217 S. Birch Avenue 

P.O. Box 790 

Hallock, MN 56728 

F~RINK 

LAWYERS 

BRINK. SOBOLIK, SEVERSON, MALM & ALBRECHT, P.A. 

September 10, 2015 

U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations 

West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Phone: (218) 843-3686 

Fax: (218) 843-2724 

Re: Application for Issuance of Section 333 Exemption Based 

upon Exemption 11110 Issued to Trimble Navigation Ltd. 

Dear Sir/Madam, 

My firm represents the Middle Snake Tamarac Rivers Watershed District ("MSTRWD") 

which herewith applies for the issuance of an exemption under Section 333 of the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 based upon Exemption 11110 issued to Trimble 

Navigation Ltd. ("Trimble") on December 10, 2014 in FAA Docket 2014-0367. 

MSTR WD is a local, special-purpose unit of government that works to solve and prevent 

water-related problems. 

The requested exemption would allow MSTR WD to operate the UX5 aircraft 

manufactured by Trimble or other Trimble aircraft approved for commercial operations 

under Exemption 1111 0, as amended, such as the UX5hp for which an amendment has 

been filed. MSTR WD notes that the FAA recently authorized use of the Trimble UX5 by 

a third party in Exemption No. 11257, Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0889, on April 

2, 2015, under updated conditions, and MSTRWD hereby confirms that it will accept 

such conditions as well as those set forth in Exemption No. 11240, Regulatory Docket 

No. FAA-2014-0894. 

The name and contact information for the applicant are: 

Danny Omdahl, Administrator 

Middle Snake Tamarac Rivers Watershed District 

453 N. McKinley Street 

P.O. Box 154 

Warren, MN 56762 

Phone: (218) 745-4741 

mstrwd@hotmail.com 

Richard M Lee 

ric hurd leet(iihrink! owrcrs. com *Licensed in Minnesota & North Dakota 
MSTR WD intends to operate the UX5 or the UX5hp from Trimble and will operate it in 

strict compliance with the conditions set forth in Exemption 11110, as such conditions 

may be amended or modified by the FAA from time to time, as was done in Exemption 

Nos. 11240 and 11257, or such other conditions as the FAA shall specify, and the 

following manuals: 

1) Trimble UX5 Data Sheet; and 

2) Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide (User Guide) 

Copies of these manuals are attached. 

These manuals are very similar to the manuals submitted by Trimble in support of the 

issuance ofExemption 11110, updated to reflect changes reported in Trimble's March 4, 

2015 amendment to Exemption 11110. The manuals will be updated by Trimble, as 

needed to reflect any changes to Exemption 11110, based on amendments thereto. 

MSTR WD acknowledges that under current FAA guidance a separate Certificate of 

Waiver or Authorization ("COA") is required to fly at altitudes in excess of200 feet 

AGL, and it will apply for CO As where required. ABC hereby requests a blanket COA 

for flights up to 200 feet AGL in the form approved by the FAA. MSTR WD will also 

file NOT AMs for its flights, as required. 

To the extent necessary, MSTRWD refers the FAA to the original exemption and the 

amended exemption requests submitted by Trimble in Docket FAA-2014-0367 for 

demonstration of the public interest and an equivalent level of safety. Because the UX5 

and the UX5hp specified in this request are the same or, essentially the same, as the craft 

already approved in Exemption 11110, and MSTR WD will operate the aircraft in strict 

compliance with the conditions in existing exemptions previously granted by the FAA, or 

as they may be amended, notice need not be provided in the Federal Register nor public 

comment solicited. 

If you have any questions, please contact the undersigned. 

RML:rml 

Encl. 

Richard M Lee 

richard.lee(a)brink!mJ'l't:rs, com *Licensed in Minnesota & North Dakota 
Leading image acquisition•: 

quality and data accuracy 

All-terrain and all-weather " 

Reverse thn,isi for precise 

landings in co~fineds~aces ~' ; ~~- > ··-;;/· .: ,~- H<: /n, 

A durable and'reliabJehFJi~; ~> J 

solution for intensiv~ use.,, . 

Fully aut~mated Tri;ble 

Access workflows f~f~ase: .. 

of-use and safe operation 

Simple data proq.!ssint(~ufi. · ·. ' ' ,, ' ~;) 

Trimble BusinE5s CeritSi\,f2Jt} ,>,;': 

THE STANDARD IN MAPPING AND SURVEYING 

The T·!rnb~ec.; UX5 Unrnanned Aif(raft s·y~~L:~tn (U/\S) ::ct.:> 

lhe standard hx t~1st and 5.Jff:~ i.tf~rial cLd.::-~ CJ;~!e-~ t.i(_;!1 by 

nfferin~-1 a cornp~etr:• systr:·~-n \/Vith povver \d ·k:chr:c>~ogir:'s 

::;uch as a robu::t riesiun. a radically sirYlpir!!ed vv:.\·kfkwv 

and reveEsed thrust & autcrriE:;(c Iad::-:.af~~ pro(tduru:1. The 

Trirnb!e UXS offers ,J rr:uc:h :)cJer rncthcd trJ cc!iect dala 

ccrnpared to tradiUcna! surveyinq method:;, Featur~~1q 

the Trirnb!e Access'"' P..et:al lrr:a<Jir:q 

.~-ire conducted ~n a fuHy autor-ncltU1 n1<r~ner, !aur<h 

cO and r,oqrcire 110 pk·tinq sk:iis. The Tr'rnb!cUX5 rnaL.es a once trnE: cy·,su1Tinq and (C;n·T+:~:< 

prTY.ess incred1b!y er.F.)Y ···· rtu n~alr.cr V\ih.;·~t the ccndit!c;ns. 

SUPERIOR IMAGE ACQUISITION 

Tr;e Ti-!rnble lJ)\:; ensure:: uptrnai l1r;aqe 

vvith rrk:t<irnurn 

r1as. a large irnag~ng sensor that captures very ·)1<ltp, 

color-rich :rnagc-s, even in dark or cloudy ccndit'mrs. 

The 2-~l r· . ./P (arnera and its custotn o;-rtics the 

UX5 the abd!ty to capture c-L-:;r.-2 dcvvn to 2 ern {fl 79 

inl re;oiuticn. 

