction

c. Cover the IR LED with the protection cap. The cap should be flush with the surface.

c. Insert the camera into the camera cavity of the payload bay and secure it using the Velcro

strap.

Note – After inserting and securing the camera, check the shutter speed asthe settings control might

have spun and changed the setting.

Installing the Aerial Imaging software

Use the Aerial Imaging software to plan, manage, and monitor your flights.

The Aerial Imaging Desktop software is installed on an office computer. The field version of the Aerial

Imaging software is installed on the Tablet. The field software provides all of the functionality

included in the office software. In addition, you can use the field software to monitor the aircraft

during flight.

Aerial Imaging Desktop installation

1. To install the Aerial Imaging Desktop software, use the Trimble Access Installation Manager. If

you have:

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 14
1   Introduction

l not installed the Trimble Access Installation Manager before, go to www.trimble.com/taim

for installation information. Make sure you download and install the TAIM Online version.

l previously installed the Trimble Access Installation Manager, you do not need to reinstall it

because it updates itself automatically.

2. Make sure you do not have a Tablet or other Trimble controller connected to the office

computer.

3. Select Start / All Programs / Trimble Access Installation Manager to start the Installation

Manager.

4. Select the Trialsoftware tab.

5. Select the Aerial Imaging Desktop check box.

6. Click Create license.

7. The Trimble Access Installation Manager switches to the Licensed applications tab and shows

the now licensed Aerial Imaging Desktop software.

8. Click Install.

For further information on updating the software, refer to the Help file in the Trimble Access

Installation Manager. To view the Help file, select the Trimble icon in the top left, and then select

Help.

Aerial Imaging Tablet installation

When you first turn on the Tablet, you must install the Windows® 7 operating system. To do this

you must set a user name and password for the Tablet. The installation of Windows 7 takes about 5

minutes.

1. To install the Aerial Imaging software on the Tablet, use the Trimble Access Installation

Manager. If you have:

l not installed the Trimble Access Installation Manager before, go to www.trimble.com/taim

for installation information.

l previously installed the Trimble Access Installation Manager, you do not need to reinstall it

because it updates itself automatically.

2. Select Start / All Programs / Trimble Access Installation Manager to start the Installation

Manager.

3. Make sure Aerial Imaging is selected in the product bar.

4. In the Licensed applications tab, select the Aerial Imaging check box and then click Install.

For further information on how to install or update your software and license file, refer to the Help

file in the Trimble Access Installation Manager. To view the Help file, select the Trimble icon in the

top left, and then select Help.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 15
1   Introduction

Software notifications

The software notification service is installed on your office computer or Trimble Tablet along with

the TAIM software. The service uses the Windows notification area, which appears at the far right of

the Windows taskbar.

The service notifies you when newer versions of the Aerial Imaging software are available.

Notifications occur once a week until you have updated your system.

To run TAIM and install updates, click the notification message. Alternatively, click the Show Hidden

Icons arrow in the Windows taskbar and then double-click the Trimble Access Installation Manager

icon.

To manually check for updates, click the Show Hidden Icons arrow in the Windows taskbar and then

right-click the Trimble Access Installation Manager icon and select Check for updates.

Updating the eBox firmware

The Aerial Imaging software automatically checks that the eBox firmware is up to date when the

connection between the GCS and the UX5 is established during the flight checklist procedure. If

firmware updates are available you are prompted to perform an update. It takes about 30 minutes

to update the eBox firmware.

To manually initiate a firmware update, tap Checking the firmware version in the Maintenance

screen. If the firmware version is out of date, tap Update.

1. When the Update firmware checklist appears, do one of the following:

l To dismiss the update checklist, tap .

l To start the firmware update, tap . The update checklist appears.

2. When prompted, attach the modem. Tap to update the modem firmware.

3. When prompted, connect the download cable. Tap to update the eBox firmware.

4. The eBox firmware update consists ofseveral automatic steps. When the firmware has finished

updating, disconnect the download cable from the eBox and the modem.

Depending on whether the Update firmware checklist was started automatically or manually,

either the start of the flight checklist or the Maintenance screen appears.

Projects, missions, blocks, and flights

A project consists of one or more missions. Missions represent the areas to be aerially

photographed. A mission area consists of one or more blocks within the mission area. By default

there is one block per mission area, but if the estimated flight time for a block exceeds 50 minutes

then the mission area must be divided into smaller blocks. Blocks provide flexibility so that the

mission areas in a project can be covered in the smallest number of flights, because a flight can

cover one or more blocks, as long as the total flight time for the blocks is less than 50 minutes.

For example, a farmer wants to aerially photograph his potato fields. The farmer has two potato

fields, located 500 m apart from each other. In his project, he creates a mission area for each field.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 16
1   Introduction

By default, each mission area consists of one block. One field can be mapped in an estimated flight

time of 20 minutes. But one field is so large the estimated flight time is 70 minutes. It cannot be

mapped in one flight. Therefore, the farmer splits the mission area into two blocks. He could split

the mission area into two equal blocks of 35 minutes, but then that would result in three separate

blocks that have to be flown as three separate flights. Instead, the farmer splits the large mission

area into one 45 minute block and one 25 minute block. Then the farmer adds the new 25 minute

block to the flight for the existing 20 minute block. The farmer can now map both mission areas in

two flights, each of 45 minutes duration.

Projects, blocks, and flights can be copied so it is easy to set up similar projects or flights. Copy

blocks to easily repeat flights at different heights. Or copy flights to redo a flight regularly, for

example to track changes or progress over the mission area.

Note – Project planning is usually done in the office. Block and flight planning can be prepared in the

office but must be validated in the field after checking actual conditions.

Project phases

The typical phases of a project are:

l Project definition: In the office you can define one or more missions, adding details such as

background maps, avoidance zones, and text fields ifrequired. The area, ground sample

distance (GSD), and the amount of image overlap are defined for each mission.

l Block definition: Depending on the size and nature of a mission area, you can split a mission

area into one or more blocks. In the office you can specify the wind and flight line direction. For

each block you can customize the GSD, height, and image overlap. In the field, you must

validate the block properties to take into account the actual wind direction and environment.

l Flight definition: In the office you can prepare one or more flights to cover the block(s) and

suggest the takeoff and landing locations. In the field you must validate the flight properties,

including the selected takeoff and landing locations. The flight checklist is completed to ensure

that the system is ready for the flight.

l Flight scheduling: Flight scheduling is completed outside of the Aerial Imaging software.

Checks for flight permissions, weather, and site suitability are completed and the flight is

scheduled. Before heading to the site, all equipment is checked for any damage from previous

flights and all batteries are fully charged.

l Flight operation: After launching the UX5 aerial imaging rover, the flight is monitored using the

ground controlstation. After the UX5 lands, the post-flight checklist is completed to transfer

the flight data to the Tablet.

l Analysis and export: The flight and captured images are analyzed to make sure they are

synchronized and the data is exported in the appropriate file format for image processing.

l Image processing: The data collected during the flight is processed using image processing

software such as Trimble Business Center software.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 17
1   Introduction

Software overview

l The Home screen

l The Projects screen

l Software tabs

l Title bar buttons

l Status icons

The Home screen

When you open the Aerial Imaging software, the Home screen appears.

The Home screen is shown below:

From this screen you can:

l Create a new project or import a project. Alternatively, browse to the Projects screen to view

available projects. See The Projects screen, page 19.

l Change system settings. See Changing the system settings, page 21.

l Access the Maintenance screen. SeePerforming maintenance, page 22

To return to the current job, click .

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 18
1   Introduction

The Projects screen

To view the Projects screen, click in the Home screen. Existing projects are displayed in the

thumbnail carousel on the left and in the list to the right.

To search for a project, enter the project name in the search bar above the list, or browse the

project thumbnails.

To view project details, click beside a project name in the list.

You must select a project before any of the following buttons except and are enabled:

Click... To... For more information, see...

Create a new project. Creating a project, page 25

Import a project .gwt file.

Note – Import is not backwards compatible

with previous versions of the Aerial Imaging

software.

Importing the project, page 63

Export the project .gwt file Exporting the project, page 43

Export project data as .jxl or .csv/.txt files for

processing.

Note – Export to .jxl or .csv/.txt is backwards

compatible with previous versions of the Aerial

Imaging software.

Exporting flight data for

processing, page 96

Copy the contents of the project. By default,

the check box to copy flights and flight data is

selected, but if you do not want to copy the

project contents, clear the check box.

Open the project. The Map layers screen

appears.

Creating the mission, page 27

Delete the project and associated flight data,

including images.

Note – This behavior differsfrom previous

versions of Aerial Imaging, where deleting a

project did not delete the images associated

with a project.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 19
1   Introduction

Software tabs

The Aerial Imaging software provides a tabular workflow. The tabs allow you to easily move between

the different levels of project information and phases of a project.

Most screens in the software provide access to the following tabs:

Tab icon Tab name Function

Map layers tab Add a map, and create a mission.

Blocks tab Add blocks to the mission, and set block

properties, such as the GSD and height

for the block.

Flights tab Add flights, and define flight properties,

such as the takeoff and landing

locations.

Flight checklist tab Complete the flight checklist.

Dashboard tab Monitor the UX5 during flight.

Post-flight checklist tab Transfer the flight data from the UX5 to

the Tablet.

Title bar buttons

The title bar of the software includes the following buttons:

Click... To...

Save the project.

View the Aerial Imaging Help and the software About dialog.

Close the software.

Return to the Projects screen.

Return to the Home screen.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 20
1   Introduction

Status icons

At the bottom of each screen, the footer shows the following information:

Icon Accompanying information Notes

GPS coordinates of the location of the

cursor on the map.

GPS coordinates of the location of the

GCS.

If the GCS has no GPS connection, this

icon is red and the text "not available" is

displayed.

GPS coordinates of the location of the

UX5.

If the UX5 has no GPS connection, this

icon is not displayed.

The battery level of the Tablet. If you are using the Aerial Imaging

Desktop software, this icon is not

displayed.

During flight, the following information is shown:

Icon Accompanying information

Ground speed.

Distance between the GCS and the aircraft, projected perpendicular onto the

GCS reference plane; azimuth from the GCS to the aircraft.

Number of flight lines flown versus total number of flight lines.

Changing the system settings

To change settings for the Aerial Imaging software, click the Settings button in the Home screen.

After configuring the settings, do one of the following:

l Click to accept the settings and then click to return to the Home screen.

l Click to discard the changes you have made to the settings and return to the Home screen.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 21
1   Introduction

General settings

Use the settings in the General group to specify:

l The language used for the Aerial Imaging software and help file.

l The source for online maps.

Note – Trimble does not guarantee the accuracy of any mapping data source. It is your responsibility

to double-check the precision of the coordinates.

l Preferred units for speed, distance, altitude, and area.

l Automatic generation of one flight.

Select the check box to enable "fast track", where a small mission area that can be covered by

one block will automatically create one flight to cover the block. Fast track enables you to

rapidly browse through the tabs. Experienced users may prefer to clear this check box and

create their own flights.

Network settings

Use the settings in the Network group to specify the proxy settings for the Internet connection.

Select the check box to enable proxy settings for the Internet connection and then enter the

settings to use. If you change these settings, you are prompted to restart the Aerial Imaging

software.

Note – You may need to configure the Internet proxy settings before you can view online maps. For the

correct settingsto use, consult your network administrator.

Autopilot settings

Use the settings in the Autopilot group to specify the communication timeout settings.

Enter a value between 20 seconds and 1800 seconds (30 minutes). The default value is 120 seconds

(2 minutes).

Note – The country you are operating in may have regulations prescribing the minimum communication

timeout setting that you must use. Make sure you are aware of these and that you use the regulated

minimum setting for your location.

Performing maintenance

To perform maintenance on the body of the UX5 or on the launcher, click in the Home screen to

view maintenance procedures. Alternatively, refer to the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution

Maintenance Guide.

The following maintenance procedures are available:

l Replacing the drive unit

l Replacing a servo

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 22
1   Introduction

l Replacing a propeller blade

l Replacing the camera filter

l Replacing a winglet or winglet screw

l Checking the pitot tube

l Replacing the launcher cord

l Replacing the wheels of the launcher dock

Check the UX5 and the launcher after each flight to ensure the equipment is in good working order.

For more information, see Preparing Equipment, page 48.

Perform any maintenance required using the procedures above. If you note any issues not covered

by these procedures, contact your Trimble distributor.

In addition, the Maintenance screen allows you to check the firmware version of the eBox, and if

necessary update the firmware. For more information, see Updating the eBox firmware, page 16.

To exit the Maintenance screen and return to the Home screen, click in the title bar.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 23
Planning a Project

n Creating a project

n Preparing the project map

n Defining the blocks

n Obstacle clearances

n Defining the flights

n Exporting the project

n Checking flight permissions and

conditions

This chapter describes how to plan a project.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 24

C H A P T E R 2
2   Planning a Project

Creating a project

To create a new project, do one of the following:

l in the Home screen, click and enter the name of the new project in the pop-up field. The

Map layers screen for the new project appears.

l In the Projects screen, click and enter the name of the new project in the pop-up field. The

new project appears in the Projects list. Click to open the project. The Map layers screen

appears.

Note – Names of projects, mission areas, blocks, and flights can contain the following characters: A-Z, a-z,

0-9, dash (-),space ( ), and underscore (_).

Preparing the project map

A project must have at least one geo-referenced background map and one mission. Objects within a

geo-referenced map are associated with a unique geographical location.

To prepare the project map, select the Map layers tab. See:

l Adding a background map, page 25

l Creating the mission, page 27

l Adding information to the map, page 29

Adding a background map

You can use an online map, an offline map, or you can add your own geo-referenced map.

l To use an online map:

a. Make sure you have Internet access.

b. Click on the map and then enter the location of interest. The map shows the area

around the location using your preferred online map provider (see Changing the system

settings, page 21).

c. Zoom in or out, or pan until you view the preferred map area.

Note – The online map is always available as a layer and cannot be deleted. You can have only one

online map layer per project.

l To use an offline map, click and then click . Use the toolbar that appears on top of the

map to select the satellite map or road map for download. The current view of the online map,

including two extra zoom levels, is downloaded as an offline map. The largest area you can

download has zoom level 10, which corresponds to approximately 95 m per pixel (0.06 miles per

pixel).

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 25
2   Planning a Project

The offline map layer ensures you will be able to view the map background during the flight, if

you do not have an Internet connection in the field.

You can have multiple offline map layers in a project.

l To use your own map, add a GeoTiff file that you have prepared earlier using software such as

Trimble Business Center software.

The GeoTiff file must be georeferenced in the WGS84 UTM datum and be less than 120 MB in

size. It must use no compression or LWZ file compression only.

To generate a background map using the Trimble Business Center AP module, create an

orthomosaic selecting "Low" resolution and "TIFF" for the file format.

To add the GeoTiff file in Aerial Imaging, click . Navigate to the location of the file, select it,

and then click Open. The map shows the contents of the file you selected.

You can have multiple GeoTiff map layers in a project.

For more information on map layers, see Managing map layers, page 26.

Managing map layers

Click to toggle between the map view and the satellite view of the online map.

The "Online map" is the map's default layer. The online map is always the bottom layer and cannot

be moved up.

An offline or GeoTiff layer sits above the online map and below any other layer, such as mission,

avoidance zone, and KML file.

New layers appear above a selected layer. If nothing is selected, it becomes the top layer. Layers at

the top of the list appear as the top-most layers on the map.

To hide a layer, click next to the layer name.

To show a hidden layer, click next to the layer name.

To disable any manipulation of a layer, click next to the layer name.

To remove a layer that is no longer required, select the layer in the list and then click below the

list. You cannot delete the online map layer.

To rename a layer, select the layer in the list and then click the layer's name. You can now edit the

name. The online map cannot be renamed.

Use the and buttons to zoom in and zoom out of the map.

Click to display the map grid lines.

Use the button, to zoom the map and all of its layers to the best view.

If you are viewing the map on the Tablet and it has a GPS connection, the button is available. If

you pan around the map, click to center the map on the current GPS location.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 26
2   Planning a Project

During flight, the button is available. Click to center the map on the current UX5 location.

Creating the mission

A mission is the area to be flown over at a specified ground sample distance (GSD) and image

overlap.

1. To create the mission area:

a. Click and then click . A toolbar appears on top of the map, allowing you to add a

polygonal or rectangular area.

b. Click the appropriate shape on the toolbar and then draw the shape of the mission area on

the map:

l For a polygon, click the mouse at each boundary point.

l For a rectangle, click the mouse on the map. A standard-sized shape appears. The

location of the mouse click is the center of the shape.

To stop drawing and confirm the shape, click . The mission layer appears in the map

layers list to the right.

To clear the shape, click .

c. To edit the mission area, select the area on the map or in the map layers list and then click

.

l To resize or reshape the area, click and move the boundary points on the map.

l To reposition the area, click and move it on the map .

l To add or delete boundary points or to rotate the shape, use the toolbar that appears

on the map. To confirm your changes, click , or click to undo your changes.

Note – It is not possible to add or remove boundary pointsfor a rectangular area.

d. Repeat the steps above to add as many mission areas as required.

2. To edit the mission properties, click next to the mission name in the map layers list and then

do the following:

a. Select the type ofsensor that you will use to map the mission: Sony a5100 or Sony NEX-5

b. Set the ground sample distance (GSD). The default value is the GSD value obtained by

flying at a height of 100 m (328 ft). For more information, see GSD and height, page 28.

c. Enter the image forward ( ) and side overlap ( ). The default value is 80%. For more

information, see Image forward and side overlap, page 28.

The mission properties also show the size of the mission area.

Note – It is not possible to change the mission properties when a mission islocked.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 27
2   Planning a Project

Tip – To disable editing of the mission area or mission properties, click next to the mission

name.

GSD and height

The GSD (ground sample distance) field specifies the distance on the ground represented by each

pixel. The default resolution is 2.6 cm (1.0 ") when using the Sony a5100 sensor and 3.2 cm (1.3 ")

when using the Sony NEX-5 sensor.

The smaller the value in the GSD field, the more detailed the images. You should always specify a

value equal to or smaller than the resolution required in the final orthophotos, after the images are

processed. If the value in the GSD field is larger than the final resolution required, then the images

acquired during the flight will not be detailed enough and the image processing software will need to

interpolate additional pixels. This will result in images that do not have the expected resolution.

The GSD field and the height at which the UX5 aerial imaging rover flies are linked. The higher the

unmanned aircraft flies, the larger the distance on the ground represented by each pixel in the

images acquired during the flight:

Height GSD (Sony a5100) GSD (Sony NEX-5)

Minimum: 75 m (246 ft) 2.0 cm (0.8 ") 2.4 cm (0.9 ")

100 m (328 ft) 2.6 cm (1.0 ") 3.2 cm (1.3 ")

150 m (492 ft) 3.9 cm (1.5 ") 4.8 cm (1.9 ")

Maximum: 750 m (2460 ft) 19.6 cm (7.7 ") 23.9 cm (9.4 ")

You will first specify the GSD value for the mission when you create the mission area. This

determines the default height used for all blocks in that mission. For example, if you enter 4.8 cm in

the GSD field when using the Sony NEX-5 sensor, the unmanned aircraft will fly at 150 m (492 ft).

During block definition you can adjust the height for each block, taking into account the specific

obstacles in the block.

Image forward and side overlap

The default value of the overlap between images is 80%. Image overlap can range from 60% to 90%.