UNRIVALED PERFORMANCE 

B-Jsed on il production rrethcd p;,tente:J by L ,rnUP. 

the Trirnb!t> UX~~ ccrnbines an !rnpact r-':?-si::,tant +can: 

structure E~nd inter!-~dt d!Kl e.Ater~ k:ll c·ornpos~tt' (crr:e! 1L: 

that (~1ve the U\5 its extreme du:ablity ami strenqtr:. 

Additionally, the dec;iqn fccus has been rx·, deit·;ecin'j 

easy to rna!ntCJin a~rfr;:r--:-1e that (an be· rcncvv .. :d ,1t 

discretion by a plu::;·<md-play fttinq d tiv' pc·:>:cct.<:cl 

internal e!ectron~c.s. 

The remar~· abie ck;S~Jn nf r.ht? Trirnb!e UX:> c~n::--ur(·:·, 

crnp!oyr.~biLy neddy everyv,;her(~· ~·nc in pr,;l{_ti(·cJy aH 

vveathP.?· condiLons. VVhether yo1 (hGo~c ic :iy in 

rany ccnditiZYh dong '.:-Yindy :,ea~,hrye:~, :·1ut deserts, 

or in a s!"·lc)vvy, rY10U.1tdin terkin, ti·h_, Trirnbit~' 

dependable ~/Jlulion to ~;atf 1cr h:<.Jh quaky 

cornprcm::;inf; U)ver(lqf'. 

DATASHEET 

LANDINGS, LESS SPACE- MORE ACCURATE 

The Tr ~rnf:.dt":~ UX5 overcucne-s -r.hc· ~irnitat~nn:; of 

·tr,)dtt!on;ai fixr::d vv~ng U;\S 1;:-!ndinT; '-./\riih th~~ adch~cm 

o~ an advancf:·d centro! rnethod. Ba~~ed on rf~vr·r~,cd 

thrust, this !n-lpro\fed dlt!tud~ rneasurernent results 

''' acr:urate and pr;JJir:lc~biro for ianrkrg 

<~ClrrhJt:nce every tirr:2. For proh~sstonals vvorbnq 

~n sn~an ,yeas, tr1e !ancfn::J 21n;Jie and UaJectory ~:: 

corrvact and allo\N") ·fm landings in c:.r;finecl space' .. 

INTUITIVE WORKFLOWS WITH 

TRIMBLE ACCESS 

Th~ Tr~rnb~e l\o::e.ss A~:·n,~~! lnl,:~gin9 appllcatic;n 

[e>,1dc:ri m<o the Thrnblr> Tabl<:>t Rugged pr: qkrates 

u·,e Trin·:be UX5 and is a single software too! for 

planrhg your aerial rniss:ons, perfurrmq pre"· flight 

check:; anci rncrHlcnnq your i!~qhts- dl vv~th ~l lLuiltve 

\-vorkf!ovvs that e~-~~ure re!iabk· result: •. in the fieki, 

the operator" is guided thrc:uqh the pre- and post1-i;qht spqu~~nces vv+th :;tep-by-Stt~P cliqital cht~ck!ists. 

The? fasT. and inti.HFve vvorkfbvv a!1ovvs d1e Trirnb!e 

U/:5 to be rt~ady to fly in on\y 5 r-n~nutPs ensunnq 

n1~11~rna! df)V'Jnt~~n~~-

VALUABLE PHOTOGRAMMETRY 

DEUVERABLES 

Opt:n:zed to vocess data iron, the Tnmble UX5 

Urn;anneci Arruaft ::ystern, the Tr!rnble 8u>rness 

Center Photcqr"crVTetry tv~oduie createo irnpressive 

d::!iverallk:•; Produc>' poir1t douds, Tr!ar:qu\ated 

)rrequ!ar NentvorK (TIN) modeis anrj cont~]lJr !T1aps of 

the area flovvn. These CE1n then be used tc calculate 

<.i<Aur::~::s, excavar.i(."Jr1 prannin], drainaqe p1ann!n9 

::1nd nv-.ny ut.ht:r functions. Trin1ble B1 i·.;iness Center 

ab<:; produces a S(;:~1ed orthophnlo cf th~·" art::a 

·ihdt can be use(j tc p!an a prnjects de-hne ieatures 

r~~.A;::tructiori fYCt)res:::. r_;y c;rnpf~! nq </ihcphoLc~ 

f<)r-n difft~rent t~rr:e::. 

imble_ 
NORTH AMERICA EUROPE ASIA-PACIFIC 

~~Trimble 
Version 2.0 

Revision A 

February 2015 

I 

USER GUIDE 
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. All rights reserved. 

Trimble and the Globe and Triangle logo are trademarks ofTrimble 

Navigation limited, registered in the United States and in other 

countries. Access is a trademark ofTrimble Navigation limited. 

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks 

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

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

COCOM limits 

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

products contain performance limitations so that they cannot be used in 

a manner that 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 greater than 

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

receiverGPS subsystem resets until the CO COM situation clears. As a 

result, all logging and stream configurations stop until the GPS 

subsystem is cleared. 

Notices 

United States 

Certification number: FCC I D HSW-DNT2400P. 

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

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

are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful 

interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial 

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

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the 

instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio 

communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is 

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

required to correct the interference at his own expense. 

Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer 

or registrant of this equipment can void your authority to operate this 

equipment under Federal Communications Commission rules. 

Canada 

Under Industry canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only 

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

approved for the transmitter by Industry canada. 

To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type 

and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically 

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 subject to 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. 

Conformement a Ia reglementation d'lndustrie canada, le present 

emetteur radio peut fonctionner avec une ante nne d'un type et d'un 

gain maximal (ou inferieur) approuve pour l'emetteur par lndustrie 

canada. 

Dans le but de reduire les risques de brouillage radioelectrique a !'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son 

gain de sorte que Ia puissance isotrope rayonnee equivalente (p.i.r.e.) 

ne de passe pas l'intensite necessaire a l'etablissement d'une 

communication satisfaisante. 

le present appareil estconforme aux CNR d'lndustrie canada applicables 

aux appareils radioexempts de licence. l'exploitation est autorisee aux 

deux conditions suivantes: 

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

(2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioelectrique 

subi, me me si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le 

fonctionnement. 

Cet appareil numerique de Ia classe A estconforme a Ia norme NMB--003 

ducanada. 

Numerique de certification IC: 4492A-DNT2400P. 

Cet appareil est conforme a Ia 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 equipment is classified as Group 1, Class A equipment according to 

EN 55011. Group 1 is applicable for all equipment within the scope of EN 

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

RF equipment. Class A equipment is equipment suitable for use in all 

establishments other than domestic. Using Oass A equipment in 

domestic environments may cause difficulties ensuring electromagnetic 

compatibility. 

CE Declaration of Conformity 

Hereby, Trimble Navigation, declares that this product is ( E in compliance with the essential requirements 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 Mochine directive 2006/42/EC: The CE 

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

only visible when the eBox is removed from the Trimble UX5 wing. 

Japan 

Certification numbers for the DNT2400P RFM radio module: 

007WWCUL0739 and 003UVA110681 

Brazil 

Este produto esta homologado pela Ana tel, de acordo com os 

procedimentos regulamentados pela Resolu~ao n•. 242/2000 e atende 

a as requisites tecnicos aplicados, incluindo as limites de exposi~ao da 

Taxa de Absor~ao Espedfica referente a campos eletricos, magm>ticos e 

eletromagneticos de radiofrequencia de acordo com as Resolu~oes n•. 

303/2002 e 533/2009. 

Manterdistiincia minima de 2,5 em do corpo humano. 

Para maiores informa~Cies, consulte o site da ANA TEl 

www.anatel.gov.br. 

Australia and New Zealand 

This product conforms with the regulatory requirements of 

the Australian Communications and Media Authority 

(ACMA) EMCframework, thus satisfying the requirements 

for C-Tick Marking and sale within Australia and New 

Zealand. 

Taiwan -Battery Recycling Requirements 

c 

N324 

The product contains a removable lithium polymer battery. Taiwanese 

regulations require that waste batteries are recycled. 

~"11!:¥1!!~§141!: 

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) 

For product recycling instructions and more information, 

please go to 

www .trim ble.com/Corporate/Environ mental_ 

Compliance.aspx. 

Recycling 

Electrical 

power), call 

and 

in 

+31497 

Europe: 

Electronic 

To 

53 24 

recycle 

Equipment, 

30, and 

Trimble 

ask 

products 

for 

WEEE 

the 

that 

"WEEE 

(Waste 

run 

Associate". 

on electrical -

Or, 

mail a request for recycling instructions to: 

Trimble Europe BV 

c/o Menlo Worldwide logistics 

M eerheide 45 

5521 DZ Eersel, Nl 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 2 
FCC Dedaration of Conformity 

We, Trimble Navigation Umited. 

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 15ofFCC Rules. 

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 

(2) This device must 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 

lithium polymer X 0 0 0 

rechargeable battery 

Power supply X 0 0 0 

Printed circuit board X 0 0 0 

assembly 

Radio module X 0 0 0 

Chassis 0 0 0 0 

Plastic enclosure 0 0 0 0 

Paper manual 0 0 0 0 

0 0 

0 0 

0 0 

0 0 

0 0 

0 0 

0 0 

Trimble UXS 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 UXS 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 

Technical support 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 5 
Introduction 

• The UXS aerial imaging rover 

• Parts of the UXS aerial imaging rover 

• Solution components 

• Flight case contents 

• Inserting the eBox and camera 

• Installing the Aerial Imaging software 

• Projects, missions, blocks, and flights 

• Project phases 

• Software overview 

CHAPTER 1 

The Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging Solution User 

Guide provides detailed information about 

operating the components of the Trimble® 

UXS aerial imaging solution. 

Even if you have used other unmanned aviation 

systems before, please read this user guide 

carefully to familiarize yourself with the 

UXS aerial imaging solution. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 6 
1 Introduction 

The UXS aerial imaging rover 

The Trimble UXS 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 UXS 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 UXS 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: 

• Orthophoto creation 

• Digital Elevation Model (OEM) or Digital Surface Model (DSM) 

• Photogrammetry 

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

• Topographical surveying, particularly in remote or difficult to access areas, typical in the mining 

and dredging industries 

• Vegetation monitoring 

• Infrastructure mapping 

ISA conditions 

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

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

the specifications for the UXS aerial imaging rover are: 

Humidity 

Air pressure 

Temperature 

Air density 

0% 

1013.25 hPa (760 mm Hg) 

15 "C (59 "F) 

1.225 kg/m3 (0.0761b/ft3 ) 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 7 
1 Introduction 

Parts of the UXS aerial imaging rover 

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

Top view 

Q/ .. 

~. 0 ' 

f}/ / . 

. ..... . / . 

• Aircraft body 0 eBox CD Download cable connector 

• Leading edge • Pitot tube CD Elevon servos 

• Payload bay • GPS antenna 0 Inboard elevon 

• Battery 0 Mode button G) Outboard elevon 

• Camera 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 8 
1 Introduction 

Bottom view 

0 

• 

e • 

0 Camera lens hole • Motor 0 Propeller 

8 Launcher slat e Propeller nut 0 Winglet 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 9 
1 Introduction 

Solution components 

The UXS aerial imaging solution comprises the following components: 

• UXS aerial imaging rover 

• Camera 

• Ground control station 

• Launcher 

• Tracker (optional) 

UXS aerial imaging rover 

The UXS 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 UXS. The eBox is connected to a GPS 

antenna and a radio antenna so that the ground control station can communicate with the UXS 

while it is in the air. 

Camera 

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

16.1 mega pixel (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 control station (GCS) is used to control the UXS aerial imaging rover from the ground. It 

comprises the Trimble Tablet running the Trimble AccessrM Aerial Imaging software. The Trimble UXS 

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 UXS aerial imaging 

rover in the direction of takeoff. 

Tracker 

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

receiver. If required, the receiver is used to track the transmitter signal so the UXS 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 UXS 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: 

0 

f) 

• • 0 

e 

/ 

/' / 

/ 

/ 

/ 

Tablet, Tablet charger, modem and RF 

antenna, download cable 

UXS battery 

Tracker transmitter and receiver 

Power strip and power cable 

UXS body, with camera, eBox and top cover 

Extra parts such as winglets, propellers 

G)''' 

• UXS battery charger and charge cable 

0 Spare camera battery and camera 

battery charger 

0 Lens cleaning paper 

• Pre-moistened lens cloth 

• Pitot cover, tools and optional spare 

parts 

Note- Some components are small parts that are easily lost. To avoid this, as soon as you unpack them: 

- insert the camera battery and SO card into the camera. 