Note – Trimble does not recommend using an overlap of lessthan 80%, asit may prevent (large) parts of

the dataset being adjustable in the Trimble Business Center software due to the lack of tie points,

especially where the flight height waslow or where the area containstrees or other tall objects, or areas

that lack texture.

By default the forward ( ) and side overlap ( ) values are linked, so that when one value

changes, the other value changes accordingly. To "break" the link so that the overlap values can be

set independently, click . To re-establish the link, click .

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 28
2   Planning a Project

A higher overlap results in:

l better accuracy

l a higher density of flight lines on the area

l a higher number of images to process

l longer processing times for images

l longer flight duration for the same area

Select the overlap value for your mission based on the accuracy, flight duration, and the number of

images you require.

Adding information to the map

You can add the following types of information to the map:

l avoidance zones

l KML files containing lines, points, images, and polygons

l .csv files containing ground control points (GCPs)

1. To create an avoidance zone:

a. Click and then . A toolbar appears on top of the map, allowing you to add a

polygonal, rectangular, or ellipsoidal area.

b. Click the appropriate shape on the toolbar and then draw the shape of the avoidance zone

on the map:

l For a polygon, click the mouse at each boundary point.

l For a rectangle or ellipse, click the mouse on the map. A standard-sized shape

appears. The location of the mouse click is the center of the shape.

To stop drawing and confirm the shape, click . The avoidance zone appears in the list

to the right.

To clear the shape, click .

c. To edit the avoidance zone, select the zone on the map or in the map layers list and then

click .

l To resize or reshape the avoidance zone, click and move the boundary points on the

map.

l To reposition the avoidance zone, click and move it on the map.

l To add or delete the boundary points or to rotate the shape, use the toolbar that

appears on the map. To confirm your changes, click . To undo your changes, click

.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 29
2   Planning a Project

Note – It is not possible to add or remove boundary pointsfor a rectangular or ellipsoidal

zone.

Tip – To disable editing of the avoidance zone, click next to the avoidance zone name.

d. Repeat the steps above to add as many avoidance zones as required.

Note – The mission area and the +/- 200 m (+/- 656 ft) required for turnsshould not overlap any

avoidance zone on the map. If the mission area is orange, you must move the area out of the

avoidance zone.

2. Click to add the following types of files as layers:

l A KML file that you have previously downloaded from Google Maps.

l Ground control points (GCPs) contained in a .csv file.

The format for the .csv file is: Identifier, Latitude, Longitude, Altitude. The coordinates

must be in the WGS84 coordinate system and the altitude in meters. There should be no

header.

Defining the blocks

To define blocks, select the Blocks tab.

Note – You must validate in the field any blocks you have defined in the office.

Each mission area defined for a project is automatically covered by one block. The block appears in

the list to the right and as a yellow shape on the map. The map does not contain any blocks if you

have not yet defined a mission area in the Map layers tab.

When you select the block, the blue flight lines that appear over the block indicate the direction the

UX5 will fly across the block. The unmanned aircraft should always fly perpendicular to the prevailing

wind direction and all turns should be made into the wind. By default, the prevailing wind direction

is a northerly wind. North is located at the top of the map.

Define more blocks as required to:

l Cover the entire mission area. You will need to add more blocks if the estimated time for a

block exceeds 50 minutes. The flight time can be viewed in the block properties.

l Cover different parts of the mission at different heights to deal with differences in terrain.

l Easily repeat flights at different heights to obtain different results.

You can combine and split blocks as required to fly the mission area in the most efficient number of

flights.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 30
2   Planning a Project

The Blocks tab, for an example mission and block, is shown below:

To edit blocks:

Note – Blocks with the statusicon or have been flown and cannot be edited.

1. To update the prevailing wind direction to match the expected conditions in the field:

a. Tap the wind direction arrow in the top right corner of the map and drag it so that it

indicates the direction of the wind at the site. The flight lines rotate accordingly.

Note – To ensure smooth turns and limited headwind and tailwind during flight, it isimportant

to correctly indicate the prevailing wind direction. However, to disable the control of the flight

lines by wind direction, click next to the block name in the list. To manually adjust the

direction of the flight lines, tap the flight linesin the map and rotate asrequired. Alternatively,

enter the rotation angle of the flight linesin the field. Thisis useful when the mission/block

area is a narrow rectangle, in which case you should always put the flight lines along the longest

side of the rectangle, independent from the wind direction.

b. If the flight lines change to red, this indicates that one or more flight lines (including the

additional +/- 200 m (+/- 656 ft) required for turns) overlaps an avoidance zone. For more

information, see Creating the mission, page 27. Once you have edited the mission area,

the block and flight lines update automatically.

2. To view the properties of a block, click next to the block name. By default the block inherits

the properties of the mission. Ifrequired, edit the height (or GSD) and image overlap values for

the block, taking into account specific obstacles in the block. Images are not acquired until the

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 31
2   Planning a Project

unmanned aircraft climbs to the specified height.

The software estimates the total flight time needed to cover the block. The estimated flight

time does not include the time to get to and from the takeoff and landing locations.

The block properties also show the size of the block area and the mission to which the block

belongs.

3. If the estimated flight duration exceeds 50 minutes, a warning indication appears next to

the block name in the list. If the warning appears then you must split the block:

a. Select the block and then click . A toolbar appears on top of the map that allows you to

split the block.

b. Click . By default the block is divided through the center of the rectangular boundary

box surrounding the block area, perpendicular to the wind direction.

c. To change the cut, manipulate the boundary points of the dividing line.

d. Click to confirm splitting the block. The original block is divided in two and both blocks

appear in the list.

Note – Splitting blocks can cause existing blocksto be renumbered.

e. Repeat the steps above until the flight duration of all blocks is less than 50 minutes,

because you need to also consider the takeoff and landing time.

f. To undo a split, select one of the blocks that you want to combine and click . From the

toolbar that appears on the map, click and then select the other block to merge. You

can only merge adjacent blocks. Click to confirm the merge. The properties of the first

selected block are used for the merged block.

4. To use a left turn or a right turn to enter the block during flight, click or . This setting also

defines the first waypoint that the UX5 will fly to.

Managing blocks

To hide a block, click next to the block name.

To show a hidden block, click next to the block name.

To copy the default block of a mission, select the block in the list or on the map and then click

below the list. The new block has the size of the original mission area and the properties of the

selected block. Copying a block is useful if you need to scan the same mission area using different

GSD and overlap values.

To remove a block that is no longer required, select the block and then click . If the block was

created by splitting a block, all other blocks that were part of the splitting action are also removed. If

those blocks were the only blocks that covered the mission area, the software automatically creates

a new block, which has the size and properties of the mission.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 32
2   Planning a Project

To rename a block, select the block in the list and then click on the block's name. You can now edit

the name.

Note – Blocks with the statusicon or have been flown and cannot be renamed, changed, or

removed. However, you can copy the block and then edit the copy.

Obstacle clearances

When defining a flight, you must ensure that the selected takeoff and landing locations are clear of

obstacles. Obstacle clearances for each stage of the flight are shown below.

When you arrive at the site, visually check the takeoff and landing locations to ensure that the

selected locations are free of obstacles.

Obstacle clearances for takeoff

From 0 m (takeoff location) to 50 m: Within the first 50 m (164 ft), there must be a clear area free

of obstacles within 30° to the left and right of the launch direction.

From 50 m to 280 m: From the first 50 m (164 ft) and within 280 m (919 ft), obstacles must not

appear above the safety line determined by a 15° safety angle and within 25 m (82 ft) to the left and

right of the launch direction.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 33
2   Planning a Project

Obstacle clearances for cruise flight

During cruise flight, no obstacles must appear between the cruise flight height and 25 m (82 ft)

below it:

Obstacle clearances for descent

When entering the landing orbit, no obstacles must appear with a 300 m (984 ft) radius of the center

of the orbit. Once the UX5 has descended 25 m from the cruise flight height, the required obstaclefree area has a radius of 150 m (462 ft).

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 34
2   Planning a Project

Obstacle clearances for landing

Once you confirm the landing, the UX5 starts the final leg of the landing.

Along the final leg of the landing, there must be a clear area free of obstacles within 15 m to the left

and right of the landing direction.

In the final leg of the landing, no obstacles must appear in the yellow zone shown in the vertical

cross section of the landing. In addition, the landing location must be free of obstacles and meet the

minimum size indicated:

l Linear landing

l Curved landing

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 35
2   Planning a Project

During the final leg of the landing it is possible to click the Abort button (see Handling emergencies

during flight, page 82). To successfully abort the flight, extra clearances should be taken into

account:

l Linear landing abort clearance

l Curved landing abort clearance

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 36
2   Planning a Project

Defining the flights

To define flights, select the Flights tab.

Note – You must validate in the field any flights you have defined in the office.

The Flights tab, for an example flight where takeoff and landing are planned but not fixed, is shown

below:

If the auto-generate flight setting is enabled in the Settings screen, the software automatically

generates a flight including block 1 (the top-most block). A flight can cover more than one block, and

blocks can be linked to more than one flight. Depending on the number and size of the blocks you

have defined in the Blocks tab, you may need several flights to cover all the blocks defined for the

mission area(s). To add a flight, click . A new entry appears in the list.

A flight can have the following status:

l No icon: Not flown

l : Flown and settings frozen

l : Flown, log files downloaded and settings frozen

To copy a flight, select the flight in the list or on the map and then click below the list. Copying a

flight is useful if you want to repeat a flight and keep the data of both flights.

To remove a flight that is no longer required, select the flight and then click below the list.

Note – Thisremovesthe flight data stored on the Tablet for thisflight.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 37
2   Planning a Project

To rename a flight, select the flight in the list and then click the flight name. You can now edit the

name.

To define a flight, see:

l Setting the takeoff parameters, page 38

l Setting the landing properties, page 39

l Adding blocks to the flight, page 41

l Managing the routes between blocks, page 41

l Simulating the flight, page 42

Note – Flights with the statusicon or have been flown and cannot be renamed, changed, or

removed. However, you can copy the flight and then edit the copy.

Setting the takeoff parameters

1. To set the takeoff parameters, in the Flight tab click beside the flight and then click

beside Takeoff. A toolbar appears on top of the map.

2. To set the takeoff location, do one of the following:

l To add a new location without GPS: In the Aerial Imaging Desktop or Tablet software,

click and then click on the map to set the location. The takeoff pin appears on the map

with an arrow indicating the takeoff heading and shows the "Planned and not active"

status icon .

You can add as many takeoff locations as you want. Click to confirm the added

locations.

l To add a new location using GPS: In the Aerial Imaging Tablet software, physically go to

the takeoff location and then click . If the location you want to fix lies within 10 m of a

planned pin, the planned pin is fixed. Otherwise, a new pin with the fixed status is added to

the map. The takeoff pin appears on the map with an arrow indicating the takeoff heading

and shows the "Fixed and not active" status icon .

You can fix as many takeoff locations as you want.

l Click the takeoff pin on the map or use the drop-down menu in the Takeoff properties to

select any defined location. The takeoff pin status changes to "Active" or .

Note – Each takeoff location comes with default parameters(for example, the heading isset

into the wind direction). If you change the heading, the takeoff location is updated accordingly.

If you use thislocation in another flight, the heading isset to the value of the latest change in all

flights where the location is used.

3. To set the takeoff heading, click the arrow next to the takeoff pin and rotate to change the

takeoff direction and avoid any obstacles. For more information, see Obstacle clearances for

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 38
2   Planning a Project

takeoff, page 33. By default, the takeoff heading is set into the wind direction set in the Blocks

tab. Alternatively, enter the heading for the selected pin in the field.

Note – Alwaystry to takeoff into the wind. This prevents a higher launch speed and a higher risk of

launch failures.

4. When the flight has a block linked to it or when the landing has been defined, the takeoffroute

is displayed. To edit the takeoffroute, click and drag the waypoints on the map.

Tip – To use a left turn or a right turn to enter the block, click or in the block properties in the

Blocks tab. This setting also defines the first waypoint that the UX5 will fly to. The takeoff route is updated

to match the type of turn selected.

5. To delete a takeoff location, click in the toolbar on top of the map and then from the map

select the takeoff pin that you want to remove.

You can delete as many takeoff locations as you want. Click to confirm the deleted

locations.

Setting the landing properties

For additionalsafety, the Aerial Imaging software enables you to set alternative landing

parameters. These alternative landing locations are useful if:

l The preferred landing location is suddenly unavailable due to a sudden obstacle in the landing

clearance zone.

l The wind direction changes during the flight and the alternative landing location is better suited

to the new conditions.

To set landing properties:

1. In the Flight tab click beside the flight and then click beside Landing. A toolbar appears

on top of the map.

2. To set the landing location, do one of the following:

l To add a new location without GPS: In the Aerial Imaging Desktop or Tablet software,

click and then click on the map to set the location. The landing pin appears on the map

with an arrow indicating the landing heading and shows the "Planned and not active"

status icon .

You can add as many landing locations as you want. Click to confirm the added

locations.

l To add a new location using GPS: In the Aerial Imaging Tablet software, physically go to

the landing location and then click . If the location you want to fix lies within 10 m of a

planned pin, the planned pin is fixed. Otherwise, a new pin with the fixed status is added to

the map. A landing pin with fixed status has an arrow indicating the landing heading and

shows the "Fixed and not active" status icon .

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 39
2   Planning a Project

You can fix as many landing locations as you want.

l Click the landing pin on the map or use the drop-down menu in the Landing properties to

select any defined location. The landing pin status changes to "Active" or .

Note – Each landing location comes with default parameters(for example, the heading isset

into the wind direction). If you change the heading, the landing location is updated accordingly.

If you use thislocation in another flight, the heading isset to the value of the latest change in all

flights where the location is used.

3. To set the landing heading, tap the arrow next to the landing pin and rotate to change the

landing direction and avoid any obstacles. For more information, see Obstacle clearances for

landing, page 35.

Alternatively, enter the heading for the selected pin in the field.

By default, the landing heading is set into the wind direction set in the Blocks tab. To help you

define the landing heading in the field, zoom in on the map to the most detailed zoom level and

then walk into the heading with the GCS for about 20 to 30 meters. You willsee the GCS

location move on the screen. Now rotate the arrow and position the final leg of the landing

circuit over the center of the GCS icon on the map.

Note – Alwaystry to land into the wind. This prevents a higher landing speed and a higher risk of

damage to the UX5.

4. Set the landing zone offset.

Valid values are from -25 m to +25 m (-82 ft to +82ft). A negative value means that the landing

location is lower than the takeoff location. The default value is 0 m, which means that the

takeoff and landing locations are at the same height.

5. Set the landing type to use a linear or curved landing, depending on the landing surface and

available clearances.

l The linear landing type requires less clearance and lands the UX5 on the ground more

quickly, but has a larger impact on the aircraft.

l The curved landing type requires larger clearances but reduces the impact on the aircraft

when it lands, and is especially suited for hard landing surfaces.

For more information, see Obstacle clearances for landing, page 35.

6. When the flight has a block linked to it, the landing route is displayed:

a. Set the landing entry to use a left or right turn, depending on which turning direction

provides better visibility and is furthest away from any obstacles (see Obstacle clearances

for landing, page 35).

b. To edit the landing route, click and drag the waypoints on the map.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 40
2   Planning a Project

7. To delete a landing location, click in the toolbar on top of the map and then from the map

select the landing pin that you want to remove.

You can delete as many landing locations as you want. Click to confirm the deleted

locations.

8. To set alternative landing parameters, repeat the steps above.

Note – To use a specific landing for the flight, make sure that the landing isselected in the dropdown menu.

Adding blocks to the flight

1. To add blocks, in the Flight tab click beside the flight and then click beside Select blocks.

All blocks defined in the project appear on the map and in the list to the right. Only the blocks

that if added will keep the flight time less than 50 minutes can be selected. For each block the

status is indicated on the map:

l No icon: Not scheduled

l Scheduled

l Flown

l Flown and log files downloaded

2. From the map or the list, select one or more blocks to link to the flight.

Note – The order that you select the blocksfrom the list definesthe sequence that the blocks are

flown, I.e. the first block selected isflown first, and so on.

The selected blocks are highlighted, and the flight lines and connection routes appear on the

map.

Tip – To remove blocks from a flight, unselect the block in the list or the map.

3. Click to confirm the selection.

The selected blocks appear in the list to the right between Takeoff and Landing, together with

the default connection types.

Note – A block can be linked to more than one flight.

Managing the routes between blocks

If a flight will cover more than one block, the software automatically connects the last waypoint of

one block with the first waypoint of the next block. By default the connection is a straight line and is

displayed between the blocks in the flight properties in the Flights tab.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 41
2   Planning a Project

To change the connection type between blocks, click to the right of the connection type list entry

and then:

Click... For the UX5 to...

Fly straight to the first waypoint of the following block. If it did not yet reach the

height of this waypoint, it orbits up in 200 m diameter circles until it reaches the

height.

Orbit up in 200 m diameter circles until it reaches the height of the following block and

then fly straight to the first waypoint of the following block. This works if the height of

the next block is higher than the previous block.

Fly to the following block keeping the same height of the last waypoint of the previous

block and then orbit up in 200 m diameter circles until it reaches the first waypoint of

the block. This works if the height of the next block is higher than the previous block.

Fly straight to the first waypoint of the following block. If it did not yet reach the

height of this waypoint, it orbits down in 200 m diameter circles until it reaches the

height.

Fly to the following block keeping the same height of the last waypoint of the previous

block and then orbit down in 200 m diameter circles until it reaches the first waypoint

of that block. This works if the height of the next block is lower than the previous

block.

Orbit down in 200 m diameter circles until it reaches the height of the next block and

then fly straight to the first waypoint of that block. This works if the height of the next

block is lower than the previous block.

To edit the straight line between blocks, click and drag the waypoints on the map.

Note – The connection type cannot be changed if sequential blocks have the same height.

Simulating the flight

After creating a flight, click to simulate the flight to check the following items:

l The UX5 uses the correct takeoff direction.

l The flight height, route, and turns used are all correct.

l The UX5 does not enter any avoidance zones.

l The UX5 uses the correct landing circuit.

Note – Be aware that the simulation is an estimate of the flight path. Thisis because the simulation

cannot take into account the environmental factors,such as wind, during the actual flight.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 42
2   Planning a Project

Tip – The button is not available until you have exited the flight properties. To do this, click the arrow to

collapse the flight.

Exporting to KML

The flight simulation can be exported to a KML file and viewed in software such as Google Earth.

1. In the Flights screen, select the flight for which you want to export the simulation.

2. Click .

A message shows that the KML file is being generated. When the process is complete, the

Export wizard appears.

3. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the flight simulation, enter the file name and

then click Save.

You can now open the KML file in software such as Google Earth to view the flight simulation in

3D.

Exporting the project

Note – Thisstep isrequired if you did the project planning in the Aerial Imaging Desktop software. You

must complete thisstep so that you can import the project into the Aerial Imaging software on the Tablet.

1. In the Projects screen, select the project to export.

2. Click . The Export wizard appears.

3. Select the GWT output format. Click Next.

4. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the project, enter the file name and then click

Save.

The exported project is saved as a .gwt file in the folder you selected.

5. Click Finish to close the Export wizard.

6. If the folder you exported the mission to is not a network folder that the Tablet can access,

transfer the exported mission to a USB stick and then transfer it to the Tablet.

7. To import the mission to the Aerial Imaging software on the Tablet, see Importing the project,

page 63.

Checking flight permissions and conditions

In the days before the flight, complete the following checks to make sure the flight can proceed.