- attach the GPS and RF antennas to the eBox. See Inserting the eBox and camera, page 12. 

Trimble UXS 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 UXS 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 customs territory without an export authorization. Additional restrictions are also in place 

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

such items through the EU. The same is true when exporting goods from 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 UXS body in the flight case. 

1. Unpack the UXS 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 UXS 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 UXS 

body. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 12 
1 Introduction 

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

the UXS body. If the battery is still connected, you risk damaging the electronics inside the UXS 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 TlO Torx 

screwdriver. 

6. If you are using the: 

Sony a5100 camera 

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

from the payload bay. Do not use any sharp tools for this. 

a. Insert the adapter piece into the camera cavity of the payload bay of the UXS 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 tools for this. 

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

b. Insert theIR 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 theIR LED cable connector to the connector from the eBox and insert the 

connection vertically into the cavity. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 13 
1 Introduction 

c. Cover theIR 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 as the 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 14 
1 Introduction 

• not installed the Trimble Access Installation Manager before, go to www.trimble.comltaim 

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

• 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 I All Programs I Trimble Access Installation Manager to start the Installation 

Manager. 

4. Select the Trial software 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. lfyou have: 

• not installed the Trimble Access Installation Manager before, go to www.trimble.comltaim 

for installation information. 

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

because it updates itself automatically. 

2. Select Start I All Programs I 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 UXS 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 task bar 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 UXS 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: 

• To dismiss the update checklist, tap X. 

• To start the firmware update, tap V. 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 of several 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 SO 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 SO minutes. 

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

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

Trimble UXS 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 of35 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 of45 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: 

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

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

distance {GSD}, and the amount of image overlap are defined for each mission. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

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

ground control station. After the UX51ands, the post-flight checklist is completed to transfer 

the flight data to the Tablet. 

• 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. 

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

software such as Trimble Business Center software. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 17 
1 Introduction 

Software overview 

• The Home screen 

• The Projects screen 

• Software tabs 

• Title bar buttons 

• 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: 

{:!~Trimble. 

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

available projects. See The Projects screen, page 19. 

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

• Access the Maintenance screen. SeePerforming maintenance, page 22 

To return to the current job, click 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 18 
1 Introduction 

The Projects screen 

To view the Projects screen, click 0 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 1), and tJ are enabled: 

Create a new project. 

Import a project .gwt file. 

Note- Import is not backwards compatible 

with previous versions of the Aerial Imaging 

software. 

Export the project .gwt file 

Creating a project, page 25 

Importing the project, page 63 

Exporting the project, page 43 

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

processing. processing, page 96 

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

compatible with previous versions of the Aerial 

Imaging software. 

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. 

Delete the project and associated flight data, 

including images. 

Note- This behavior differs from previous 

versions of Aerial Imaging, where deleting a 

project did not delete the images associated 

with a project. 

Creating the mission, page 27 

Trimble UXS 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: 

02\ 

\C::) 

.! 

Map layers tab 

Blocks tab 

Flights tab 

Flight checklist tab 

Dashboard tab 

Post-flight checklist tab 

Title bar buttons 

Add a map, and create a mission. 

Add blocks to the mission, and set block 

properties, such as the GSD and height 

for the block. 

Add flights, and define flight properties, 

such as the takeoff and landing 

locations. 

Complete the flight checklist. 

Monitor the UXS during flight. 

Transfer the flight data from the UXS to 

the Tablet. 

The title bar of the software includes the following buttons: 

B Save the project. 

? View the Aerial Imaging Help and the software About dialog. 

X Close the software. 

[]] Return to the Projects screen. 

1t Return to the Home screen. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 20 
1 Introduction 

Status icons 

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

GPS coordinates of the location oft he 

cursor on the map. 

GPS coordinates of the location of the 

GCS. 

GPS coordinates of the location of the 

uxs. 

The battery level of the Tablet. 

During flight, the following information is shown: 

lfthe GCS has no GPS connection, this 

icon is red and the text "not available" is 

displayed. 

If the UXS has no GPS connection, this 

icon is not displayed. 

If you are using the Aerial Imaging 

Desktop software, this icon is not 

displayed. 

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

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

Number offlight 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: 

• Click V to accept the settings and then click 11" to return to the Home screen. 

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

Trimble UXS Aerial imaging Solution User Guide 21 
1 Introduction 

General settings 

Use the settings in the General group to specify: 

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

• 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. 

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

• 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 settings to 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 ofthe UXS or on the launcher, click~ in the Home screen to 

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

Maintenance Guide. 

The following maintenance procedures are available: 

• Replacing the drive unit 

• Replacing a servo 

Trimble UXS Aerial imaging Solution User Guide 22 
1 Introduction 

• Replacing a propeller blade 

• Replacing the camera filter 

• Replacing a winglet or winglet screw 

• Checking the pitot tube 

• Replacing the launcher cord 

• Replacing the wheels of the launcher dock 

Check the UXS 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 p raced u res, 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 1t in the title bar. 

Trimble UXS Aerial imaging Solution User Guide 23 
Planning a Project 

• Creating a project 

• Preparing the project map 

• Defining the blocks 

• Obstacle clearances 

• Defining the flights 

• Exporting the project 

• Checking flight permissions and 

conditions 

CHAPTER 2 

This chapter describes how to plan a project. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 24 
2 Planning a Project 

Creating a project 

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

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

Map layers screen for the new project appears. 

• ·In the Projects screen, click [i, and enter the name ofthe new project in the pop-up field. The 

t 

new project appears in the Projects list. Click E7 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 L). 

Preparing the project map 

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

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

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

• Adding a background map, page 25 

• Creating the mission, page 27 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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 levellO, which corresponds to approximately 95 m per pixel (0.06 miles per 

pixel). 

Trimble UXS 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. 

• To use your own map, add a GeoTifffile that you have prepared earlier using software such as 

Trimble Business Center software. 

The GeoTifffile must be georeferenced in the WGS84 UTM datum and be less than 120MB 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 fj, 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 0 next to the layer name. 

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

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

To remove a layer that is no longer required, select the layer in the list and then click lillJ 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 IIJ to display the map grid lines. 

r ., 

Use the L .. 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 26 
2 Planning a Project 

During flight, the A button is available. Click A to center the map on the current UXSiocation. 

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 Q. A tool bar 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: 

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

• 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 V. The mission layer appears in the map 

layers list to the right. 

To clear the shape, click X. 

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

t?. 

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

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

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

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

Note -It is not possible to add or remove boundary points for 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 of sensor 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 100m (328ft). For more information, see GSD and height, page 28. 

c. Enter the image forward (~)and side overlap ([!;illl). The default value is 80%. For more 

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

The mission properties also show the size oft he mission area. 

Note - It is not possible to change the mission properties when a mission is locked. 

Trimble UXS Aerial imaging Solution User Guide 27 
2 Planning a Project 

Tip- To disable editing of the mission area or mission properties, click i 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 em (1.0 ")when using the Sony a5100 sensor and 3.2 em (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: 

Minimum: 75 m (246ft) 

100 m (328ft) 

150 m (492ft) 

Maximum: 750 m (2460ft) 

2.0 em (0.8 ") 

2.6 em (1.0 ") 

3.9 em (1.5 ") 

19.6 em (7. 7 ") 

2.4 em {0.9 ") ..................................... 

3.2 em (1.3 ") 

4.8 em (1.9 ") 

23.9 em (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 em in 

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

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 defau It value of the overlap between images is 80%. I mage overlap can range from 60% to 90%. 

Note- Trimble does not recommend using an overlap of less than 80%, as it 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 was low or where the area contains trees or other tall objects, or areas 

that lack texture. 

By default the forward (~)and side overlap (~II) 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 8 . To re-establish the link, click S:•. 

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

A higher overlap results in: 

• better accuracy 

• a higher density of flight lines on the area 

• a higher number of images to process 

• longer processing times for images 

• 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: 

• avoidance zones 

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

• .csv files containing ground control points (GCPs) 

1. To create an avoidance zone: 

a. Click@ and then r&J. 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: 

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

• 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 V. The avoidance zone appears in the list 

to the right. 

To clear the shape, click X. 

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

click t:?. 

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

map. 

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

• 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 V. To undo your changes, click 

X 

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

Note -It is not possible to add or remove boundary points for a rectangular or ellipsoidal 

zone. 

Tip- To disable editing of the avoidance zone, click i 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 +I- 200m {+/- 656ft) required for turns should 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 'Ej to add the following types of files as layers: 

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

• 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 

UXS 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: 

• 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. 

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

• 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 UXS 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 status icon. 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 is important 

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 lines in the map and rotate as required. Alternatively, 

enter the rotation angle of the flight lines in the 0 field. This is 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+/- 200m(+/- 656ft} 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. If required, 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 UXS 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 SO minutes, a warning indication A 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 tf?. A toolbar appears on top of the map that allows you to 

split the block. 

b. Click Efl. 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 V 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 blocks to be renumbered. 

e. Repeat the steps above until the flight duration of all blocks is less than SO 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 tf?. From the 

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

can only merge adjacent blocks. Click V 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 UXS will fly to. 

Managing blocks 

To hide a block, click 0 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 [LJ 

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 liiiJ. lfthe 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 UXS 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 status icon(!) or. have been 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 SO m: Within the first SO m (164ft), there must be a clear area free 

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

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

appear above the safety line determined by a 1S" safety angle and within 2S m (82ft) to the left and 

right of the launch direction. 

Trimble UXS 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 25m (82ft) 

below it: 

Obstacle clearances for descent 

DCC 

DOC 

D G 

uuu 

n r::: r:: 

DCC 

DCG 

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

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

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

Obstacle clearances for landing 

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

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

• Linear landing 

J.-,,,, ........ . 

~Hm t~n 1-JSrn 

• Curved landing 

Trimble UXS 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: 

• Linear landing abort clearance 

• Curved landing abort clearance 

Trimble UXS 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 .11}-e. A new entry appears in the list. 

A flight can have the following status: 

• No icon: Not flown 

• <!>: Flown and settings frozen 

• 0: Flown, log files downloaded and settings frozen 

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

Note - This removes the flight data stored on the Tablet for this flight. 

Trimble UXS 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: 

• Setting the takeoff parameters, page 38 

• Setting the landing properties, page 39 

• Adding blocks to the flight, page 41 

• Managing the routes between blocks, page 41 

• Simulating the flight, page 42 

Note - Flights with the status icon (9 ore 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: 

• 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 V to confirm the added 

locations. 

• 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 10m 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 8. 

You can fix as many takeoff locations as you want. 

• 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". orGJ. 

Note -Each takeoff location comes with default parameters (for example, the heading is set 

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

If you use this location in another flight, the heading is set 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 UXS 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 thee field. 

Note -Always try 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 takeoff route 

is displayed. To edit the takeoff route, 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 UXS 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 V to confirm the deleted 

locations. 

Setting the landing properties 

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

parameters. These alternative landing locations are useful if: 

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

clearance zone. 

• 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: 

• 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 V to confirm the added 

locations. 

• 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 10m 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 8. 

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

You can fix as many landing locations as you want. 

• 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 Gl. 

Note - Each landing location comes with default parameters (for example, the heading is set 

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

If you use this location in another flight, the heading is set 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 will see 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- Always try to land into the wind. This prevents a higher landing speed and a higher risk of 

damage to the UXS. 

4. Set the landing zone offset. 

Valid values are from-25m to +25m (~82ft 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. 

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

quickly, but has a larger impact on the aircraft. 

• 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 UXS 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 V 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 is selected 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: 

• No icon: Not scheduled 

• 8 Scheduled 

• <!)Flown 

• ®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 blocks from the list defines the sequence that the blocks are 

flown, I. e. the first block selected is flown 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 way point 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 UXS 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: 

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 200m diameter circles until it reaches the 

height. 

Orbit up in 200m 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 200m 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 200m 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 200m diameter circles until it reaches the first way point 

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

block. 

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

then fly straight to the first way point 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: 

• The UXS uses the correct takeoff direction. 

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

• The UXS does not enter any avoidance zones. 

• The UXS uses the correct landing circuit. 