Note – The use of unmanned aircraft in any national airspace system isregulated by the applicable

National Aviation Authority. The regulationsfor flying unmanned aircraft are subject to change,

sometimes without warning. It isthe user’sresponsibility to know and adhere to the current lawsfor

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 43
2   Planning a Project

operating in the national airspace system. Trimble is not obliged to inform users of changesto unmanned

aircraft laws.

Trimble and Authorized Distribution Partners provide comprehensive training for the unmanned

aircraft system which includes recommended procedures to ensure the safety for the remote crew

members as well as the surrounding environment. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure safe

operations and adhere to safety and security measures required by the National Aviation

Authority. Trimble is not responsible for ensuring safe and secure operation of unmanned aircraft

by the user.

Checking flight permission

l Check if you need a permit to operate an unmanned aircraft in the airspace above the site.

l Make sure you understand the legal context for safe operation of an unmanned aircraft.

l Check for existing rules and standards with your local Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA).

l Make sure you have permission from the landowner.

l Make sure you have all other relevant permissions required for photography flights using

unmanned aircraft. In some countries you need permission from defense organizations, the

police, or a national geography institute to take pictures.

Checking weather

l In the days before the flight, check the TV weather broadcast or weather websites. This gives

you a good general idea of the weather for the next three to four days.

l For more accurate weather forecasts, consult and interpret aviation weather data through

various weather websites. You can also contact the national meteorological office or a local

meteorology office at an airport nearby.

l On the day of the flight, consult the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) and METAR reports.

These are meteorological reports used in aviation.

l Make sure the weather conditions are within the operating and image acquisition limitations.

See Operation limitations, page 45 and Image acquisition limitations, page 46.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 44
2   Planning a Project

The table below shows the wind speed expressed in different units:

Bft km/h m/s kn SM

1 1-5 0.3-1.5 1-3 1-3

2 6-11 1.6-3.3 4-6 4-7

3 12-19 3.4-5.4 7-10 8-12

4 20-28 5.5-7.9 11-16 13-18

5 29-38 8.0-10.7 17-21 19-24

6 39-49 10.8-13.8 22-27 25-31

7 50-61 13.9-17.1 28-33 32-38

Operation limitations

The UX5 aerial imaging rover cannot safely fly in all weather conditions. The following table shows

the acceptable range for different conditions.

Note – Your country of operation may have different or additional operational requirements. Make sure

you are familiar with the appropriate regulationsfor the country you are operating in. If you are flying in

the United Statessee also FAA conditions and limitations of operation, page 132. If you are flying in

France,see also French airspace requirements.

CAUTION – If any condition does not meet the acceptable range stated, the pilot should abort the mission. Flying

outside the acceptable range of conditions will void your Trimble warranty.

Condition Acceptable range

Time Between sunrise and sunset

Distance from clouds Clear of clouds and always within line ofsight

Flight visibility 5000 m (16,400 ft)

Operator-UAS visibility Visual line ofsight

Weather limitations Light rain is acceptable. Avoid hail, snow, and heavy

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 45
2   Planning a Project

Condition Acceptable range

showers

Head wind Maximum 65 kph (40 mph)

Cross wind Maximum 65 kph (40 mph)

Gusts Maximum 15 kph (9 mph)

Turbulence Avoid turbulence at all times

Temperature -25 °C to +55 °C (-13 °F to 131 °F) (excluding launcher)

Maximum launch altitude (AMSL) 4250 m (13,493 ft)

Maximum operational ceiling (AMSL) Tested at 5000 m (16,400 ft)

Endurance 50 mins

Image acquisition limitations

Although the UX5 aerial imaging rover itself can cope with heavy weather conditions, the main issue

besides safety is the quality of the pictures acquired during the flight. The following table shows the

maximum values for different weather conditions.

CAUTION – If any condition does not meet the acceptable maximum value stated, the pilot should abort the

mission. Trimble does not guarantee good picture quality when flying in conditions beyond these limits.

Condition Acceptable maximum

Precipitation Light rain

Wind 50 kph (31 mph)

Checking the site

Note – When checking the site you should refer to the relevant AIP and NOTAM documentsfor your

region.

l Identify the airspace and geographic environment of the site.

l Check the relevant aviation charts and make sure the flight area is not near any of the following

areas:

l Forbidden airspace

l Airports, airfields (except with prior permission)

l Power plants (except with prior permission)

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 46
2   Planning a Project

l Check the relevant aviation charts and take special care around:

l Parachute and parasailing jumping areas

l Winch areas

l High-pressure gas-releasing units (documented in AIPs or NOTAMs)

l Congested areas (for example, towns)

l Check if there are other aerial or ground activities planned, for example major public events.

Checking the pilot

l Make sure the pilot is certified to operate the UX5.

l Check if the pilot needs any additional permits, such as a remote pilot license, a radio certificate

for use of the 2-way radio for communication with air traffic control, and so on.

l Be aware that the pilot has final responsibility for the operation of the UX5 and its components.

l Make sure the pilot is in good condition, both physical and mental.

l Keep log files of the pilot hours and equipment used for each flight.

Know your safe operating envelope

l Trimble recommends having a crew of two people that will control the UX5: the pilot and the

observer. They must be able to communicate at all times. Check your CAA regulations to see if a

two-person crew is mandatory.

l Make sure the crew understands the purpose and the phases of this particular mission.

l Make sure the crew understands all aspects ofsafe operation of the UX5. This includes:

l Understanding allsafety precautions described in the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Rover

Safety Guide.

l Understanding how to handle emergencies during flight. See Handling emergencies during

flight, page 82.

l Understanding the particular requirements of the project and site, including avoidance

zones.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 47
Preparing Equipment

n Checking the launcher

n Checking the UX5 aerial imaging rover

n Charging the UX5 batteries

n Charging the Tablet batteries

n Charging the camera batteries

n Checking the camera

n Pairing the transmitter with the

tracking receiver

n Locating your equipment

As part of your flight preparation, make sure all

equipment is in good condition and

well-prepared.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 48

C H A P T E R 3
3   Preparing Equipment

Checking the launcher

1. Make sure the launch slider is in good condition, and the launch dock moves freely along the

slider. If the slider is damaged, contact your Trimble distributor.

2. Check the launcher cord is not worn, and make sure there is enough elastic in the cord when it

is stretched tight. If the cord must be replaced, click in the Home screen, select Launcher in

the list to the right and then select Replacing the launcher cord or refer to the Trimble UX5

Aerial Imaging Solution Maintenance Guide.

3. Make sure the launch dock is in good condition. If it is damaged, contact your Trimble

distributor.

4. Make sure the launch dock wheels are in good condition and move freely. If they are worn and

must be replaced, click in the Home screen, select Launcher in the list to the right and then

select Replacing the wheels of the launcher dock or refer to the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging

Solution Maintenance Guide.

Checking the UX5 aerial imaging rover

Thoroughly check the UX5 before each flight to make sure that it is undamaged from any previous

flight. Refer to the following sections:

l Check the body, page 49

l Check the pitot tube, page 50

l Check the winglets, page 51

l Check the propellers, page 51

l Check the drive unit, page 51

l Check the servos, page 51

Check the body

The body of the UX5 must be clean for flight. Dirt and gravel on the body decreases the lift and

increases the drag during flight.

1. Clean the body with a damp cloth.

CAUTION – Do not use high water pressure or a steel brush to clean the body of the rover. This can damage

the surface of the UX5 and affect the aerodynamics of the aircraft. Avoid the use of solvents to clean the

surface of the UX5 as they can negatively affect the materials. Always use lukewarm water and a soft

brush.

2. Check the body for cracks. If the body requires repair, contact your Trimble distributor.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 49
3   Preparing Equipment

3. Make sure there are no scratches on the camera filter. If the camera filter is damaged, click

in the Home screen, select UX5 in the list and then select Replacing the camera filter or refer to

the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution Maintenance Guide.

4. Make sure that the camera filter is tightly screwed into the body. If not, gently tighten it, taking

care not to over-tighten it.

5. Using first the wet camera wipes and then the dry camera wipes, thoroughly clean the camera

filter. Make sure there are no specks of moisture or dust, as these will affect the image quality.

Note – Only use wipesthat are specifically intended for cleaning camera lenses.

Check the pitot tube

The pitot tube must be in perfect condition as it is used to measure the total air pressure during

flight.

1. Remove the pitot tube from the eBox.

2. Make sure the tube is not bent or broken.

3. Blow into the tube to make sure nothing is blocking it.

CAUTION – Only blow into the pitot tube after you have removed it from the eBox. Do not blow into the

pitot tube when it is connected to the eBox because this will damage the barometric sensors.

4. If the pitot tube is blocked or damaged, click in the Home screen, select UX5 in the list to

the right and then select Checking the pitot tube or refer to the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging

Solution Maintenance Guide. When in doubt, contact your Trimble distributor.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 50
3   Preparing Equipment

Check the winglets

To prevent rollstability issues, the winglets must be firmly attached to the UX5 body.

1. Make sure the winglets are intact.

2. Make sure each winglet is firmly attached with two screws.

3. If the winglets are damaged or not firmly attached, click in the Home screen, select UX5 in

the list to the right and then select Replacing a winglet or refer to the Trimble UX5 Aerial

Imaging Solution Maintenance Guide. When in doubt, contact your Trimble distributor.

Check the propellers

1. Make sure the propeller blades are intact.

2. Make sure the propeller blades are well-positioned.

3. Make sure each propeller blade is firmly attached.

4. If a propeller blade is damaged or not well-positioned, click in the Home screen, select UX5

in the list to the right and then select Replacing a propeller blade or refer to the Trimble UX5

Aerial Imaging Solution Maintenance Guide. When in doubt, contact your Trimble distributor.

Check the drive unit

Make sure the drive unit is:

l intact

l firmly attached

If the drive unit is damaged or not firmly attached, click in the Home screen, select UX5 in the list

to the right and then select Replacing the drive unit or refer to the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging

Solution Maintenance Guide. When in doubt, contact your Trimble distributor.

Check the servos

The servos must be in perfect condition as they steer the UAS. When checking the servos, make

sure that the servos:

l respond as expected

l are intact

l are firmly attached and flush with the surface of the wing

If a servo is damaged, click in the Home screen, select UX5 in the list to the right and then select

Replacing a servo or refer to the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution Maintenance Guide. When in

doubt, contact your Trimble distributor.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 51
3   Preparing Equipment

Charging the UX5 batteries

WARNING – Lithium polymer batteries are volatile. Failure to read and follow these instructions may result in

fire, personal injury, and damage to property if charged or used incorrectly.

To prevent injury or damage:

– Use only the charger specified to charge the battery.

– If at any time you witness a battery starting to balloon or swell up, discontinue the charging process

immediately. Disconnect the battery and place it in a safe observation area for approximately 15 minutes.

Continuing to charge a battery that has begun to swell will result in fire.

– Charge in an isolated area, away from flammable materials.

– Never leave charging batteries unattended. When charging the batteries you should always remain in constant

observation to monitor the charging process and react to potential problems that may occur.

WARNING – Always check that the settings on the charger are correct before charging the battery. Incorrect

charger settings may result in damage to the battery, severe burning, and fire hazards.

Note – Before using the charger for the first time, carefully read the user documentation for the battery

charger and read all of the information provided in the Battery safety section of this user guide (see UX5

battery safety, page 121).

Removing the battery

1. Remove the top cover from the UX5 body.

2. Disconnect the main power connector of the battery from the aircraft:

3. Loosen the Velcro straps and remove the battery from the battery compartment of the UX5.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 52
3   Preparing Equipment

Connecting and charging the battery

1. Connect the Graupner Ultramat 14 plus charger to one of the following:

l 12 V vehicle battery

l 100–240 VAC power supply

The charger powers on and displays the following parameters for the UX5 battery:

l LiPo manual

l C:5.0A 6000mAh

Note – If the charger does not display the default parameters, you must change the settings. For

more information,see Battery charger settings, page 121.

WARNING – The maximum charging current for the UX5 battery is limited to 5 A. This value must be lower

than the maximum permissible current (6 A) for the battery. Incorrect battery charging parameters can

destroy your battery and cause it to catch fire or explode.

2. Connect the charge cable to the charger:

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 53
3   Preparing Equipment

3. Connect the balancer connector of the battery to the charger. Align the connector to the right

of the socket:

4. Connect the charger cable of the charger to the power connector on the battery:

5. On the charger, press and hold the Enter/Start key for two seconds. The battery starts

charging.

When a battery is fully charged, the charger produces an audible signal and stops charging

automatically. The charger displays "END". At typical room temperature it takes approximately

2 hours to charge a fully depleted battery. Charging time will vary depending on remaining

battery life and ambient temperature.

Note – Make sure you charge both UX5 batteries before leaving the office for a flight. Trimble

recommends always having a spare, fully-charged battery on hand.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 54
3   Preparing Equipment

Disconnecting the battery

1. On the charger, press the Enter/Start key to put the charger in standby mode.

2. Disconnect the charger cable of the charger from the power connector on the battery.

3. Disconnect the balancer connector of the battery from the charger.

Charging the Tablet batteries

Install the Tablet battery packs and charge the batteries according to the instructions provided in

the Trimble Tablet Rugged PC User's Manual.

Note – Make sure you fully charge the Tablet batteries before leaving the office for a flight.

Charging the camera batteries

Install the camera battery and charge the batteries according to the instructions provided in the

user documentation for the camera.

Note – Make sure you charge both camera batteries before leaving the office for a flight. Trimble

recommends always having a spare, fully-charged battery on hand.

Checking the camera

1. Make sure there are no scratches on the camera lens. If the camera lens is damaged, contact

your Trimble distributor.

2. Your camera arrives with the appropriate settings required to obtain good aerial images set by

Trimble. However, before each flight, check the camera screen to make sure it displays the

following icons.

For more information, refer to the section for your camera below:

l Checking the Sony a5100 camera display, page 56

l Checking the Sony NEX-5 camera display, page 58

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 55
3   Preparing Equipment

Checking the Sony a5100 camera display

Note – The following image showsthe main iconsto check on the camera screen to ensure that your

camera settings are correct and you will successfully capture images during the flight. If any of these icons

are not shown, or if you believe other camera settings have been changed, adjust the settings back to the

settingsrecommended by Trimble. For a list of all applicable camera settings,see Sony a5100 camera

settings, page 110.

Icon Description

and Shoot mode is set to shutter priority.

SD card is inserted.

Aspect ratio is set to 3:2; image size is set to 24M; image

quality is set to Fine (all are default settings).

Recording mode of movies is set to 50i FH.

Steady shot is set to Off.

Battery icon shows 100%.

Drive mode is set to Single Shooting.

Metering mode is set to Multi (the default).

Focus area is set to Center.

Focus mode is set to Manual.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 56
3   Preparing Equipment

Icon Description

Face detection is set to Off.

White balance is set to AWB (the default).

For the NIR camera, use custom brightness/color

settings. See Setting brightness/color settings for the

NIR camera, page 57.

Soft skin detection is set to Off (the default).

Brightness correction is set to automatic (the default).

Creative style is set to Standard (the default).

Picture effect is set to Off (the default).

Shutter speed is set to 1/1000 or above.

± 0.0

When using the NIR camera, exposure compensation is

set to:

+ 1.0 for the UV HAZE (orange) filter

+ 2.0 for the NIR (black) filter

ISO is set to Auto (the default).

Setting brightness/color settings for the NIR camera

To obtain best results from the camera and selected filter, Trimble recommends setting the

brightness/color settings as follows:

1. On the camera, select Menu / / 5 / White Balance. Press the central button of the control

wheel and then select Custom Setup. Press the central button of the control wheel to confirm.

2. Outdoors, in normal daylight conditions, hold the filter you will use in front of the lens, while

aiming the central circle of the lens at a (nearly) white surface, such as a wall or blank piece of

paper.

3. Press the central button of the control wheel.

4. The color infra-red (CIR) display on the camera appears. When using the:

l UV haze (orange) filter: vegetation appears blue and the sky appears brown.

l NIR-only (black) filter: vegetation appears white or slightly blue-grey and everything else

appears grey to black.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 57
3   Preparing Equipment

Checking the Sony NEX-5 camera display

Note – The following image showsthe main iconsto check on the camera screen to ensure that your

camera settings are correct and you will successfully capture images during the flight. If any of these icons

are not shown, or if you believe other camera settings have been changed, adjust the settings back to the

settingsrecommended by Trimble. For a list of all applicable camera settings,see Sony NEX-5 camera

settings, page 115.

Icon Description

and Shoot mode is set to shutter priority.

SD card is inserted.

Aspect ratio is set to 3:2; image size is set to 16M; image

quality is set to Fine (all are default settings).

Recording mode of movies is set to 25p 17m FH.

Steady shot is set to Off.

Battery icon shows 100%.

Touch operation is set to Off.

Drive mode icon is shown. The drive mode is set to use

the Wireless Remote Commander.

Metering mode is set to Multi (the default).

Focus mode is set to Manual.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 58
3   Preparing Equipment

Icon Description

Face detection is set to Off.

White balance is set to AWB (the default).

For the NIR camera, use custom brightness/color

settings. See Setting brightness/color settings for the

NIR camera, page 59.

Soft skin detection is set to Off (the default).

Brightness correction is set to automatic (the default).

Creative style is set to Standard (the default).

Auto portrait framing is set to Off.

Smile detection is set to Off (the default).

Picture effect is set to Off (the default).

Shutter speed is set to 1/1000 or above.

± 0.0

When using the NIR camera, exposure compensation is

set to:

+ 1.0 for the UV HAZE (orange) filter

+ 2.0 for the NIR (black) filter

ISO is set to Auto (the default).

Setting brightness/color settings for the NIR camera

To obtain best results from the camera and selected filter, Trimble recommends setting the

brightness/color settings as follows:

1. On the camera, select Menu / Brightness/Color / White Balance and then select Custom Setup.

Press the central button to confirm.

2. Outdoors, in normal daylight conditions, hold the filter you will use in front of the lens, while

aiming the central circle of the lens at a (nearly) white surface, such as a wall or blank piece of

paper.

3. Press the shutter button.

4. The color infra-red (CIR) display on the camera appears. When using the:

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 59
3   Preparing Equipment

l UV haze (orange) filter: vegetation appears blue and the sky appears brown.

l NIR-only (black) filter: vegetation appears white or slightly blue-grey and everything else

appears grey to black.

Pairing the transmitter with the tracking receiver

Note – You must complete thisstep only once, before using the UX5 aerial imaging rover for the first

time.

To track down the UX5 aerial imaging rover fitted with a transmitter, the transmitter ID must first be

stored in the memory of the receiver.

1. Press and hold the Power key for three seconds to turn on the receiver.

2. Press the MENU/OK key to enter the menu.

3. Use the navigation keys to select TRANSMITTER. Press the MENU/OK key to confirm.

4. Use the navigation keys to select ADD. Press the MENU/OK key to confirm.

5. Use the navigation keys to enter the missing digits of the frequency of the transmitter. Confirm

each digit using the MENU/OK key.

6. Follow the steps on the screen of the receiver to calibrate the transmitter.

7. Once the calibration is done, you are prompted to enter a name for the transmitter.

8. Use the navigation keys to enter the name you want to use for the transmitter. Confirm each

letter using the MENU/OK key.

The receiver is now able to communicate with the transmitter.

Locating your equipment

Before you head out to the field:

1. Make sure the flight case contains all of the required items. For more information, see Flight

case contents, page 11.