Note - Be aware that the simulation is an estimate of the flight path. This is because the simulation 

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

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

Tip- The (8 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 KM L file in software such as Google Earth to view the flight simulation in 

3D. 

Exporting the project 

Note- This step is required if you did the project planning in the Aerial Imaging Desktop software. You 

must complete this step 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 is regulated by the applicable 

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

sometimes without warning. It is the user's responsibility to know and adhere to the current laws for 

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

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

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

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

• Check for existing rules and standards with your local Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA}. 

• Make sure you have permission from the landowner. 

• 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 

• 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. 

• For more accurate weather forecasts, consult and interpret aviation weather data through 

various weather web sites. You can also contact the national meteorological office or a local 

meteorology office at an airport nearby. 

• On the day of the flight, consult the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) and METAR reports. 

These are meteorological reports used in aviation. 

• 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 44 
2 Planning a Project 

The table below shows the wind speed expressed in different units: 

: -~ 

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 ~f 

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 regulations for the country you are operating in. If you are flying in 

the United States see also FAA conditions and limitations of operation, page 132. If you are flying in 

France, see also French airsoacc 

& 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. 

Time Between sunrise and sunset 

Distance from clouds Clear of clouds and always within line of sight 

Flight visibility 5000 m {16,400 ft) 

Operator-UAS visibility Visual line of sight 

Weather limitations Light rain is acceptable. Avoid hail, snow, and heavy 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 45 
2 Planning a Project 

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 octo +55 oc (-13 oF to 131 OF) (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 UXS 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. 

P recip itatio n Light rain 

Wind 50 kph (31 mph) 

Checking the site 

Note- When checking the site you should refer to the relevant AlP and NO TAM documents for your 

region. 

• Identify the airspace and geographic environment of the site. 

• Check the relevant aviation charts and make sure the flight area is not near any of the following 

areas: 

• Forbidden airspace 

• Airports, airfields (except with prior permission) 

• Power plants (except with prior permission) 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 46 
2 Planning a Project 

• Check the relevant aviation charts and take special care around: 

• Parachute and parasailing jumping areas 

• Winch areas 

• High-pressure gas-releasing units (documented in AlPs or NOTAMs) 

• Congested areas (for example, towns) 

• Check if there are other aerial or ground activities planned, for example major public events. 

Checking the pilot 

• Make sure the pilot is certified to operate the UXS . 

• Check ifthe 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. 

• Be aware that the pilot has final responsibility for the operation of the UXS and its components. 

• Make sure the pilot is in good condition, both physical and mental. 

• Keep log files of the pilot hours and equipment used for each flight. 

Know your safe operating envelope 

• Trimble recommends having a crew oftwo people that will control the UXS: 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. 

• Make sure the crew understands the purpose and the phases of this particular mission. 

• Make sure the crew understands all aspects of safe operation of the UXS. This includes: 

• Understanding all safety precautions described in the Trimble UXSAeria/Jmaging Rover 

Safety Guide. 

• Understanding how to handle emergencies during flight. See Handling emergencies during 

flight, page 82. 

• Understanding the particular requirements of the project and site, including avoidance 

zones. 

Trimble UXS Aerial imaging Solution User Guide 47 
Preparing Equipment 

• Checking the launcher 

• Checking the UXS aerial imaging rover 

• Charging the UXS batteries 

• Charging the Tablet batteries 

• Charging the camera batteries 

• Checking the camera 

• Pairing the transmitter with the 

tracking receiver 

• Locating your equipment 

CHAPTER 3 

As part of your flight preparation, make sure all 

equipment is in good condition and 

well-prepared. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 48 
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 UXS 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: 

• Check the body, page 49 

• Check the pitot tube, page 50 

• Check the winglets, page 51 

• Check the propellers, page 51 

• Check the drive unit, page 51 

• 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 UXS and affect the aerodynamics of the aircraft. Avoid the use of solvents to clean the 

surface of the UXS 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 49 
3 Preparing Equipment 

3. Make sure there are no scratches on the camera filter. lfthe camera filter is damaged, click~ in the Home screen, select UXS in the list and then select Replacing the camera filter or refer to 

the Trimble UXS 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 wipes that 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 pi tot tube after you have removed it from the eBox. Do not blow into the 

pi tot tube when it is connected to the eBox because this will damage the barometric sensors. 

4. lfthe pitot tube is blocked or damaged, click~ in the Home screen, select UXS in the list to 

the right and then select Checking the pitot tube or refer to the Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging 

Solution Maintenance Guide. When in doubt, contact your Trimble distributor. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 50 
3 Preparing Equipment 

Check the winglets 

To prevent roll stability issues, the winglets must be firmly attached to the UXS 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 UXS in 

the list to the right and then select Replacing a wing let or refer to the Trimble UXS 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 UXS 

in the list to the right and then select Replacing a propeller blade or refer to the Trimble UXS 

Aerial imaging Solution Maintenance Guide. When in doubt, contact your Trimble distributor. 

Check the drive unit 

Make sure the drive unit is: 

• intact 

• firmly attached 

If the drive unit is damaged or not firmly attached, click~ in the Home screen, select UXS in the list 

to the right and then select Replacing the drive unit or refer to the Trimble UXS 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: 

• respond as expected 

• are intact 

• are firmly attached and flush with the surface of the wing 

If a servo is damaged, click~ in the Home screen, select UXS in the list to the right and then select 

Replacing a servo or refer to the Trimble UXS Aerial imaging Solution Maintenance Guide. When in 

doubt, contact your Trimble distributor. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 51 
3 Preparing Equipment 

Charging the UXS 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 UXS 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 UXS. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 52 
3 Preparing Equipment 

Connecting and charging the battery 

1. Connect the Graupner Ultra mat 14 plus charger to one of the following: 

• 12 V vehicle battery 

• 10D-240 VAC power supply 

The charger powers on and displays the following parameters for the UXS battery: 

• LiPo manual 

• C:S.OA 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 UXS 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 UXS 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 UXS batteries before leaving the office for a flight. Trimble 

recommends always having a spare, fully-charged battery on hand. 

Trimble UXS 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: 

• Checking the Sony a5100 camera display, page 56 

• Checking the Sony NEX-5 camera display, page 58 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 55 
3 Preparing Equipment 

Checking the Sony a5100 camera display 

Note - The following image shows the main icons to 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 

settings recommended by Trimble. For a list of all applicable camera settings, see Sony a5100 camera 

settings, page 110. 

Sand ::tv 

D 

mfl24M FINE 

l(!!l!l1 00% 

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 SOi 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 56 
3 Preparing Equipment 

AWB 

~FF 

lilE 

AIJI'O 

rna;t 

\?)OFF 

1/1000 

li!±O.O 

ISO AUTO 

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 I ~ I 5 I 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: 

• UV haze (orange) filter: vegetation appears blue and the sky appears brown. 

• NIR-only {black) filter: vegetation appears white or slightly blue-grey and everything else 

appears grey to black. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 57 
3 Preparing Equipment 

Checking the Sony NEX-5 camera display 

Note - The following image shows the main icons to 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 

settings recommended by Trimble. For a list of all applicable camera settings, see Sony NEX-5 camera 

settings, page 115. 

,..,....---·····~ .... -........... 

Elm 16M FINE 

~OFF 

25p lli3J o@il180"fo 

«fliFF '-s+i!rftll 

Sand Tv Shoot mode is set to shutter priority. 

D SD card is inserted. 

mll"l 16M FINE Aspect ratio is set to 3:2; image size is set to 16M; image 

quality is set to Fine (all are default settings). 

25p li3l Recording mode of movies is set to 25p 17m FH. 

C(.lfFF Steady shot is set to Off. 

(@1100% Battery icon shows 100%. 

tl S Touch operation is set to Off. 

i Drive mode icon is shown. The drive mode is set to use 

the Wireless Remote Commander. 

E23 Metering mode is set to Multi (the default). 

li!Jil Focus mode is set to Manual. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 58 
3 Preparing Equipment 

[~ 

AWB 

\?)OFF 

1/1000 

lli±O.O 

ISO AUTO 

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 Nl R (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 I Brightness/Color I 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 59 
3 Preparing Equipment 

• UV haze (orange) filter: vegetation appears blue and the sky appears brown. 

• 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 this step only once, before using the UX5 aerial imaging rover for the first 

time. 

To track down the UXS 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 ofthe 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: 

• an external storage device such as a laptop for transferring images to after each flight 

• a USB to SD card reader for transferring images to the Tablet after each flight 

• an SD card for each flight 

Note - Trimble recommends using a San Disk Extreme SDHC UHS-1 card with a minimum write 

speed of 45MB/sand a minimum capacity of 16GB for the Sony Nex-5 and 32GB for the Sony 

a5200. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 60 
3 Preparing Equipment 

3. Make sure the launcher bag contains the 

following items: 

• safety pin 

• launch dock with lock pin 

• V-support 

• crank 

• launch slide with elastics 

• Trimble UXS Launcher Quick Start 

Guide 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 61 
Completing a Flight 

• Importing the project 

• Validating the blocks 

• Validating the flights 

• Dealing with sudden weather changes 

• Completing the flight checklist 

• Monitoring the flight 

• Landing the UXS 

• Completing the post-flight checklist 

• Disassembling the launcher 

CHAPTER 4 

This chapter describes the tasks required in the 

field to complete a successful flight with good 

image data. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 62 
4 Completing a Flight 

Importing the project 

Note- This step is required 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 tj_ 

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. 

:t 

3. Select the project and then click E7 to open the project and view the Map layers screen. 

Validating the blocks 

Tap the Blocks tab and make any changes to the blocks, if required. 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 layers tab 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: 

• Check for obstacles in the flight area. Obstacles are objects such as trees, buildings, 

antennas, power lines, and water that the UXS could fly into or land on. 

• Make sure you will be able to maintain a visual line of sight to the UXS throughout the 

flight. 

• Identify a good takeoff and landing location. 

• 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 this takes 

more time and keeps your attention from the flight. 

2. Tap the Flight tab and make any changes to the flights, if required. 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 UXS 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 this takes 

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 checklisttab. 

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. 

The wind direction changes before the flight. 

The wind direction changes during the flight. 

One of the following weather phenomena 

occurs before or during the flight: 

• Strong wind 

• Heavy rain, hail 

• Hurricane, tornado, or any kind of 

whirlwind 

• Thunder and lightening 

• Snow 

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. 

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. 

Cancel the flight. If the UXS is in the air, land as 

quickly as possible. 

Trimble UXS 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 steps that require special care is given in the following sections. Read 

these sections carefully until you are familiar with all of the tasks required to perform these steps. 

• Connecting the GCS, page 65 

• Connecting the battery, page 66 

• Preparing the camera, page 66 

• Inserting the tracker transmitter, page 68 

• Attaching the top cover, page 69 

• Covering the pitot tube, page 69 

• Checking the elevon trim, page 69 

• Checking the elevon response, page 69 

• Assembling the launcher, page 69 

• Placing the UX5 onto the launcher, page 74 

• Transmitting the flight plan, page 74 

• Initializing, page 75 

• Removing the pitot cover, page 75 

• Checking the airspeed response, page 75 

• Positioning the propellers, page 75 

• Tightening the launcher cord elastics, page 75 

• Verifying the position of the aircraft on the launcher, page 76 

• Removing the safety pin, page 76 

• Arming the system, page 77 

• 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 UXS 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 this step 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 wipes that 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: 

'I, -0- -~ qr , I' 

Auto Auto Auto 

f/4.5 f/4.5 f/4.5 

1/2000 to 1/4000 1/1000 to 1/2000 1/1600 to 1/2000 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 66 
4 Completing a Flight 

'I' -0-

'•' 

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 10ft mark. 

Note- Always take 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 theIR LED trigger cable are removed 

from the payload bay. Do not use any sharp tools for this. 

a. Insert the adapter piece into the camera cavity of the payload bay of the UXS 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 tools for this. 

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

b. Insert theIR LED cable into the cable duct: 

Trimble UXS 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 theIR LED cable connector to the connector from the eBox and insert the 

connection vertically into the cavity. 

c. Cover theIR 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 11:@. 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 UXS 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 UXS, make sure that the elevens can move freely and are not obstructed in any 

way. Impaired movement of the elevens 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 UXS, make sure that the elevens can move freely and are not obstructed in any 

way. Impaired movement of the elevens 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 UXS 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 UXS 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 UXS 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. 

I 

? 