2. If you will be doing several flights before returning to the office, make sure you have one of the

following:

l an externalstorage device such as a laptop for transferring images to after each flight

l a USB to SD card reader for transferring images to the Tablet after each flight

l an SD card for each flight

Note – Trimble recommends using a San Disk Extreme SDHC UHS-I card with a minimum write

speed of 45 MB/s and a minimum capacity of 16 GB for the Sony Nex-5 and 32 GB for the Sony

a5200.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 60
3   Preparing Equipment

3. Make sure the launcher bag contains the

following items:

l safety pin

l launch dock with lock pin

l V-support

l crank

l launch slide with elastics

l Trimble UX5 Launcher Quick Start

Guide

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 61
Completing a Flight

n Importing the project

n Validating the blocks

n Validating the flights

n Dealing with sudden weather changes

n Completing the flight checklist

n Monitoring the flight

n Landing the UX5 

n Completing the post-flight checklist

n Disassembling the launcher

This chapter describes the tasks required in the

field to complete a successful flight with good

image data.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 62

C H A P T E R 4
4   Completing a Flight

Importing the project

Note – Thisstep isrequired if you did the project planning in the Aerial Imaging Desktop software and

then exported the project so that you can view it on the Tablet.

1. In the Home screen or the Projects screen, tap .

2. Navigate to the location of the .gwt file you exported from the Aerial Imaging Desktop software

(see Exporting the project, page 43), select it and then tap Open.

The project you imported is listed in the Projects screen and the project thumbnail appears.

3. Select the project and then click to open the project and view the Map layers screen.

Validating the blocks

Tap the Blocks tab and make any changes to the blocks, ifrequired. Pay special attention to the

actual wind direction, which will influence the wind direction you have set in the software and

possibly the flight time. For more information, see Defining the blocks, page 30.

Note – To change the mission area, tap the Map layerstab and edit the appropriate area. For more

information,see Creating the mission, page 27. When you edit the mission area, the block(s)

automatically adjust to the new area shape.

Validating the flights

1. When you arrive on-site, examine the flight area to:

l Check for obstacles in the flight area. Obstacles are objects such as trees, buildings,

antennas, power lines, and water that the UX5 could fly into or land on.

l Make sure you will be able to maintain a visual line ofsight to the UX5 throughout the

flight.

l Identify a good takeoff and landing location.

l Check the landing surface and obstacle clearances to make sure the most suitable landing

type is selected.

For more information, see Obstacle clearances, page 33.

Repeat for each location that you consider as an alternative landing location.

Note – If you choose to check alternative landing locations during flight, be aware that thistakes

more time and keeps your attention from the flight.

2. Tap the Flight tab and make any changes to the flights, ifrequired. For more information, see

Defining the flights, page 37.

3. Make sure that the selected takeoff and landing locations are fixed to GPS. To fix the location,

physically go to the location, tap beside Takeoff or Landing and then click in the toolbar.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 63
4   Completing a Flight

Repeat for each landing location that you consider as an alternative location.

Note – If you choose to check alternative landing locations during flight, be aware that thistakes

more time and keeps your attention from the flight.

4. In the Flights screen, select the flight you will complete and then tap the Flight checklist tab.

Dealing with sudden weather changes

On the day of the flight, check that the current weather conditions are suitable for flight. Pay

particular attention to the prevailing wind direction and speed.

If there are sudden weather changes before or during the flight, you must act quickly. Different

weather changes and the recommended action are described below.

Weather change Action

The wind direction changes before the flight. If possible, change the wind direction in the

Blocks tab to align the flight lines perpendicular

to the wind direction.

Reposition the launcher and then update the

takeoff and landing heading in the flight plan.

The wind direction changes during the flight. Change the landing heading in flight or select an

alternative landing location, if it is more suited.

See Changing the landing parameters during

flight, page 81.

One of the following weather phenomena

occurs before or during the flight:

l Strong wind

l Heavy rain, hail

l Hurricane, tornado, or any kind of

whirlwind

l Thunder and lightening

l Snow

Cancel the flight. If the UX5 is in the air, land as

quickly as possible.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 64
4   Completing a Flight

Completing the flight checklist

The flight checklist starts with an overview of the flight that you have selected and will execute.

Use each step of the flight checklist to prepare the equipment for flight. The flight checklist guides

you through each step.

Note – More information about the stepsthat require special care is given in the following sections. Read

these sections carefully until you are familiar with all of the tasksrequired to perform these steps.

l Connecting the GCS, page 65

l Connecting the battery, page 66

l Preparing the camera, page 66

l Inserting the tracker transmitter, page 68

l Attaching the top cover, page 69

l Covering the pitot tube, page 69

l Checking the elevon trim, page 69

l Checking the elevon response, page 69

l Assembling the launcher, page 69

l Placing the UX5 onto the launcher, page 74

l Transmitting the flight plan, page 74

l Initializing, page 75

l Removing the pitot cover, page 75

l Checking the airspeed response, page 75

l Positioning the propellers, page 75

l Tightening the launcher cord elastics, page 75

l Verifying the position of the aircraft on the launcher, page 76

l Removing the safety pin, page 76

l Arming the system, page 77

l Launching the UX5, page 78

Connecting the GCS

If you have not yet connected the GCS:

1. Attach the antenna to the modem.

2. Attach the modem and antenna to the back of the Tablet, under the handstrap.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 65
4   Completing a Flight

3. Insert the modem cable into the USB port on the Tablet.

4. Tap to prompt the software to check if the modem is connected.

When the connection to the modem is established, the software automatically moves to the next

step in the flight checklist.

Connecting the battery

If you have not yet connected the battery:

1. Insert a fully charged battery into the battery compartment of the unmanned aircraft. Secure

the battery using the Velcro straps.

2. Connect the main power connector on the battery to the power connector in the aircraft. Once

the battery is connected, the eBox goes from Off mode to On mode (see eBox LED status, page

106).

When the eBox starts booting up, the button is enabled.

Note – If after thisstep you are prompted to update the eBox firmware,see Updating the eBox

firmware, page 16.

Preparing the camera

1. Using first the wet camera wipes and then the dry camera wipes, thoroughly clean the camera

lens. Make sure there are no specks of moisture or dust, as these will affect the image quality.

Note – Only use wipesthat are specifically intended for cleaning camera lenses.

2. Make sure the camera filter in the UX5 body is also clean and that the camera filter is tightly

screwed into the body. If not, gently tighten it, taking care not to over-tighten it.

3. Insert an empty SD card into the camera.

4. Turn on the camera and check the camera screen to make sure it displays the icons described in

Checking the camera, page 55.

5. Make sure the lens settings are appropriate for the weather conditions:

Weather

ISO Auto Auto Auto

Aperture

ring

f/4.5 f/4.5 f/4.5

Shutter

speed

1/2000 to 1/4000 1/1000 to 1/2000 1/1600 to 1/2000

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 66
4   Completing a Flight

Weather

Focus ring The focus ring should always be set to 3+ m.

This is set and calibrated by the manufacturer and must not change. For your

reference, this position corresponds with the white dot appearing below the

right edge of the red 0 in the 10 ft mark.

Note – Alwaystake a picture before the flight to ensure that the picture is not over- or

underexposed. If the picture does not look right, adjust the shutter speed first and then the aperture

setting.

6. If you are using the:

Sony a5100 camera

Note – Make sure that the Sony NEX-5 adapter pieces and the IR LED trigger cable are removed

from the payload bay. Do not use any sharp toolsfor this.

a. Insert the adapter piece into the camera cavity of the payload bay of the UX5 body.

b. Connect the USB cable to the camera and to the connector from the eBox. Insert the eBox

connection vertically into the cavity.

c. Insert the camera into the camera cavity of the payload bay and secure it using the Velcro

strap.

Sony NEX-5 camera

Note – Make sure that the Sony a5100 adapter piece and the USB trigger cable are removed from

the payload bay. Do not use any sharp toolsfor this.

a. Insert the two adapter pieces into the camera cavity of the payload bay of the UX5 body.

b. Insert the IR LED cable into the cable duct:

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 67
4   Completing a Flight

a. Without using any sharp tools, position the LED vertically in the round opening and

gently push the cable into the duct.

b. Connect the IR LED cable connector to the connector from the eBox and insert the

connection vertically into the cavity.

c. Cover the IR LED with the protection cap. The cap should be flush with the surface.

c. Insert the camera into the camera cavity of the payload bay and secure it using the Velcro

strap.

7. In the Aerial Imaging software, tap . Make sure that you hear the trigger sound from the

camera.

When the test picture is taken, the button is enabled.

Inserting the tracker transmitter

1. Turn on the tracker transmitter.

2. Make sure that you can hear the transmitter using the tracker receiver.

3. Insert the tracker transmitter into the body of the unmanned aircraft.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 68
4   Completing a Flight

Attaching the top cover

Attach the top cover to the unmanned aircraft and make sure it is secure.

Covering the pitot tube

Put the pitot tube cover on the pitot tube. Check the value in the black arrow at the left of the

artificial horizon in the status panel of the Aerial Imaging software and make sure the current

airspeed is below 20 kph (12.4 mph).

Checking the elevon trim

Make sure that the outboard elevons are leveled with the inboard elevons (the inboard elevons are

fixed). The accuracy should be less than 1 mm.

WARNING – When handling the UX5, make sure that the elevons can move freely and are not obstructed in any

way. Impaired movement of the elevons can cause the servo motor to burn up.

Checking the elevon response

Tap the Move/Stop elevon button in the Aerial Imaging software and watch the elevons on the

unmanned aircraft. Make sure the elevons move fluently and in unison.

WARNING – When handling the UX5, make sure that the elevons can move freely and are not obstructed in any

way. Impaired movement of the elevons can cause the servo motor to burn up.

When the elevon response is checked, the button is enabled.

Assembling the launcher

1. Unfold the launch slide.

CAUTION – Take care when unfolding the launch slide as there are sharp edges that can cause finger cuts.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 69
4   Completing a Flight

2. Secure each section of the launch slide by lifting the appropriate handle and hooking it into the

next section of the launch slide. Close the handles.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 70
4   Completing a Flight

3. Unfold and secure the V-support with the lock pin.

To attach the V-support to the launch slide, make sure the knob is pointing to the left and then

insert the V-support pins in the reserved holes, situated approximately 2/3 of the length of the

launch slide. Turn the knob to the right to tighten.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 71
4   Completing a Flight

4. Pull the ends of the launcher cord out of the launch slide so that the cord lies on top of the

launch slide.

Note – If the launcher cord is blocked while the elastics are not tightened, pull the release handles

upward to unblock them.

CAUTION – Never push the release handles when there is tension on the launcher cord. You will damage

the elastics. If there is tension on the cord, insert the crank onto the nut located toward the front end of the

launcher and use the crank to very gently release the force. At the same time, pull the release handles

gently upward. This is safest done with two people, with one person carefully winding the crank counterclockwise to counteract the force on the elastics.

5. Position the launch dock on the end of the launch slide with the tabs on the launch dock

pointing toward the direction of launch.

6. Slide the launch dock over the ends of the launcher cord.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 72
4   Completing a Flight

7. To attach the ends of the launcher cord to the launch dock, remove the lock pin from the

launch dock and then slide the lock pin through the holes in the launch dock, attaching the

ends of the launch cord as you do so. Secure the lock pin.

8. Slide the launch dock over the launch hook at the beginning of the launch slide, making sure

the launch dock clicks into position. Make sure the trigger is not blocked.

9. Insert the safety pin into the launch dock.

WARNING – Always keep the safety pin inserted in the launch dock. Remove the safety pin only just before

launch. Early removal of the safety pin can result in accidental release of the launcher, causing serious

personal injury and damage to the UX5 or launcher.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 73
4   Completing a Flight

CAUTION – Never launch without the UX5 sitting on the dock as it will damage the launch dock. The design

of the launcher takes into account the weight of the UX5 sitting on the launch dock.

10. Position the launcher at the planned takeoff location, with the launch direction pointing into

the takeoff direction you have indicated in the software.

11. Make sure the takeoff location is free of obstacles. For more information, see Obstacle

clearances, page 33.

Placing the UX5 onto the launcher

1. Position the UX5 at the front of the launch dock and use your finger tips to guide the launcher

slats on the underside of the UX5 onto the lips of the launch dock.

2. Use the artificial horizon indicator in the Aerial Imaging software to check the pitch and roll of

the UX5 on the launch dock. The pitch angle should be between 20° and 30° and the roll angle

should be between -5° and 5°. The horizon should be positioned parallel to the UX5 on the

artificial horizon indicator. If you need to adjust the horizon, reposition the launcher.

Transmitting the flight plan

This step appears only if the software is still transmitting the flight plan to the eBox. If transmission

of the flight plan is already complete, this step does not appear. The button is available once flight

plan transmission is complete.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 74
4   Completing a Flight

Initializing

At this step in the flight checklist, the eBox initializes. It must acquire lock on at least 4 usable GPS

satellites. The GPS receiver in the eBox determines the usability of the satellites, based on the

characteristics of each satellite.

Removing the pitot cover

Remove the cover from the pitot tube.

Checking the airspeed response

Press and hold the pitot tube for no more than 5 seconds. Make sure that the value in the black

arrow at the left of the artificial horizon in the status panel of the Aerial Imaging software changes.

Positioning the propellers

1. Check the position of the propellers on the unmanned aircraft and make sure they are pointing

backward as shown in the Aerial Imaging software.

2. If the propellers are not positioned correctly, carefully adjust them.

WARNING – Always take care when touching the propeller blades. If the unmanned aircraft receives a sudden

shock while armed, the motor can unexpectedly start causing the propeller blades to move. Contact with moving

propeller blades can result in serious personal injury.

Tightening the launcher cord elastics

1. Insert the crank onto the nut located toward the front end of the launch slide.

2. Stretch the launcher cord using the crank. In normal circumstances, the node between the cord

and elastic should be in the middle of the hole numbered "4" on the launcher.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 75
4   Completing a Flight

CAUTION – The launcher cord stretches with every launch. When you can easily reach the last hole when

tightening the cord, replace the launcher cord to prevent unsuccessful launches and damage to the launcher

or the UX5. For more information, click in the Home screen, select Launcher in the list to the right and

then select Replacing the launcher cord or refer to the Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution Maintenance

Guide.

3. Remove the crank.

Verifying the position of the aircraft on the launcher

WARNING – Take care to ensure the UX5 is correctly positioned on the launch dock. An incorrect position can

result in launch failure, causing serious personal injury and damage to the rover or launcher.

Removing the safety pin

To remove the safety pin, position yourself behind the launcher, reach carefully under the UX5 and

then pull out the safety pin.

WARNING – Always take care to avoid contact with the propeller blades. If the UX5 receives a sudden shock

while armed, the motor can unexpectedly start causing the propeller blades to move. Contact with moving

propeller blades can result in serious personal injury.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 76
4   Completing a Flight

Arming the system

This step of the flight checklist shows a summary of the system status. If there is an issue with any of

the launch values, then the value is shown in red.

To arm the system, tap Arm.

A warning message appears if:

l the UX5 battery life is less than 75%. If the battery level is low, the battery level line is red.

l the Tablet battery life is less than 90 minutes.

l the number ofsatellites is between 4 and 8.

The system will not allow you to launch the UX5 if the following errors are reported:

l The eBox is not in the correct state.

l GPS signal is not OK.

l Takeoffsensor is not OK (this means that the yaw, pitch, and roll values are not yet stabilized).

l Datalogging has not started.

l The GCS has no GPS connection.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 77
4   Completing a Flight

Launching the UX5

Once you have armed the system, the software prompts you to launch the aircraft.

1. Just before launch, perform the following safety checks:

a. Make sure there are no aerial objects inside the zone of operation.

b. Make sure you have a clear line ofsight to the UX5.

c. Make sure there are no obstacles or people near the front of the launcher.

WARNING – Make sure you complete each of the safety checks listed at this step. Failure to do so could

result in serious personal injury and damage to the UX5 or launcher.

2. When you have made sure that everything is clear in front of, above, and behind the launcher,

stand behind the launcher and press the launch handle to launch the UX5.

CAUTION – Never launch without the UX5 sitting on the dock as it will damage the launch dock. The design

of the launcher takes into account the weight of the UX5 sitting on the launch dock.

3. If an obstacle such as a person or animal suddenly appears in the obstacle clearance zone

during takeoff, tap in the Aerial Imaging software. The UX5 immediately powers down and

returns to the ground. For more information, see Emergency software commands, page 84.

After launch, the UX5 flies to the first waypoint, which is highlighted on the map in the

Dashboard tab. If the UX5 is not yet at the flight height when it reaches this point, it climbs in

circles of 100 m radius until it reaches the desired height.

4. After launch, release the tension on the launcher cord elastics. Leaving tension on the launcher

cord elastics for extended periods can damage the elastics.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 78
4   Completing a Flight

To release the tension, release the force with the crank very gently while pulling the release

handles in the front of the launcher upward. This is safest done with two people, with one

person carefully winding the crank counter-clockwise to counteract the force on the elastics.

Monitoring the flight

CAUTION – It is your responsibility to take action during flight when the safety of the UX5 aerial imaging rover or

its surroundings is compromised. To do this you must:

– Have visual contact with the unmanned aircraft at all times.

– Observe the zone of operation for the unmanned aircraft and look out for other aerial objects.

– Ensure obstacle clearance.

– Keep an eye on changing weather conditions.

– Locate the unmanned aircraft on the Tablet screen.

– Monitor the flight telemetry on the Tablet screen.

For information on the appropriate action to take if you see an oncoming aerial object at any point

during the flight, see Handling emergencies during flight, page 82.

After takeoff, the UX5 aerial imaging rover climbs to the specified cruise height.

Once the unmanned aircraft has passed its first waypoint, the second waypoint is initiated. From

this point, the unmanned aircraft follows the preprogrammed flight path.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 79
4   Completing a Flight

The Dashboard tab with an example flight is shown below:

You must use the Aerial Imaging software on the Tablet to monitor the unmanned aircraft during

the entire flight:

l The trajectory of the unmanned aircraft on the map must be close to the programmed flight

path.

l Monitor the strength of the communication link .

l Monitor the number of usable satellites .

l No signal: No GPS lock (0–3 satellites)

l 1 signal line: 4–6 satellites

l 2 signal lines: 7 or more satellites

l Monitor the level of power in the UX5 battery. In the battery status bar , the value is

expressed as a percentage and as time remaining in minutes.

l Compare the actual flight height with the desired flight height set during mission and flight

planning.

l Compare the actual airspeed with the desired airspeed, which is 80 kph (49 mph) during cruise

flight. The actual airspeed can be higher than the desired speed when the UX5 is coping with a

high head wind. The maximum airspeed is 90 kph (56 mph).

l Monitor the throttle. The throttle should be around 30% during cruise flight in normal

conditions.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 80
4   Completing a Flight

l Monitor the software for in-flight warnings and errors such as loss of GPS lock and loss of

communication link. For more information on these warnings and the appropriate action to

take, see Failsafes during flight, page 81 and Errors and warnings, page 99.

l Monitor the number of flight lines flown against the total number of flight lines (displayed in

the status line below the map).

The Dashboard tab with an example flight is shown below:

Changing the landing parameters during flight

If conditions change during the flight, it may be advisable to alter the landing parameters set in the

flight plan while the UX5 is still in flight.

Note – Once you confirm the landing, you cannot change the landing parameters.

To change the landing parameters:

1. Select the Flights tab. The Flights tab appears to the left of the Dashboard tab.

2. Tap beside Landing.

3. Depending on the situation, do one of the following:

l If the wind direction has changed and the landing clearances are not jeopardized, rotate

the landing heading of the current landing accordingly.

l If there is a sudden obstacle in the clearance zone of the current landing and you have

defined an alternative landing location that is clear from obstacles, tap the landing pin

on the map or use the drop-down menu in the Landing properties to select this location.

Adapt the landing heading according to the actual wind direction.

Note – For the current and any alternative landing setup, it is possible to change any other

parameters. However, thisrequires more effort and time which you may not have. Make sure that if

you change the landing location, the location is GPS fixed.

For more information, see Setting the landing properties, page 39.

Failsafes during flight

The following failsafe mechanisms activate when a technical issue occurs that reduces the safe

behavior of the unmanned aircraft:

l Loss of GPS lock during flight

l Loss of communication link during flight

l Overspeed protection

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 81
4   Completing a Flight

Loss of GPS lock during flight

If the unmanned aircraft does not receive GPS communications for a period of 4 seconds, then a

notification appears on the Tablet, and the following automatic failsafe mechanism is activated:

1. The unmanned aircraft banks at an angle of 25° while orbiting at its current location for 20

seconds. If the unmanned aircraft successfully reacquires GPS lock, then it flies to the specified

landing location and begins a normal landing sequence.

2. If the unmanned aircraft is unable to reacquire GPS lock, then it activates the Flight Termination

System (FTS). During FTS:

a. The motor powers down and the speed lowers to 70 kph (43 mph).

b. The unmanned aircraft orbits down in 200 m (656 ft) diameter circles until it reaches a

height of 7 m (23 ft).

Note – During FTS without GPS lock, the unmanned aircraft attemptsto circle but the outcome

is elliptical circles asthe unmanned aircraft issubject to wind drift.

c. The unmanned aircraft levels its wings, slows, and glides to the ground.

Loss of communication link during flight

If the unmanned aircraft does not receive a communication packet for the time specified in the

Communication timeout field in the Autopilot settings group of the Settings screen, or if the

communication link is poor and communication packets are being received intermittently, then a

notification appears on the Tablet and the unmanned aircraft flies to the specified landing location

and begins a normal landing sequence.

Unlike a normal landing, you are not prompted to confirm landing before the final leg of the landing.

An audible sound indicates that the UX5 is about to land.

If communication resumes during this automatic failsafe mechanism, the unmanned aircraft

continues the landing sequence.

Overspeed protection

If the unmanned aircraft detects a steep and fast decline, it will maximize drag to minimize the

impact on the ground. The aircraft will descend in a "flat-spin"-like flight trajectory.

Handling emergencies during flight

This topic describes typical emergency scenarios that may occur when the UX5 is in flight. For all

scenarios, you must assess the situation before taking action. Take into account your location (that

is, the location of the GCS) and the current location, course, and speed of the UX5.

Note – If the situation istoo critical (for example, fast moving aircraft) tap and when prompted

confirm Flight Termination System (FTS) activation to immediately abort the flight and put the UX5 in

an orbit toward the ground.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 82
4   Completing a Flight

An approaching aircraft

The most common emergencies involve another aircraft entering the vicinity at approximately the

same height as the UX5.

Scenario Action When the other aircraft

has left the vicinity...

The approaching aircraft

will not cross the flight

path of the UX5.

1. Assess the situation.

2. Tap , , , or to move the

UX5 to a safe position.

Tap in the message

box on the map to cancel

the pattern and continue

mapping.

The flight path of the

approaching aircraft and

the UX5 are converging.

1. Assess the situation.

2. Tap to move the UX5 to a safe

position.

Tap in the message

box on the map to cancel

the pattern and continue

mapping.

The flight path of the

approaching aircraft is

diverging from the flight

path of the UX5.

1. Assess the situation.

2. Tap , , or to move the UX5

to a safe position.

Tap in the message

box on the map to cancel

the pattern and continue

mapping.

The flight path of the

approaching aircraft is

intercepting the flight

path of the UX5.

1. Assess the situation.

2. Tap to move the UX5 to a safe

position. (An aircraft intending to

overtake an aircraft in front of them

overtakes that plane on the right

side.)

Tap in the message

box on the map to cancel

the pattern and continue

mapping.

The approaching aircraft

is approaching the UX5

head-on.

1. Assess the situation.

2. Tap to move the UX5 to a safe

position.

Tap in the message

box on the map to cancel

the pattern and continue

mapping.

The approaching aircraft

intends to land.

A landing aircraft has priority over an UX5

at all times. Never assume that the

aircraft has noticed the UX5. Take the

necessary safety measures depending on

the situation.

Tap in the message

box on the map to cancel

the pattern and continue

mapping.

Occasionally other objects such as birds enter the zone of operation. Assess the situation and try to

avoid collisions using the methods described above. If a collision does occur, immediately tap in

the Aerial Imaging software and if prompted, confirm FTS activation to abort the flight. Once the

UX5 has landed, carefully check equipment for damage.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 83
4   Completing a Flight

Other types of emergency

In case of other types of emergency, take the recommended action.

Scenario Action

Engine failure is rare but may occur.

The following parameters in the Aerial

Imaging software indicate engine

failure:

l Altimeter decreases

l Battery voltage increases

l Throttle percentage increases

until 100%

1. Assess the situation.

2. Tap to immediately terminate the flight.

If no button is tapped, the UX5 glides downward,

following the flight plan.

Aerial Imaging software freezes or

crashes on the GCS when the UX5 is in

the air.

Immediately restart the software. If you are unable to

restart the software, restart the GCS and then restart the

Aerial Imaging software.

After restarting the software:

1. Go to the Projects screen and open the project for

the flight in progress.

2. In the Flights tab, select the flight in progress.

3. Select the Flight checklist tab.

When connecting to the autopilot, a message asks if

the aircraft is already in the air.

4. Tap to confirm.

The Aerial Imaging software downloads the existing

flight plan from the eBox and enables you to

continue the flight.

Emergency software commands

The Dashboard tab of the Aerial Imaging software provides several buttons that enable you to

manually interrupt the pre-programmed flight plan while the unmanned aircraft is in the air. Use

these commands to take evasive action ifrequired.

Note – Tapping any button in thisscreen overrides any previous command.

Note – The only button available when the UX5 is below 50 m (164 ft) during takeoff is .

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 84
4   Completing a Flight

Land

Use the button when the flight must be terminated and there is time and space for a

pre-planned landing.

When you tap , the unmanned aircraft immediately terminates its flight plan and initiates a

normal landing sequence. It flies at the desired flight height to the entry point which is located 300

m (984 ft) from the landing location. If the Land command is initiated during the transition between

blocks which are at different heights, the desired flight height is the height of the next block. If the

flight height of the next block is:

l lower than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the landing entry point while descending.

l higher than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the landing entry point while ascending.

When the aircraft has reached the landing entry point but is not yet at a height of 75 m (246 ft) + the

landing offset, it starts circling downward in 200 m (656 ft) diameter circles until it reaches a height of

75 m (246 ft) + the landing offset. The aircraft then orbits until you do one of the following:

l To complete the landing, tap in the message box on the map. The aircraft finishes circling

when all landing conditions are met and then it starts the final leg of the landing.

l To release the Land command, tap in the message box on the map. The aircraft returns to

the start of the flight line it was on when the flight plan was interrupted, and resumes mapping

when it reaches the point that mapping paused.

Fly to

Use the button to move the unmanned aircraft from its current position to a location you

choose.

To enable the button, tap the location on the map that you want the unmanned aircraft to

move to. When you tap , the unmanned aircraft flies to the specified location and then orbits

there at the desired flight height in 200 m (656 ft) diameter circles. Mapping is paused. If the Fly to

command is initiated during the transition between blocks which are at different heights, the

desired flight height is the height of the next block. If the flight height of the next block is:

l lower than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the specified location while descending. If the

desired height is not yet reached at the specified location, the aircraft circles downward until

the desired height is reached.

l higher than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the specified location while ascending. If the

desired height is not yet reached at the specified location, the aircraft circles upward until the

desired height is reached.

When in the Fly to pattern, you can adjust the unmanned aircraft's desired flight height by 10 m (32

ft) up or down, ifrequired. The software does not allow the height to be set lower than 75 m (246 ft)

or higher than 750 m (2460 ft).

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 85
4   Completing a Flight

To release the Fly to command, tap in the message box on the map. The unmanned aircraft

returns to the desired flight height it was at before the Fly to pattern began. It flies to the previous

waypoint and resumes mapping when it reaches the point that mapping paused.

Note – If you tap the map again while the unmanned aircraft isin the Fly to pattern, tap in the

message box on the map to fly to the new location on the map.

Hold

Use the button when another aircraft in the vicinity is observed.

When you tap , the unmanned aircraft begins orbiting its current location at the desired flight

height in 200 m (656 ft) diameter circles. Mapping is paused. If the Hold command is initiated during

the transition between blocks which are at different heights, the desired flight height is the height

of the next block. If the flight height of the next block is:

l lower than the previous block, the aircraft circles downward until it reaches the height of the

next block.

l higher than the previous block, the aircraft circles upward until it reaches the height of the next

block.

When in the Hold pattern, you can adjust the unmanned aircraft's height by 10 m (32 ft) up or

down, ifrequired. The software does not allow the height to be set lower than 75 m (246 ft) or higher

than 750 m (2460 ft).

To release the Hold command, tap in the message box on the map. The unmanned aircraft

returns to the desired flight height it was at before the Hold pattern began. It flies to the previous

waypoint and resumes mapping when it reaches the point that mapping paused.

Here

Use the button when the unmanned aircraft must be removed from the general area of

mapping and you want to have it within close sight.

When you tap , the unmanned aircraft immediately flies to the location of the ground control

station (GCS) and orbits there at the desired flight height in 200 m (656 ft) diameter circles. Mapping

is paused. If the Here command is initiated during the transition between blocks which are at

different heights, the desired flight height is the height of the next block. If the flight height of the

next block is:

l lower than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the GCS location while descending. If the

desired height is not yet reached at the GCS location, the aircraft circles downward until the

desired height is reached.

l higher than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the GCS location while ascending. If the

desired height is not yet reached at the GCS location, the aircraft circles upward until the

desired height is reached.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 86
4   Completing a Flight

When in the Here pattern, you can adjust the unmanned aircraft's height by 10 m (32 ft) up or

down, ifrequired. The software does not allow the height to be set lower than 75 m (246 ft) or higher

than 750 m (2460 ft).

To release the Here command, tap in the message box on the map. The unmanned aircraft

returns to the desired flight height it was at before the Here pattern began. It flies to the previous

waypoint and resumes mapping when it reaches the point that mapping paused.

Right

Use the button when you want to move the unmanned aircraft rightward from its current

position but have it close to its current location.

When you tap , the unmanned aircraft flies 300 m (984 ft) to the right of the current heading and

then orbits there at the desired flight height in 200 m (656 ft) diameter circles. Mapping is paused. If

the Right command is initiated during the transition between blocks which are at different heights,

the desired flight height is the height of the next block. If the flight height of the next block is:

l lower than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the right while descending. If the desired

height is not yet reached at the orbit location, the aircraft circles downward until the desired

height is reached.

l higher than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the right while ascending. If the desired

height is not yet reached at the orbit location, the aircraft circles upward until the desired

height is reached.

When in the Right pattern, you can adjust the unmanned aircraft's height by 10 m (32 ft) up or

down, ifrequired. The software does not allow the height to be set lower than 75 m (246 ft) or higher

than 750 m (2460 ft).

To release the Right command, tap in the message box on the map. The unmanned aircraft

returns to the desired flight height it was at before the Right pattern began. It flies to the previous

waypoint and resumes mapping when it reaches the point that mapping paused.

FTS

Activate the Flight Termination System (FTS) when the UX5 must be removed from the air as quickly

as possible. The button can be used during takeoff, cruise flight, and landing.

To activate the FTS, tap and if prompted, confirm FTS activation in the message box on the map.

Note – If you do not tap in the message box, the UX5 continuesthe flight.

Note – Confirmation is alwaysrequired, except during takeoff when the UX5 isstill below 25 m (82 ft).

The unmanned aircraft immediately aborts the flight. During cruise flight, this involves:

1. The motor powers down and the speed lowers to 70 kph (43 mph).

2. The unmanned aircraft orbits down in 200 m (656 ft) diameter circles until it reaches a height of

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 87
4   Completing a Flight

10 m (33 ft).

3. The unmanned aircraft levels its wings, slows, and glides to the ground.

If you activate FTS when the unmanned aircraft is at a height of less than 25 m (82 ft) – that is, during

takeoff or landing – then the unmanned aircraft slows to 60 kph (37 mph) and flies downward in a

straight line at the current heading until it glides to the ground.

Abort

Note – The button is available only during the final leg of the landing when the aircraft is more than

15 m (49 ft) above ground. Make sure you consider the obstacle clearancesfor the Abort manoeuvre

before you tap . For more information,see Obstacle clearances for landing, page 35.

Use the button to abort the landing.

When you tap , the unmanned aircraft climbs to 75 m (246 ft) in the direction of the landing

heading and then turns to the landing entry point to start the landing circuit again.

To land you must tap in the message box on the map again.

Dealing with a crash

A crash is an accident associated with the operation of an aircraft in which:

l a person is fatally or seriously injured

l the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure

l the aircraft is missing or completely inaccessible

Note – A landing on the intended landing site that causes damage to the aircraft due to the landing

surface cannot be seen as a crash.

1. If a crash occurs which causes injuries or death, you must:

a. Contact the emergency services.

b. Help where necessary, without risking your own life.

c. Make a perimeter around the accident. Make sure no evidence disappears.

d. Notify your civil aviation authority (CAA).

2. If a crash occurs which causes damage to another object:

a. Contact the emergency services when necessary (for example, if gas, electricity, or water

supplies are affected).

b. Contact the owners of the object that is hit.

c. Notify your civil aviation authority.

3. Take pictures of the crash site. Download the data files from the GCS and send all data and

pictures to your Trimble distributor.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 88
4   Completing a Flight

Landing the UX5 

CAUTION – It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of the unmanned aircraft during landing. To do this you

must:

– Have visual contact with the unmanned aircraft at all times.

– Observe the zone of operation for the unmanned aircraft and look out for other aerial objects.

– Ensure obstacle clearance.

– Locate the unmanned aircraft on the Tablet screen.

WARNING – Make sure there are no people or obstacles near the landing zone. Failure to do so could result in

serious personal injury and damage to the rover.

After passing the last waypoint on the scan lines, the UX5 terminates its flight plan and initiates a

normal landing sequence. It flies at cruise height to the entry point which is located 300 m (984 ft)

from the landing location. It starts circling downward in 200 m (656 ft) diameter circles until it

reaches a height of 75 m (246 ft). It keeps circling in left or right circles, depending on the direction

specified in the Aerial Imaging software, until you tap in the message box on the map.

To complete the landing, tap in the message box on the map. The UX5 finishes its current circle

until it reaches the intersection with the landing direction and then it starts the final leg of the

landing.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 89
4   Completing a Flight

The image below shows the linear landing circuit using a landing orientation set to right turns.

Locating the UX5 after landing

If the UX5 has landed somewhere in the field and you are not able to visually locate it, you can track

it using the tracking system receiver.

1. On the receiver, press and hold the On/Off key for three seconds to power on the receiver.

2. Press the Menu/OK key to enter the menu.

3. Select the transmitter you want to track down using the Scan key and then press the Menu/OK

key to confirm.

4. Fold out the four antennas on the receiver and then place the receiver on the palm of your

hand, taking care not to touch any of the antennas.

5. Increase the gain as much as possible using the Increase key.

6. To pick up the first signal pulses, hold the receiver in front of you at high level and slowly turn

360°, scanning the horizon with the antenna.

Tip – Make sure the internal antenna is selected. The range of the receiver is wider if you track from an

elevation. Always hold the receiver in front of you so that the receiver can distinguish between incoming

signals from the front and the back.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 90
4   Completing a Flight

Each received signal pulse and its strength are shown on the transmitter bar/received signal

strength indicator and indicated with an audible signal.

7. Scan the area to determine the direction with the highest signalstrength. If the signalstrength

is the same in all directions, reduce the gain using the Decrease key until the received signal

strength is half the transmitter bar and then repeat the scan.

8. Follow the determined direction. Repeat the scan at intervals to verify the direction you need

to head in to locate the UX5.

Note – If you experience difficultiesfinding the rover following one direction, try doing the scan from

a different location and locating the cross-section between the new and previously found direction.

For more information on using the tracker system, refer to the user documentation for the

tracker transmitter and receiver.

Completing the post-flight checklist

1. After the UX5 has successfully landed, tap .

2. A message warns that the UX5 should be on the ground. Do one of the following:

l If the UX5 is not on the ground, tap . You will return to the flight monitoring screen.

l If the UX5 is on the ground, tap . The UX5 goes into standby mode and the post-flight

checklist appears.

3. Remove the download port cap from the eBox and then attach the download cable to the eBox

and the modem.

4. Click .

The software detects the cable connection and automatically starts downloading the log files

from the eBox to the Tablet.

Note – If there is an issue with the cable connection, the post-flight checklist returnsto the previous

screen. Detach and then reattach the cable and then click .

5. When prompted, disconnect the download cable and then reattach the download port cap to

the eBox.

6. When prompted, remove the camera from the unmanned aircraft. Trimble recommends

deleting the test images taken on the ground from the SD card. Verify that the number of

images taken during the flight are equal to the amount ofshutter commands recorded in the

flight log.

If you have not deleted the test images from the SD card, there will be a mismatch between the

number of images and the number ofshutter commands and you will need to correct this. For

more information, see Exporting flight data for processing, page 96.

Note – If you have imagesfrom more than one flight on the camera, you may need to remove the SD

card from the camera, insert it into the Tablet, and then use Windows Explorer to navigate to the

correct folder on the SD card to view the number of imagestaken for the flight. To do this you will

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 91
4   Completing a Flight

need a USB to SD card reader or an external storage device. For more information,see Locating

your equipment, page 60.

7. Select the check box for the block(s) that were successfully mapped during the flight.

8. Tap to close the post-flight checklist and return to the Flights tab.

The status of the flight changes to: Flown, log files downloaded and settings frozen.

To redo this flight, make a copy of the flight. The settings of the new flight are editable.

In the Blocks tab, one of the following icons appears next to the block name in the block list:

l Successfully mapped and settings frozen.

l Not successfully mapped and settings frozen.

If the log files were downloaded the icon appears next to the block number on the map.

A frozen block can still be scheduled in other flights. It will be flown again with the same settings. To

map the block with different settings, make a copy of the block and change the settings as required.

Disassembling the launcher

For safe disassembly of the launcher, refer to the Trimble UX5 Launcher Quick Start Guide.

1. If you have not yet released the tension on the launcher cord, then do so now.

To release the tension, release the force with the crank very gently while pulling the release

handles in the front of the launcher upward. This is safest done with two people, with one

person carefully winding the crank counter-clockwise to counteract the force on the elastics.

2. Remove the lock pin on the launch dock and detach the launcher cord.

3. Using the crank, tighten the launcher cord so that most of the cord is in the launch slide but the

end remains out. Remove the crank.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 92
4   Completing a Flight

4. Slide the launch dock off the front of the launch slide.

5. To detach the V-support, turn the knob upward and then slide the pins out of the holes in the

launch slide. Remove the lock pin on the V-support to fold the legs and then reinsert the lock

pin.

CAUTION – Take care when folding the V-support legs not to jam or cut fingers.

6. Open the handle fixes on the launch slide and fold the launch slide.

7. Return the following items to the launcher bag:

l safety pin

l launch dock with lock pin

l V-support

l crank

l launch slide with elastics

For more information, see Locating your equipment, page 60.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 93
Analysis and Export

n Transferring the images

n Returning the project to the Aerial

Imaging Desktop software

n Exporting flight data for processing

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 94

C H A P T E R 5
5   Analysis and Export

Transferring the images

Note – If you already transferred the imagesfrom the camera to an external storage device in the field,

then transfer the imagesfrom that device to a location on the computer running the Aerial Imaging

Desktop software, or to a network location.

If you have not already transferred the images from the camera:

1. When you return to the office, remove the SD card from the camera.

2. Insert the SD card into an office computer and then transfer the images from the SD card to a

location on the computer or a network location.

3. Delete the images from the SD card.

4. Replace the SD card in the camera.

Note – Because the camera has no electronic communication with the external lens, the image

properties(exif data) show a 0 value for the propertieslinked to the lens. These properties are: F-stop,

focal length and max. aperture.

Returning the project to the Aerial Imaging Desktop

software

Although you can use the Aerial Imaging software on the Trimble Tablet to analyze and export the

flight data for processing, it will typically be done in the office using the Aerial Imaging Desktop

software. To be able to do this you must export the project from the Aerial Imaging software on the

Tablet and import it to the Aerial Imaging Desktop software.

To export the project from the Aerial Imaging software on the Tablet:

1. In the Projects screen, select the project to export.

2. Click . The Export wizard appears.

3. Select the GWT format. Click Next.

4. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the project. If the Tablet cannot access a

network folder, then insert a USB stick and then navigate to a folder on the USB stick.

5. Enter the file name and then click Save.

The exported project is saved as a .gwt file in the folder you selected.

6. Click Finish to close the Export wizard.

To import the project to the Aerial Imaging Desktop software:

1. Start the Aerial Imaging Desktop software.

2. In the Aerial Imaging Home screen or Projects screen, tap .

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 95
5   Analysis and Export

3. Navigate to the location of the .gwt file, select it and then tap Open.

The project you imported is listed in the Projects screen and the project thumbnail appears.

Exporting flight data for processing

Note – You can export flight data from the Aerial Imaging Desktop software, or from the Aerial Imaging

software on the Trimble Tablet, if you have copied the imagesto the Tablet.

1. In the Projects screen, select the project to export flight data from.

2. Click . The Export wizard appears.

3. Select the format to export to:

l To process the flight data using Trimble Business Center software, select the .jxl option.

l To process the flight data using other processing software, select the .csv/.txt option.

4. Click Next.

5. Select the flight to export and then select the folder where you have stored the images for that

flight.

The summary at the bottom of the window shows you the number of camera triggers in the

flight log file and the number of images in the selected image folder.

If these numbers do not correspond, you have the option to correct it using the Aerial Imaging

software. For each scan line the software matches the shutter commands with the number of

images.

Note – The files must be corrected before exporting to Trimble Business Center.

Note – If there are more than three images missing or more than three additional images(excluding

test images or imagesfrom another flight), Trimble recommends performing the flight again.

If there are:

l Too many images, the automatic correction will delete test images or images from a

previous flight. In any other case where scan lines have more images than shutter

commands, the extra images are dropped at the end of the scan line, regardless of where

in the scan line the extra images occurred.

l Not enough images, where scan lines have more shutter commands than images, the

extra shutter commands are dropped at the end of the scan line, regardless of where in

the scan line the extra shutter commands occurred.

Note – If the missing images are not due to obviousreasonssuch as a depleted camera battery

during flight, an SD card with incorrect specifications(see Locating your equipment, page 60),

or incorrect camera settings, contact your Trimble distributor.

A message appears, showing the correction results.

6. Click Next.

7. Enter a file name for the exported flight data and then click Save.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 96
5   Analysis and Export

By default the exported file is stored in the same folder as the images for the flight. This is

required for processing .jxl files using Trimble Business Center.

8. Click Finish to close the Export wizard.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 97
Troubleshooting

n Errors and warnings

n Landing issues

n Aerial Imaging software issues

n eBox LED status

n Technicalsupport

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 98

C H A P T E R 6
6   Troubleshooting

Errors and warnings

This topic describes error messages or warnings that may appear. If the problem persists, contact

your Trimble distributor.

Low battery level

If the message appears Then...

Pre-flight, before ARM Replace the battery with a fully charged battery and then redo the

flight checklist.

Pre-flight, after ARM 1. Disarm the UX5 via software. If that does not work, disarm the

UX5 by pressing the Mode button once (one flash) taking care

to avoid the propellers.

2. Replace the battery with a fully charged battery and then redo

the flight checklist.

In-flight If the landing location is not too far from the location of the UX5 and

the battery level is not too low, tap the button. Otherwise, tap

the button.

Loss of GPS lock

If the message appears Then...

Pre-flight, before ARM You will not be able to ARM the UX5.

1. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox.

2. Redo the checklist.

Pre-flight, after ARM 1. Disarm the UX5 via software. If that does not work, disarm the

UX5 by pressing the Mode button once (one flash) taking care

to avoid the propellers.

2. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox.

3. Redo the checklist.

In-flight The automatic failsafe mechanism is activated. See Failsafes during

flight, page 81.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 99
6   Troubleshooting

Communication loss

If the message appears Then...

Pre-flight, before ARM You will not be able to ARM the UX5.

1. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox.

2. Redo the checklist.

Pre-flight, after ARM 1. Disarm the UX5 via software. If that does not work, disarm the

UX5 by pressing the Mode button once (one flash) taking care

to avoid the propellers.

2. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox.

3. Redo the checklist.

In-flight The automatic failsafe mechanism is activated. See Failsafes during

flight, page 81.

Camera errors

Issue Solution

The camera is taking a

picture every 20 to 25

seconds.

1. Abort the checklist.

2. Disconnect the UX5 battery.

3. Restart the checklist.

eBox errors

There are two types of eBox errors that can occur:

l Autopilot errors

l Miscellaneous eBox errors

The appropriate action to take depends on the stage of the flight that the error occurs. For more

information, see:

l Taking action when an Autopilot error occurs, page 104

l Taking action when an eBox error occurs, page 104

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 100
6   Troubleshooting

Autopilot error message types

The table below explains the types of autopilot error that can occur.

Code Description

2 There is an airspeed sensor hardware problem.

3 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

4 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

9 There is a pitch gyro sensor hardware problem.

11 There is a roll gyro sensor hardware problem.

13 There is a yaw gyro sensor hardware problem.

16 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

17 There is an invalid command in the flight plan.

18 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

19 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

20 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

21 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

22 There is a gyro sensor hardware problem.

23 There is an accelerometer sensor hardware problem.

25 The aircraft has flown past the 300 km limit.

26 The flight plan contains a waypoint that is outside of the geofence; or the aircraft has

flown outside of the geofence.

35 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

36 There is a gyro sensor hardware problem.

37 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

38 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

39 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

40 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 101
6   Troubleshooting

Code Description

41 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

42 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

43 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

44 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

45 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

46 The flight plan contains a waypoint that exceeds the maximum allowed distance from

the takeoff location.

47 The aircraft is close to the 300 km limit.

49 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

50 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

51 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

52 There is a GPS receiver hardware problem.

53 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

55 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

56 There is an autopilot hardware problem.

57 There is an autopilot hardware problem.

58 There is an accelerometer sensor hardware problem.

59 There is a GPS receiver hardware problem.

60 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

61 There is an airspeed sensor hardware problem.

63 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

64 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

65 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

66 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

67 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

68 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 102
6   Troubleshooting

Code Description

69 There is an autopilot hardware problem.

71 There is an accelerometer sensor hardware problem.

72 There are multiple errors.

73 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

74 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

77 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

78 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

79 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

80 There is an accelerometer sensor hardware problem.

81 There is an invalid command in the flight plan.

84 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

85 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

86 The aircraft is above the maximum altitude limit.

87 There is an autopilot configuration problem.

88 The flight plan contains a waypoint that is above the maximum allowed altitude from

the takeoff location.

89 The flight plan contains a waypoint that is outside of the geofence.

90 There is a pitch gyro sensor hardware problem.

91 There is a roll gyro sensor hardware problem.

92 There is a yaw gyro sensor hardware problem.

93 There is an accelerometer sensor hardware problem.

94 There is an accelerometer sensor hardware problem.

95 There is an accelerometer sensor hardware problem.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 103
6   Troubleshooting

Taking action when an Autopilot error occurs

If the message appears Then...

Pre-flight, before ARM You will not be able to ARM the UX5.

1. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox.

2. Redo the checklist.

Pre-flight, after ARM 1. Disarm the UX5 via software. If that does not work, disarm the

UX5 by pressing the Mode button once (one flash) taking care

to avoid the propellers.

2. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox.

3. Redo the checklist.

In-flight If the landing location is not too far from the location of the UX5 and

the battery level is not too low, , tap the button. Otherwise, tap

the button.

Taking action when an eBox error occurs

Miscellaneous eBox errors include eBox altitude pressure sensor errors.

If the message appears Then...

Pre-flight, before ARM You will not be able to ARM the UX5.

1. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox.

2. Redo the checklist.

Pre-flight, after ARM 1. Disarm the UX5 via software. If that does not work, disarm the

UX5 by pressing the Mode button once (one flash) taking care

to avoid the propellers.

2. Disconnect and then reconnect the battery to restart the eBox.

3. Redo the checklist.

In-flight Always use .

Landing issues

If the unmanned aircraft does not automatically power off the motor after landing, Trimble

recommends manually powering off the motor as soon as possible to avoid motor damage. To

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 104
6   Troubleshooting

manually power off the UX5, tap the button in the Aerial Imaging software. If that does not

work, press and hold the Mode button on the eBox until the LED flashes three times.

WARNING – Always take care to avoid contact with the propeller blades. Contact with moving propeller blades

can result in serious personal injury.

Aerial Imaging software issues

If the Aerial Imaging software on the GCS freezes or crashes when the UX5 is in the air, see Aerial

Imaging software freezes or crashes, page 1.

If the software crashes, a crash dump file is automatically created. You are prompted to select the

crash dump location and you can then send the file to Trimble Technical Support.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 105
6   Troubleshooting

eBox LED status

The diagram below shows the status of the LEDs on the eBox.

Technical support

If you have an issue and cannot find the information you need in the product documentation,

contact your Trimble distributor.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 106
Specifications and Settings

n UX5 specifications

n Camera specifications

n Camera settings

n Battery charger settings

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 107

C H A P T E R 7
7   Specifications and Settings

UX5 specifications

The UX5 aerial imaging rover has the following specifications:

Power/battery

Feature Specification

Battery type Lithium polymer

Nominal energy capacity 6000 mAh

Nominal voltage 14.8 V

Battery charger settings for

charging:

– Maximum current

– Voltage

6 A

16.8 V +/- 0.03 V

Battery charger settings for

discharging:

– Maximum current

– Cut-off voltage

40 A

9 V

Battery charging time Maximum 2 hours if fully

discharged.

Height

Feature Specification

Minimum flight height 75 m (246 ft)

Maximum flight height 750 m (2460 ft)

Maximum operational ceiling

(recommended)

5000 m (16,400 ft)

Note – UX5 not tested above 2500 m

(8202 ft).

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 108
7   Specifications and Settings

Dimensions

Feature Specification

Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)

Wing span 100 cm (39.3 ")

Length 65 cm (25.6 ")

Height 10.5 cm (4.1 ")

CAUTION – Any deviation leading to a different maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) must be approved by Trimble.

Camera specifications

The camera has the following specifications:

Feature Specification (Sony a5100) Specification (Sony NEX-5)

Effective pixels 23.4 megapixels 16.1 megapixels

Image sensor APS-C 23.5 x 15.6 mm (0.93 x

0.61") CMOS

APS-C 23.5 x 15.6 mm (0.93 x

0.61") CMOS

Focal length 15 mm (0.6") 15 mm (0.6")

F-aperture 4.5 - 22 4.5 - 22

Shutter speed 1/4000 – 60 1/4000 – 30

ISO sensitivity ISO 100 – 25600 equivalent ISO 100 – 25600 equivalent

Display 7.5 cm (3") 7.5 cm (3")

Dimensions

(width x height x depth)

109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7 mm

(4.31 x 2.47 x 1.41 ")

110.8 x 58.8 x 32.5 mm

(4.36 x 2.31 x 1.28 ")

Weight 224 g (0.49 lb) body only 218 g (0.48 lb) body only

Battery charging time Approximately 310 minutes

when fully discharged

Approximately 280 minutes

when fully discharged

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 109
7   Specifications and Settings

Camera settings

The camera arrives with the appropriate settings required to obtain good aerial images set by

Trimble. These settings are listed below for the:

l Sony a5100 camera settings

l Sony NEX-5 camera settings, page 115

Note the following:

l Settings that are greyed out in the camera menus cannot be selected and so are not listed here.

l A value of "–" in the tables below indicates that the value for that setting is not set and is not

required.

Sony a5100 camera settings

Menu settings

Camera settings

Setting Value

1 Shoot Mode Shutter Priority

Image Size L:24M

Aspect Ratio 3:2

Quality Fine

2 Movie File Format AVCHD

Movie Record Settings 50i 17M (FH)

Dual Video REC Off

Drive Mode Single Shooting

Flash Mode Fill-flash

3 Flash Comp. ± 0.0

Red Eye Reduction Off

Focus Area Center

AF Illuminator Off

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 110
7   Specifications and Settings

Setting Value

4 Exposure Comp. ± 0.0

ISO ISO AUTO

5 Metering Mode Multi

White Balance Auto

For the NIR camera, use custom brightness/color settings.

See Setting brightness/color settings for the NIR camera,

page 57

DRO/Auto-HDR D-Range Opt. - AUTO

Creative Style Standard

Picture Effect Off

6 Focus Magnifier –

High ISO NR Normal

Smile/Face Detect. Off

7 Soft Skin Effect Off

Color Space sRGB

8 Video Auto Slow Shutter Off

Audio Recording Off

Wind Noise Reduct. Off

Shooting Tip List –

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 111
7   Specifications and Settings

Custom settings

Setting Value

1 Zebra Off

MF Assist Off

Focus Magnif. Time No limit

Grid Line Diag + square grid

Movie Marker Display Off

Movie Marker Settings

Center

Aspect

Safety zone

Guide frame

Off

Off

Off

Off

2 Auto Review Off

DISP Button Display all info

Peaking Level High

Peaking Color Red

Exposure Set. Guide Off

3 Live View Display Setting effect ON

Disp. Cont. AF Area Off

Zoom Setting Opticalzoom only

Release w/o lens Enable

AEL w/ shutter Off

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 112
7   Specifications and Settings

Setting Value

4 Self portrait/ -timer Off

Exp. Comp. Set. Ambient only

Face Registration –

AF Micro Adj.

AF Adjustment Set.

Clear

Off

–

5 Lens Comp.

Shading Comp.

Chro. Aber. Comp.

Distortion Comp.

Off

Off

Off

Custom Key Settings

Center Button

Change all items to "Not set" EXCEPT Focus Magnifier

MOVIE Button Movie mode only

Wireless

Setting Value

Airplane Mode On

Application

There are no relevant settings set in the Application menu.

Playback

Setting Value

Display Rotation Off

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 113
7   Specifications and Settings

Setup

Setting Value

1 Monitor Brightness Manual

Audio Signals Off

Tile Menu Off

Delete Confirm. "Cancel" first

2 Power Save Start Time 30 mins

PAS/NTSC Selector –

Touch Operation Off

HDMI Settings

HDMI Resolution

HDMI Info. Display

CTRL FOR HDMI

Auto

Off

Off

3 USB Connection Auto

USB LUN Setting Multi

Language English

Date/Time Setup Set the correct date and time for your location and the

format used by your organization.

Area Setting Set the correct area for your location.

4 Format –

File Number Series

Folder name Date form

5 Version –

Setting Reset –

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 114
7   Specifications and Settings

Sony NEX-5 camera settings

Lens settings

Setting Value

Aperture ring f/4.5

Focus ring 3+ m

Note – Thisisset and calibrated by the manufacturer and must

not change. For your reference, this position corresponds with the

white dot appearing below the right edge of the red 0 in the 10 ft

mark.

Menu settings

Shoot Mode

Setting Value

Shoot Mode S (Shutter priority)

1/1000 or above

Camera

Setting Value

Drive Mode Remote Cdr.

Flash Mode –

AF/MF Select –

Autofocus Area –

Autofocus Mode –

Touch Shutter –

Object Tracking /

Tracking Focus

–

Zoom –

Face Detection Off

Face Registration –

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 115
7   Specifications and Settings

Setting Value

Smile Shutter Off

Auto Port Framing Off

Soft Skin Effect Off

Shooting Tip List –

LCD Display Display All Info

DISP Button Enable the following:

l Display All Info

l Big Font Size Disp

l Histogram

Image Size

Setting Value

Image Size L:16M

Aspect Ratio 3:2

Quality Fine

Movie File Format NEX 5R: N/A

NEX 5T: AVCHD

Movie Record Setting NEX 5R: N/A

NEX 5T: 25p 17M (FH)

Brightness/Color

Setting Value

Exposure Compensation ± 0.0

For the NIR camera:

+ 1.0 with the UV HAZE (orange) filter

+ 2.0 with the NIR (black) filter

ISO Auto

White Balance Auto WB

For the NIR camera, use custom brightness/color settings. See

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 116
7   Specifications and Settings

Setting Value

Setting brightness/color settings for the NIR camera, page 59

Metering Mode Multi

DRO/Auto HDR D-Range Optimizer

Picture Effect Off

Creative Style Standard

Playback

There are no relevant settings set in the Playback menu.

Application

There are no relevant settings set in the Application menu.

Setup

Shooting settings

Setting Value

AEL with shutter On

AF Illuminator Off

Live View Display Setting Effect On

Auto Review Off

Grid Line Off

Peaking Level Mid

Peaking Color Red

Clear Image Zoom Off

Digital Zoom Off

Self-portrait Self-timer Off

MF Assist On

MF Assist Time 2 Sec

Color Space sRGB

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 117
7   Specifications and Settings

Setting Value

Release without Lens Enable

Front Curtain Shutter Off

Long Exposure NR Off

High ISO NR Normal

Lens Comp.:Shading Auto

Lens Comp.: Chromatic Aberation Auto

Lens Comp.: Distortion Auto

Auto Slow Shutter Off

Movie Audio Rec. On

Wind Noise Reduction On

AF Micro Adjustment –

Main settings

Setting Value

Menu Start NEX 5R: Top

NEX 5T: Previous

Function Menu Settings –

MOVIE Button Off

Custom Key Settings –

Touch Operation Off

Beep Off

Language English

Date/Time Setup Set the correct date and time for your location and

the format used by your organization.

Area Setting Set the correct area for your location.

Help Guide Display Off

Power Save Standard

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 118
7   Specifications and Settings

Setting Value

Power Saving Start Time 30 min

LCD Brightness Manual

Display Color White

Wide Image Normal

Playback Display Manual Rotate

HDMI Resolution Auto

CTRL for HDMI On

USB Connection Auto

Cleaning Mode –

(Click to clean the sensor.)

Version –

(Click to see the camera and lens version.)

Initialize –

(Click to reset settings.)

Memory card tool

Setting Value

Format –

(Click to format a card.)

File Number Series

Folder Name Date Form

New Folder –

(Click to create a folder.)

Recover Image DB –

(Click to recover the image database.)

Display Card Space –

Click to view card space usage.)

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 119
7   Specifications and Settings

Network settings

Setting Value

Access Point Settings –

Edit Device Name –

Display MAC Address –

(Click to view the MAC address.)

Reset View on Smartphone / SSID/PW

Reset

–

NEX 5R: (Click to reset the remote view.)

NEX 5T: (Click to execute smartphone connection

SSID and password reset.)

Reset Network Settings –

(Click to reset the network settings.)

Airplane Mode (NEX 5T only) On

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 120
7   Specifications and Settings

Battery charger settings

When the charger power on, it displays the following parameters for the battery:

l LiPo manual

l C:5.0A 6000mAh

WARNING – Always check that the settings on the charger are correct before charging the battery. Incorrect

charger settings may result in damage to the battery, severe burning and fire hazards.

If the settings are incorrect, correct them using the steps below:

1. To change the battery type, press and hold the Prog/Mode key for two seconds. Repeat the

button press until the charger screen shows “LiPo manual” or “LiIo manual” or “LiFe manual”.

2. Briefly press the Prog/Mode key (for less than two seconds).

3. To change the lithium type, press the DEC or INC key until the lithium type is set to “LiPo”.

4. To change the voltage per cell, press the Enter/Start key and then press the DEC or INC key

until the voltage is set to “4.20V/C”.

5. Briefly press the Prog/Mode key (for less than two seconds).

6. In the main screen, the “C:x.xA” entry is blinking. Press the DEC or INC key until it shows "5.0".

7. To change the battery capacity, press the Enter/Start key and then press the DEC or INC key

until the battery capacity is set to "6000mAh".

Your charger is now set and should show:

l LiPo manual

l C:5.0A 6000mAh

UX5 battery safety

The following information has been provided by the manufacturer of the UX5 battery. You should

familiarize yourself with the information in this section so that you know how to look after the

battery and can take fast, appropriate safety action ifrequired.

This section contains the following:

l Hazards identification, page 122

l First aid measures, page 124

l Fire fighting measures, page 124

l Accidental release measures, page 125

l Handling and storage, page 125

l Exposure controls and personal protection, page 127

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 121
7   Specifications and Settings

l Physical and chemical properties, page 127

l Stability and reactivity, page 127

l Toxicological information, page 128

l Disposal considerations, page 128

l Transportation information, page 128

Hazards identification

Emergency overview

l Do not open or disassemble.

l Do not expose to fire or open flame.

l Do not mix with batteries of varying sizes, chemistries or types.

l Do not puncture, deform incinerate or heat above 85 °C (185 °F).

Potential health effects

The materials contained in this battery may only represent a hazard if the integrity of the battery is

compromised or if the battery is physically or electrically abused.

(1) Physical:

The Lithium ion polymer rechargeable batteries described in this Material Safety Data Sheet are

sealed units which are not hazardous when used according to the recommendations of the

Manufacturer.

Under normal conditions of use, the solid electrode materials and liquid electrolyte they contain are

non-reactive provided the battery integrity is maintained and seals remain intact.

Risk of exposure is only in case of abuse (mechanical, thermal, electrical) leading to the activation of

safety valves and/or the rupture of the battery containers. Electrolyte leakage, electrode materials

reaction with moisture/water or battery vent/explosion/fire may follow, depending upon the

circumstances.

(2) Chemical:

Classification of dangerous substances contained into the product as per directive 67/548/EEC:

Substance Melting point Boiling

point

Classification

CAS no. Chemical

symbol

Exposure

limit

Indication

of danger

Special

risk (1)

Safety

advice (2)

473894-38-1

182442-95-1

LiCoO2

LiMnNiCoO2

>1000 °C N/A 0.1mg/m3

as Co

1.0mg/m3

R22

R43

S2 S22

S24 S26

S36

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 122
7   Specifications and Settings

as Ni

OSHA

EC: 96-49-1

EMC:

623-53-0

Organic

solvents (EC–

EMC)

EC: 38 °C (100 °F)

EMC: 4 °C (39 °F)

EC: 243 °C

(469 °F)

EMC:

90 °C (194

°F)

None

established

OSHA

Flammable R21

R22

R41

R42/43

S2 S24

S26 S35

S37 S45

21324-40-3 LiPF6 N/A (decomposes at

160 °C (320 °F))

N/A None

established

OSHA

Irritant

Corrosive

R14

R21

R22

R41

R43

S2 S8 S22

S24 S26

S36 S37

S45

(1) – Nature ofspecial risks:

R14 Reacts with water

R21 Harmful in contact with skin

R22 Harmful ifswallowed

R41 Risk ofserious damage to the eye

R42/43 May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact

R43 May cause sensitization by skin contact

(2) – Safety advice:

S2 Keep out ofreach from children

S8 Keep away from moisture

S22 Do not breathe dust

S24 Avoid contact with skin

S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical

Protective clothing

S36 Wear suitable protective clothing

S37 Wear suitable gloves

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 123
7   Specifications and Settings

First aid measures

In case of battery rupture or explosion, evacuate personnel from contaminated area and provide

maximum ventilation to clear out fumes/gases.

In all cases where first aid is applied, seek medical attention.

Eye contact

l Flush with plenty of water (eyelids held open) for at least 15 minutes.

Skin contact

l Remove all contaminated clothing and flush affected areas with plenty of water and soap for at

least 15 minutes.

l Do not apply greases or ointments.

Ingestion

l Dilute by giving plenty of water and get immediate medical attention.

l Make sure that the victim does not aspirate vomited material by use of positional drainage.

l Make sure that mucus does not obstruct the airway.

l Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Inhalation

l Remove to fresh air and ventilate the contaminated area.

l Give oxygen or artificial respiration if needed.

Fire fighting measures

Fire and explosion hazard

The battery can leak and/or spout vaporized or decomposed and combustible electrolyte fumes in

case of exposure above 70 °C (158 °F)resulting from inappropriate use or the environment.

Cells or batteries may flame or leak potentially hazardous organic vapors if exposed to excessive

heat or fire. Fire, excessive heat, or over voltage conditions may produce hazardous decomposition

products.

Damaged or opened cells or batteries can result in rapid heating and the release of flammable

vapors.

Vapors may be heavier than air and may travel along the ground or be moved by ventilation to an

ignition source and flash back

Fire, excessive heat, or over voltage conditions may produce hazardous decomposition products.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 124
7   Specifications and Settings

Use a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus if batteries are involved in a fire. Full

protective clothing is necessary. During water application, caution is advised as burning pieces of

flammable particles may be ejected from the fire.

Extinguishing media

Suitable: CO2

Dry chemical or foam extinguishers

Not to be used: Type D extinguishers

Special exposure hazards

Following cell overheating due to externalsource or due to improper use, electrolyte leakage or

battery container rupture may occur and release inner component/material in the environment.

Eye

contact:

The electrolyte solution contained in the battery is irritant to ocular tissues.

Skin

contact:

The electrolyte solution contained in the battery causes skin irritation.

Ingestion: The ingestion of electrolyte solution causes tissue damage to throat and

gastro/respiratory tract.

Inhalation: Contents of a leaking or ruptured battery can cause respiratory tract, mucus,

membrane irritation and edema.

Special protective equipment

Use self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid breathing irritant fumes.

Wear protective clothing and avoid body contact with electrolyte solution.

Accidental release measures

The material contained within the batteries would only be expelled under abusive conditions.

Using shovel or broom, cover battery or spilled substances with dry sand or vermiculite, place in

approved container (after cooling if necessary) and dispose in accordance with local regulations.

Handling and storage

The batteries should not be opened, destroyed or incinerated since they may leak or rupture and

release in the environment the ingredients they contain.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 125
7   Specifications and Settings

Handling

Batteries are designed to be recharged. However, improperly charging a cell or battery may cause

the cell or battery to flame.

Use only approved chargers and procedures.

Never disassemble a battery or bypass any safety device.

Do not crush, pierce, short (+) and (-) battery terminals with conductive (i.e. metal) goods.

Do not directly heat or solder.

Do not throw into fire.

Do not mix batteries of different types and brands.

Do not mix new and used batteries.

Keep batteries in non conductive (i.e. plastic) trays.

Storage

Do not store batteries above 60 °C (140 °F) or below -20 °C (-4 °F).

Store batteries in a cool (below 30 °C/86 °F)), dry area that is subject to little temperature change.

Elevated temperatures can result in reduced battery service life.

Battery exposure to temperatures in excess of 130 °C (266 °F) will result in the battery venting

flammable liquid and gases.

Batteries should be separated from other materials and stored in a noncombustible, well ventilated,

sprinkler-protected structure with sufficient clearance between walls and battery stacks.

Do not store batteries in a manner that allows terminals to short circuit.

Extended short-circuiting creates high temperatures in the cell. High temperatures can cause burns

in skin or cause the cell to flame.

Avoid reversing battery polarity within the battery assembly. To do so may cause cell to flame or to

leak.

Do not place batteries near heating equipment, nor expose to direct sunlight for long periods.

Other

Follow manufacturers recommendations regarding maximum recommended currents and

operating temperature range. Applying pressure on deforming the battery may lead to disassembly

followed by eye, skin and throat irritation.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 126
7   Specifications and Settings

Exposure controls and personal protection

No engineering controls are required for handing batteries that have not been damaged.

Respiratory

protection:

Not necessary under normal use.

In case of battery rupture, use self contained full-face respiratory

equipment.

Hand protection: Not necessary under normal use.

Use gloves if handling a leaking or ruptured battery.

Eye protection: Not necessary under normal use.

Wear safety goggles or glasses with side shields if handling a leaking or

ruptured battery.

Skin protection: Not necessary under normal use.

Use rubber protective working in case of handling of a ruptured battery.

Physical and chemical properties

Temperature range:

Continuous Occasional

In storage +30 °C (86 °F) max. -20 to +60 °C (-4 to +140 °F)

During discharge -20 to +60 °C (-4 to +140 °F) -20 to +60 °C (-4 to +140 °F)

During charge 0 to +45 °C (+32 to 113 °F) 0 to +45 °C (+32 to 113 °F)

Stability and reactivity

Conditions to avoid

Heat above 60 °C (140 °F) or incineration.

Deform, mutilate, crush, pierce, disassemble

Short circuit

Prolonged exposure to humid conditions.

Materials to avoid

N/A

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 127
7   Specifications and Settings

Hazardous decomposition products

Fire, excessive heat, or over voltage conditions may produce hazardous decomposition products.

Toxicological information

1. Irritancy: The electrolytes contained in this battery can irritate eyes with any contact.

Prolonged contact with the skin or mucous membranes may cause irritation.

2. Sensitization: No information is available at this time.

3. Carcinogenicity: No information is available at this time.

4. Reproductive toxicity: No information is available at this time.

5. Teratogenicity: No information is available at this time.

6. Mutagenicity: No information is available at this time.

Disposal considerations

Dispose in accordance with applicable regulations which vary from country to country.

(In most countries, the trashing of used batteries is forbidden and the end-users are invited to

dispose them properly, eventually through not-for-profit profit organizations, mandated by local

government or organized on a voluntary basis by professionals).

Batteries should be completely discharged prior to disposal and / or the terminals taped or capped

to prevent short circuit.

When completely discharged it is not considered hazardous.

This product does not contain any materials listed by the United Stated EPA as requiring specific

waste disposal requirements.

These are exempted from the hazardous waste disposalstandards under Universal Waste

Regulations. Disposal of large quantities of Lithium-lon batteries or cells may be subject to Federal,

State, or Local regulations.

Consult your local, state and provincial regulations regarding disposal of these batteries.

Transportation information

United Nations

UN No.: 3480

Classification: No

Individual Lithium-polymer cells and battery packs with respectively not more than 20Wh (Cell) and

100Wh (Battery) of watt-hours are not restricted for transport.

(5.0 Ah of Nominal Capacity: 5.0Ah x 3.7V = 18.5Wh)

Packing

Packing Instructions 965 for Air Transport

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 128
7   Specifications and Settings

IMDG for Sea Transport

International conventions

Air IATA Yes

Sea IMDG Yes

Land ADR (road) Yes

RID (Rail) Yes

Other

In the USA Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR Ch. 1 § 173-185)

Special packaging information

Cells and batteries must be packed in inner packaging that completely encloses the cell or battery.

Cells and batteries must be protected to avoid short circuits.

Each package must be capable of withstanding a 1.2 m (4 ft) drop test in any orientation without:

1. Damage to cells or batteries contained within the packaging;

2. Shifting of the contents allowing battery to battery contact; and

3. Release of contents.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 129
7   Specifications and Settings

Special shipping information

This battery has been tested to Section 38.3 of ‘UN Manual of Tests and Criteria’. The amount of

Lithium contained in these batteries is below the limits set by the DOT in Section 49CFR173 and

IATA. These can be shipped with the following label:

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 130
Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 131

A P P E N D I X A

Country-Specific Regulatory Information

n FAA conditions and limitations of

operation

n French airspace requirements
A   Country-Specific Regulatory Information

FAA conditions and limitations of operation

The United States of America Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has

granted Exemption No. 11110 for operation of Trimble unmanned aviation systems for the purpose

of precision aerialsurveys in the United States.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption will be

grounds for the immediate suspension or rescission of this exemption.

The conditions and limitations of this grant of exemption are as follows:

1. Operations authorized by this grant of exemption are limited to the following aircraft described

in the operator’s manual which is a fixed-wing aircraft weighing less than 6 pounds: Trimble

Navigation Limited UX5 UAS. Proposed operations of any other aircraft will require a new

petition or a petition to amend this grant.

2. The UA may not be flown at an indicated airspeed exceeding 74.5 knots.

3. The UA must be operated at an altitude of no more than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), as

indicated by the procedures specified in the operator’s manual. All altitudes reported to ATC

must be in feet AGL.

4. The UA must be operated within visual line ofsight (VLOS) of the PIC at all times. This requires

the PIC to be able to use human vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, as

specified on the PIC’s FAA-issued airman medical certificate.

5. All operations must utilize a visual observer (VO). The VO may be used to satisfy the VLOS

requirement as long as the PIC always maintains VLOS capability. The VO and PIC must be able

to communicate verbally at all times. The PIC must be designated before the flight and cannot

transfer his or her designation for the duration of the flight. The PIC must ensure that the VO

can perform the functions prescribed in the operator’s manual.

6. Provided the additional requirements identified in these conditions and limitations are added

or amended, the operator’s manual is considered acceptable to the FAA. The operator’s

manual and this grant of exemption must be maintained and made available to the

Administrator upon request. If a discrepancy exists between the conditions and limitations in

this exemption and the procedures outlined in the operator’s manual, the conditions and

limitations herein take precedence and must be followed. Otherwise, the operator must follow

the procedures as outlined in its operator’s manual.

The operator may update or revise its operator’s manual. It is the operator’s responsibility to

track such revisions and present updated and revised documents to the Administrator upon

request. The operator must also present updated and revised documents if it petitions for an

extension or amendment of this exemption. If the operator determines that any update or

revision would affect the basis upon which the FAA granted this exemption, then the operator

must petition for amendment to its exemption. The FAA’s UAS Integration Office (AFS-80) may

be contacted if questions arise regarding updates or revisions to the operator’s manual.

7. Prior to each flight the PIC must inspect the UAS to ensure it is in a condition for safe flight. If

the inspection reveals a condition that affects the safe operation of the UAS, the aircraft is

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 132
A   Country-Specific Regulatory Information

prohibited from operating until the necessary maintenance has been performed and the UAS is

found to be in a condition for safe flight. The Ground Control Station must be included in the

preflight inspection. All maintenance and alterations must be properly documented in the

aircraft records.

8. Any UAS that has undergone maintenance or alterations that affect the UAS operation or flight

characteristics, e.g. replacement of a flight critical component, must undergo a functional test

flight in accordance with the operator’s manual. The PIC who conducts the functional test flight

must make an entry in the UAS aircraft records of the flight. The requirements and procedures

for a functional test flight and aircraft record entry must be added to the operator’s manual.

9. The preflight inspection section in the operator’s manual must be amended to include the

following requirement: The preflight inspection must account for all discrepancies, i.e.

inoperable components, items, or equipment, not covered in the relevant preflight inspection

sections of the operator’s manual.

10. The operator must follow the manufacturer’s UAS aircraft/component, maintenance, overhaul,

replacement, inspection, and life limit requirements, with particular attention to flight critical

components that may not be addressed in the manufacturer’s manuals.

11. Trimble must carry out its maintenance, inspections, and record keeping requirements in

accordance with the operator’s manual. Maintenance, inspection, and alterations must be

noted in the aircraft logbook, including total flight hours, description of work accomplished,

and the signature of the authorized UX5 technician returning the UX5 to service.

12. UX5 technicians must receive and document training referenced in the operator’s manual.

13. Each UAS operated under this exemption must comply with all manufacturer System and

Safety Bulletins.

14. Trimble UX5 maintenance personnel must make a record entry in the UAS logbook or

equivalent document of the corrective action taken against discrepancies discovered between

inspections.

15. The PIC must possess at least a private pilot certificate and a third-class airman medical

certificate. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR 61.56 in an

aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.

16. Prior to operating for hire, the PIC must have completed Trimble’s five-day UX5 Training

Syllabus as outlined in the Safety Checklist. The Training Manual must also be updated to

reflect the specific five day Training Syllabus presented by Trimble. The Training Manual

specifies the minimum flight and skill requirements for the Remote Pilot, Instructor Pilot and

Examiner. Those Manuals and records of those requirements must be documented and made

available upon request by the Administrator. Those minimum flight requirements are repeated

here as conditions and limitations:

Remote pilot [PIC]

l Minimum 2 flights on the UX5 as a remote pilot during the Type Rating module

l Minimum 2 flights on the UX5 as visual observer during the Type Rating module

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 133
A   Country-Specific Regulatory Information

l When failed:Minimum 4 flights on the UX5 for the failed part

Instructor pilot

l A minimum of 25 flights and 4 hours where:

l The flights occurred on 4 different calendar days.

l Two long endurance flights that last near the maximum permissible endurance (40

min for operations conducted under this exemption) or have a minimum duration of

45 min for previously logged flights or flights not conducted under this exemption (per

the Trimble operation’s manual).

l One flight with a minimum measured wind speed of 30 kph (18.64mph). If the wind

speed cannot be measured, you can provide proof from METAR as close as 25km

from the weather station.

l One flight with a minimum programmed leg distance of 1 km (if possible by CAA

regulations, otherwise as long as possible.)

l 11 flights with a different selected height where:

l 2 flights are at the minimum height

l 2 flights are at the maximum allowable height

Examiner

l 100 flights and 20 hours (regardless of aircraft type) or as approved by a team of

examiners.

Prior documented flight experience that was obtained in compliance with applicable regulations

may satisfy this requirement. Training, proficiency, and experience-building flights can also be

conducted under this grant of exemption to accomplish the required flights and flight time.

17. If the UAS loses communications or loses its GPS signal, the UA must return to a predetermined location within the private or controlled-access property and land or be recovered

in accordance with the operator’s manual.

18. The PIC must abort the flight in the event of unpredicted obstacles or emergencies in

accordance with the operator’s manual.

19. The PIC is prohibited from beginning a UX5 flight unless (considering wind and forecast weather

conditions) there is enough power to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming

normal cruising speed, to fly after that for at least 10 minutes.

20. The operator must obtain an Air Traffic Organization (ATO) issued Certificate of Waiver or

Authorization (COA) prior to conducting any operations under this grant of exemption. This

COA will also require the operator to request a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) not more than 72

hours in advance, but not less than 48 hours prior to the operation.

21. All aircraft operated in accordance with this exemption must be identified by serial number,

registered in accordance with 14 CFR part 47, and have identification (N-Number) markings in

accordance with 14 CFR part 45, Subpart C. Markings must be as large as practicable.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 134
A   Country-Specific Regulatory Information

22. Before conducting operations, the radio frequency spectrum used for operation and control of

the UA must comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other appropriate

government oversight agency requirements.

23. The documents required under 14 CFR 91.9 and 91.203 must be available to the PIC at the

Ground Control Station of the UAS any time the aircraft is operating. These documents must be

made available to the Administrator or any law enforcement official upon request.

24. The UA must remain clear and yield the right of way to all other manned operations and

activities at all times (including, but not limited to, ultralight vehicles, parachute activities,

parasailing activities, hang gliders, etc.).

25. The UAS may not be operated by the PIC from any moving device or vehicle.

26. UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR 1.1.

27. All operations shall be conducted in Class G airspace.

28. All operations must be conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The UA may

not be operated less than 500 feet below or less than 2,000 feet horizontally from a cloud or

when visibility is less than 3 statute miles from the PIC.

29. During operations in Class G airspace, the UA may not operate within 5 nautical miles of the

geographic center of an airport as denoted on a current FAA-published aeronautical chart

unless a letter of agreement with that airport’s management is obtained, and the operation is

conducted in accordance with a NOTAM as required by the operator’s COA. The letter of

agreement with the airport management must be made available to the Administrator upon

request.

30. The UA may not be operated over congested or densely populated areas. These areas include

but are not limited to the yellow areas depicted on World Aeronautical Charts (WAC), Sectional

Aeronautical Charts (Sectionals), or Terminal Area Charts (TAC). However, aeronautical charts

may not reflect pertinent local information. Ultimately, it is the PIC’s responsibility to maintain

the minimum safe altitudes required by § 91.119.

31. Operation of the UA must be conducted at least 500 feet from all nonparticipating persons,

vessels, vehicles, and structures.

32. Operations of the UA may be conducted at distances less than 500 feet from participating

persons, vessels, vehicles or structures that perform an essential function in connection with

these special purpose operations. Operations closer than 500 feet from the PIC, VO, operator

trainees and essential persons, are permitted when operationally necessary; but never so close

as to present an undue hazard, per § 91.119(a).

33. Operations of the UA may be conducted at distances less than 500 feet from unoccupied

vessels, vehicles or structures owned by the land owner/controller when the land

owner/controller grants such permission and the PIC makes a safety assessment of the risk

from operations closer to these objects.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 135
A   Country-Specific Regulatory Information

34. All operations shall be conducted over private or controlled-access property with permission

from the land owner/controller or authorized representative. Permission from land

owner/controller or authorized representative will be obtained for each flight to be conducted.

35. Any incident, accident, or flight operation that transgresses the lateral or vertical boundaries of

the operational area as defined by the applicable COA must be reported to the FAA’s UAS

Integration Office (AFS-80) within 24 hours. Accidents must be reported to the National

Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per instructions contained on the NTSB Web site:

www.ntsb.gov.

Unless otherwise specified in the list of conditions and limitations above, the unmanned aircraft

system (UAS), pilot in command (PIC), and operator must comply with all applicable parts of Title 14,

Code of Regulations (14 CFR) including, but not limited to, parts 45, 47, 61, and 91.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 136
  Glossary

Glossary

aerial imaging

rover

The UX5 aerial imaging rover is a type of unmanned aircraft specifically

designed for aerial photogrammetry.

aerial photo

station

An aerial photo station is created each time an aerial photo is taken

during a flight. It defines a point and includes raw sensor values

(orientation and tilt), coordinate data, and an image.

aeronautical

information

publication

A manual containing thorough details ofregulations, procedures and

other information pertinent to flying aircraft in the particular country to

which it relates. It is usually issued by or on behalf of the respective civil

aviation administration.

AIP See aeronautical information publication.

avoidance zone Avoidance zones are used in the mission map to indicate areas that the

unmanned aircraft must not fly over, such as airports and forbidden

airspace.

block Contained within a mission, a block is intended to cover a single polygonal

area on the earth's surface. A mission contains one or more blocks. A

block is defined by a flight plan.

CAA Civil Aviation Authority.

cross wind A wind that blows from a sideways direction.

elevon The movable flap on the back edge of each wing. The elevons move up

and down to create uneven lift, which controls the aircraft's rolling and

banking movement.

flight The motion of the aircraft through the earth's atmosphere. The main part

of the flight records aerial photo station images of one or more blocks.

One flight can stretch over multiple blocks, depending on the area

parameters.

flight plan A set of parameters that defines the proper flight path the unmanned

aircraft must follow during a single flight. Parameters include the desired

altitude of the side image overlap. A mission can include one or more

blocks, each of which is defined by a flight plan.

flight strategy Pre-defined sequence of flight lines that can be set per block.

GCP See ground control point.

GCS See ground controlstation.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 137
  Glossary

georeference The act of positioning an object at its true location (using two or more

coordinates) in 2D or 3D space. Georeferencing is used, for example, to

position an aerial photograph accurately in relation to other objects in a

project.

georeferenced

image

A photo taken from a ground- or aerial-based station that includes

overlaid point coordinate data. See also georeference.

ground control

point

An accurately surveyed coordinate location for a physical feature that can

be identified on the ground and is used to georeference images.

ground control

station

The ground controlstation (GCS) is used to control the unmanned aircraft

from the ground. It comprises the Trimble Tablet running the Trimble

Aerial Imaging software. A modem is connected to the Tablet to enable

radio communication to the aerial imaging rover. Although the

unmanned aircraft flies following a preprogrammed flight plan, you need

the GCS to manage the unmanned aircraft before, during, and after the

flight.

ground sample

distance

In the Aerial Imaging software, the ground sample distance (GSD) is the

distance on the ground represented by each pixel. The GSD and the

height at which the aircraft flies are linked. The higher the unmanned

aircraft flies, the larger the distance on the ground represented by each

pixel in the images acquired during the flight.

GSD See ground sample distance.

head wind A wind that blows from the direction that the aircraft is flying toward.

height The height above the ground that the unmanned aircraft flies. The rover

does not begin taking photographs until it reaches the height specified for

the flight.

IATA International Air Transport Association

ICAO International Civil Aviation Authority

launch The process ofreleasing the rover from the launcher. Launch immediately

preceeds takeoff.

launch dock The platform that rests on the launcher. The unmanned aircraft sits on

the launch dock. The launch dock moves forward along the launcher at

speed when the unmanned aircraft is launched.

launcher The launcher is a mechanical device that provides a safe way to launch the

unmanned aircraft in the direction of takeoff.

METAR A routine aviation weather report issued at hourly or half-hourly intervals.

It is a description of the meteorological elements observed at an airport at

a specific time.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 138
  Glossary

mission An interconnected series of aerial photo station images recorded with an

unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that are intended to be processed as a

single unit and used for surveying purposes. A mission can include one or

more blocks that cover a single polygonal area to be flown over at a

defined overlap and GSD.

mission area A single polygonal area that defines the geographical area to be

photographed at a defined overlap and GSD during one or more flights.

NOTAM A notice filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential

hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of

the flight. The term NOTAM is commonly used rather than the more

formal term Notice to Airmen.

photogrammetry The use of photography in surveying and mapping to make

measurements between objects.

pitot tube The sensor used by the aircraft to detect airspeed. It must be kept clean

and free of obstructions to operate correctly.

remote pilot

station

The station at which the remote pilot manages the flight of an unmanned

aircraft.

remotely-piloted Control of an aircraft from a pilot station which is not on board the

aircraft.

remotely-piloted

aircraft

An aircraft where the flying pilot is not on board the aircraft. This is a

subcategory of unmanned aircraft.

remotely-piloted

aircraft system

A set of configurable elements consisting of a remotely-piloted aircraft, its

associated remote pilot station(s), the required command and control

links and any other system elements as may be required at any point

during flight operation.

RPA See remotely-piloted aircraft.

RPA observer A remote crew member who, by visual observation of the remotelypiloted aircraft, assists the remote pilot in the safe conduct of the flight.

RPAS See remotely-piloted aircraft system.

scan area A polygonal area on the earth's surface where aerial images are recorded.

segregated

airspace

Airspace ofspecified dimensions allocated for exclusive use to a specific

user(s).

TAF See terminal aerodrome forecast.

tail wind A wind that blows from the opposite direction to the direction that the

aircraft is flying toward.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 139
  Glossary

takeoff The initial ascent of the unmanned aircraft. Takeoff immediately follows

launch.

terminal

aerodrome

forecast

A terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF) is a concise statement of the

expected meteorological conditions at an airport during a specified period

(usually 24 or 30 hours).

tiepoint A point in a digital image or aerial photograph that represents the same

location in an adjacent image or aerial photograph. Tie points are used to

correctly orient aerial photo stations to each other and reference them to

the ground based on autonomous GNSS positions recorded when the

photo images are taken.

tracker The tracker consists of a transmitter inserted in the body of the

unmanned aircraft and a receiver. Ifrequired, the receiver is used to track

the transmitter signalso the unmanned aircraft can be located once it has

landed.

UA See unmanned aircraft.

UAS See unmanned aircraft system.

unmanned aircraft An aircraft which is intended to operate with no pilot on board. See also

unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

unmanned aircraft

system

An aircraft and its associated elements which are operated with no pilot

on board.

visual line-of-sight

operation

An operation in which the remote crew maintains direct visual contact

with the aircraft to manage its flight.

waypoint A waypoint is a point between major points on a route, as along a track.

In terms of the Aerial Imaging software, a waypoint is located at the

beginning and end of each flight line in the scan area.

winglet The extreme edge of the wing.

Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 140
Trimble UX5 Unmanned Aircraft System

THE STANDARD IN MAPPING 

AND SURVEYING

The Trimble® UX5 Unmanned Aircraft System 

(UAS) sets the standard for fast and safe aerial 

data collection by offering a complete system 

with powerful technologies such as a robust 

design, a radically simplified workflow and 

reversed thrust & automatic failsafe procedures. 

The Trimble UX5 offers a much safer method to 

collect data compared to traditional surveying 

methods. Featuring the Trimble AccessTM Aerial 

Imaging application, flights are conducted in a 

fully automated manner, from launch to landing, 

and require no piloting skills. The Trimble UX5 

makes a once time consuming and complex 

process incredibly easy – no matter what 

the conditions. 

Superior Image Acquisition

The Trimble UX5 ensures optimal image quality 

along with maximum photogrammetric accuracy. 

The camera has a large imaging sensor that 

captures very sharp, color-rich images, even in 

dark or cloudy conditions. The 24 MP camera 

and its custom optics give the UX5 the ability to 

capture data down to 2 cm (0.79 in) resolution.

Unrivaled Performance 

Based on a production method patented by 

Trimble, the Trimble UX5 combines an impact 

resistant foam structure and internal and external 

composite elements that give the UX5 its extreme 

durability and strength. Additionally, the design 

focus has been on delivering an easy to maintain 

airframe that can be renewed at users’ discretion 

by a plug-and-play fitting of the protected 

internal electronics. 

The remarkable design of the Trimble UX5 

ensures employability nearly everywhere and in 

practically all weather conditions. Whether you 

choose to fly in rainy conditions along windy 

seashores, in hot deserts, or in a snowy, mountain 

terrain, the Trimble UX5 is a dependable 

solution to gather high quality data without 

compromising coverage.

Landings, less space – more accurate

The Trimble UX5 overcomes the limitations 

of traditional fixed wing UAS landings with 

the addition of an advanced control method. 

Based on reversed thrust, this improved altitude 

measurement results in accurate and predictable 

landings for landing confidence every time. For 

professionals working in small areas, the landing 

angle and trajectory is compact and allows for 

landings in confined spaces.

Intuitive Workflows with 

Trimble Access

The Trimble Access Aerial Imaging application 

loaded onto the Trimble Tablet Rugged PC 

operates the Trimble UX5 and is a single software 

tool for planning your aerial missions, performing 

pre-flight checks and monitoring your flights – 

all with intuitive workflows that ensure reliable 

results. In the field, the operator is guided 

through the pre- and post-flight sequences 

with step-by-step digital checklists. The fast 

and intuitive workflow allows the Trimble UX5 

to be ready to fly in only 5 minutes ensuring 

minimal downtime.

Valuable Photogrammetry Deliverables

Optimized to process data from the Trimble 

UX5 Unmanned Aircraft System, the Trimble 

Business Center Photogrammetry Module 

creates impressive deliverables. Produce point 

clouds, Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) 

models and contour maps of the area flown. 

These can then be used to calculate volumes, 

excavation planning, drainage planning and many 

other functions. Trimble Business Center also 

produces a scaled orthophoto of the area that 

can be used to plan a project, define features of 

interest, identify property boundaries, or show 

construction progress by comparing orthophotos 

from different times.

Key Features 

Leading image acquisition quality and 

data accuracy

All-terrain and all-weather performance 

Reverse thrust for precise landings in 

confined spaces

A durable and reliable solution for 

intensive use

Fully automated Trimble Access workflows for 

ease-of-use and safe operation

Simple data processing with Trimble 

Business Center photogrammetry module

DATASHEET
OPERATION

Endurance1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 minutes

Range1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 km (37.28 mi)

Cruise speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 kmh (50 mph)

Maximum ceiling2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5000 m (16,404 ft)

Pre-flight system setup time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 minutes

Take off

Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catapult launch

Angle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 degrees

Landing

Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belly landing

Angle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 degrees

Landing space (L x W)2

Typical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 m x 6 m (66 ft x 20 ft)

Recommended. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 m x 30 m (164 ft x 98 ft)

Weather limit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 kmh (40.39 mph) and light rain

Communication & control frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4 GHz (FHSS)

Communication & control range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Up to 5 km (3.10 mi)

ACQUISITION PERFORMANCE

Resolution (GSD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 cm to 19.5 cm (.79 in to 7.67 in)

Height above take-off location (AGL). . . . . . . 75 m to 750 m (246 ft to 2,460 ft)

AREA COVERAGE TABLE

Height GSD Coverage/flight [km2] (1) Coverage/day [km2] (2)

70% 80% 90% 70% 80% 90%

75 m

(246 ft)

2.0 cm

(0.79 in)

1.1 km2

(0.43 mi2)

0.8 km2

(0.31 mi2)

0.4 km2

(0.15 mi2)

6.85 km2

(2.63 mi2)

4.5 km2

(7.74 mi2)

2.3 km2

(0.88 mi2)

100 m

(328 ft)

2.6 cm

(1.02 in)

1.8 km2

(0.7 mi2)

1.2 km2

(0.64 mi2)

0.6 km2

(0.23 mi2)

10.8 km2

(4.17 mi2)

7.2 km2

(2.78 mi2)

3.6 km2

1.39 mi2)

150 m

(492 ft)

3.9 cm

(1.54 in)

3.1 km2

(1.2 mi2)

2.1 km2

(0.81 mi2)

1.0 km2

(0.39 mi2)

18.7 km2

(7.22 mi2)

12.5 km2

(4.83 mi2)

6.2 km2

(2.39 mi2)

200 m

(656 ft)

5.2 cm

(2.05 in)

4.4 km2

(1.7 mi2)

3.0 km2

(1.16 mi2)

1.5 km2

(0.58 mi2)

26.6 km2

(10.27 mi2)

17.8 km2

(6.87 mi2)

8.9 km2

(3.44 mi2)

250 m

(820 ft)

6.5 cm

(2.56 in)

5.8 km2

(2.24 mi2)

3.8 km2

(1.47 mi2)

1.9 km2

(0.73 mi2)

34.6 km2

(13.36 mi2)

23.1 km2

(8.92 mi2)

11.5 km2

(4.44 mi2)

300 m

(984 ft)

7.8 cm

(3.07 in)

7.1 km2

(2.74 mi2)

4.7 km2

(1.81 mi2)

2.4 km2

(0.93 mi2)

42.5 km2

(16.41 mi2)

28.3 km2

(10.93 mi2)

14.2 km2

(5.48 mi2)

400 m

(1,312 ft)

10.4 cm

(4.09 in)

9.7 km2

(3.75 mi2)

6.4 km2

(2.47 mi2)

3.2 km2

(1.24 mi2)

58.0 km2

(22.40 mi2)

38.7 km2

(14.94 mi2)

19.3 km2

(7.45 mi2)

500 m

(1,640 ft)

13 cm

(5.12 in)

12.4 km2

(4.79 mi2)

8.2 km2

(3.17 mi2)

4.1 km2

(1.58 mi2)

74.2 km2

(28.65 mi2)

49.5 km2

(19.11 mi2)

24.7 km2

(9.54 mi2)

750 m

(2,461 ft)

19.5 cm

(7.67 in)

19.0 km2

(7.34 mi2)

12.7 km2

(4.90 mi2)

6.3 km2

(2.43 mi2)

113.9 km2

(43.98 mi2)

75.9 km2

(29.31 mi2)

38.0 km2

(14.67 mi2)

(1) For a 2:1 aspect ratio, which is a flight block with length equal to 2 times the width. This is a good approximation of 

the average flight block.

(2) Assuming on average 5 minutes pre-flight and 5 minutes post-flight setup and recovery time and operation between 

10 am and 4 pm.

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

• Maximized image footprint without compromising resolution, obtained with 

a custom wide-angle lens and APSC-type sensor.

• Maximized coverage per flight and per hour due to large image footprint, 

sharp turning capability and high cruise speed.

• Reversed thrust technology for a short and steep landing circuit.

• Powerful propulsion system for steep climbs and high altitude flights.

• High airframe service life due to wing robustness and maintainability.

• Short setup time with automated procedures in Trimble Access field software.

• Self-check and failsafe procedures for safe operation.

• One-button export to Trimble Business Center to create deliverables.

• Optimized data accuracy when processed with Trimble Business Center.

HARDWARE

Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed wing

Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 kg (5.51 lb)

Wingspan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 m (3.28 ft)

Wing area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 dm

Dimensions. . . . . . . . . 100 cm x 65 cm X 10.5 cm (39.37 in x 25.59 in x 4.13 in)

Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . EPP foam; Carbon frame structure; Composite elements

Propulsion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electric pusher propeller; brushless 700 W motor

Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.8 V, 6000 mAh

Camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 MP mirrorless APSC with custom 15 mm lens

Controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trimble Tablet Rugged PC

SOFTWARE

Trimble Access Aerial Imaging application

• Project management

• Mission planning with option for multiple flights

• Automated pre-flight checks

• Automatic take off, flight and landing

• Autonomous camera triggering

• Automated fail-safe routines

• User controlled fail-safe commands

• Automated data consistency checks

• Export to Trimble Business Center and a generic format for image processing

Specifications subject to change without notice.

© 2013–2015, Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved. Trimble and the Globe & Triangle logo are trademarks of Trimble 

Navigation Limited, registered in the United States and in other countries. Access is a trademark of Trimble Navigation Limited. All 

other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. PN 022543-576B (06/15)

1 ISO standard atmosphere conditions.

2 1 sigma for wind <30 kph (19 mph).

DATASHEET

Trimble UX5 Unmanned Aircraft System

TRIMBLE AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTION PARTNER

NORTH AMERICA

Trimble Navigation Limited

10368 Westmoor Dr

Westminster CO 80021

USA

EUROPE

Trimble Germany GmbH

Am Prime Parc 11

65479 Raunheim 

GERMANY

ASIA-PACIFIC

Trimble Navigation 

Singapore Pty Limited

80 Marine Parade Road

#22-06, Parkway Parade

Singapore 449269 

SINGAPORE