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 UXS 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 UXS or launcher. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 73 
4 Completing a Flight 

CAUTION- Never launch without the UXS sitting on the dock as it will damage the launch dock. The design 

of the launcher takes into account the weight of the UXS 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 UXS onto the launcher 

1. Position the UXS at the front of the launch dock and use your finger tips to guide the launcher 

slats on the underside of the UXS 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 UXS 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 UXS 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 UXS 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 oft he 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. 

I 

? 

Trimble UXS 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 UXS. 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 UXS 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 UXS and 

then pull out the safety pin. 

,M, WARNING- Always take care to avoid contact with the propeller blades. If the UXS 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 UXS 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. 

Arm the 

system 

Chec:l( tne 

la:;.I!'KhYSiuE:S. If 

.a~ va~es. are 

0!(~ arm the 

s::-stem 

-

To arm the system, tap Arm. 

A warning message appears if: 

11 lOD'Ve 

Thrortie 

0% 

50:00 

He~ght 

m 

• the UXS battery life is less than 75%. If the battery level is low, the battery level line is red. 

• the Tablet battery life is less than 90 minutes. 

• the number of satellites is between 4 and 8. 

The system will not allow you to launch the UXS if the following errors are reported: 

• The eBox is not in the correct state. 

• GPS signal is not OK. 

• Takeoff sensor is not OK (this means that the yaw, pitch, and roll values are not yet stabilized). 

• Datalogging has not started. 

• The GCS has no GPS connection. 

*.~. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 77 
4 Completing a Flight 

Launching the UXS 

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 of sight to the UXS. 

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 UXS 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 UXS. 

& CAUTION- Never launch without the UXS sitting on the dock as it will damage the launch dock. The design 

of the launcher takes into account the weight of the UXS sitting on the launch dock. 

3. 1/ an obstacle such as a person or animal suddenly appears in the obstacle clearance zone 

during takeoff, tap~ in the Aerial Imaging software. The UXS immediately powers down and 

returns to the ground. For more information, see Emergency software commands, page 84. 

After launch, the UXS flies to the first waypoint, which is highlighted on the map in the 

Dashboard tab. If the UXS is not yet at the flight height when it reaches this point, it climbs in 

circles of 100m 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 UXS 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 UXS 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 UXS 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 79 
4 Completing a Flight 

The Dashboard tab with an example flight is shown below: 

Dashboard 

9 85% 

·H:1.7 

TI1rc:D:e H!:!:ght 

20'-1--; ~T: 

You must use the Aerial Imaging software on the Tablet to monitor the unmanned aircraft during 

the entire flight: 

• The trajectory of the unmanned aircraft on the map must be close to the programmed flight 

path. 

• Monitor the strength of the communication link diD. 

• Monitor the number of usable satellites ~. 

• No signal: No GPS lock (D--3 satellites) 

• 1 signal line: 4-6 satellites 

• 2 signal lines: 7 or more satellites 

• Monitor the level of power in the UXS battery. In the battery status bar 1 .. ~.the value is 

expressed as a percentage and as time remaining in minutes. 

• Compare the actual flight height with the desired flight height set during mission and flight 

planning. 

• 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 UXS is coping with a 

high head wind. The maximum airspeed is 90 kph (56 mph). 

• Monitor the throttle. The throttle should be around 30% during cruise flight in normal 

conditions. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 80 
4 Completing a Flight 

• 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. 

• 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 UXS 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: 

• If the wind direction has changed and the landing clearances are not jeopardized, rotate 

the landing heading of the current landing accordingly. 

• 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 zOJ 

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, this requires 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: 

• Loss of GPS lock during flight 

• Loss of communication link during flight 

• Overspeed protection 

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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 automaticfailsafe mechanism is activated: 

1. The unmanned aircraft banks at an angle of 25" while orbiting at its current location for 20 

seconds. lfthe 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 200m (656ft) diameter circles until it reaches a 

height of 7 m (23ft). 

Note- During FTS without GPS lock, the unmanned aircraft attempts to circle but the outcome 

is elliptical circles as the unmanned aircraft is subject 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 

lfthe 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 is too critical (for example, fast moving aircraft) tap® and when prompted 

confirm Flight Termination System {FTS} activation to immediately abort the flight and put the UXS in 

an orbit toward the ground. 

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4 Completing a Flight 

An approaching aircraft 

The most common emergencies involve another aircraft entering the vicinity at approximately the 

same height as the UXS. 

The approaching aircraft 1. Assess the situation. Tap X in the message 

will not cross the flight Tap®, ~, 0, or 0 to move the box on the map to cancel 

path of the UXS. 2. 

UXS to a safe position. the pattern and continue 

mapping. 

The flight path of the 1. Assess the situation. Tap X in the message 

approaching aircraft and 

Tap 0 to move the UXS to a safe box on the map to cancel 

the UXS are converging. 2. 

position. the pattern and continue 

mapping. 

The flight path of the 1. Assess the situation. Tap X in the message 

approaching aircraft is 

Tap®, 0, or 0 to move the UXS box on the map to cancel 

diverging from the flight 2. 

to a safe position. the pattern and continue 

path ofthe UXS. mapping. 

The flight path of the 1. Assess the situation. Tap X in the message 

approaching aircraft is 

2. Tap 0 to move the UXS to a safe box on the map to cancel 

intercepting the flight position. (An aircraft intending to the pattern and continue 

path of the UXS. 

overtake an aircraft in front of them mapping. 

overtakes that plane on the right 

side.) 

The approaching aircraft 1. Assess the situation. Tap X in the message 

is approaching the UXS 

Tap 0 to move the UXS to a safe box on the map to cancel 

head-on. 2. 

position. the pattern and continue 

mapping. 

The approaching aircraft A landing aircraft has priority over an UXS Tap X in the message 

intends to land. at all times. Never assume that the box on the map to cancel aircraft has noticed the UXS. Take the 

necessary safety measures depending on 

the pattern and continue 

the situation. 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 

UXS has landed, carefully check equipment for damage. 

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4 Completing a Flight 

Other types of emergency 

In case of other types of emergency, take the recommended action. 

Engine failure is rare but may occur. 

The following parameters in the Aerial 

Imaging software indicate engine 

failure: 

• Altimeter decreases 

• Battery voltage increases 

• Throttle percentage increases 

untillOO% 

1. Assess the situation. 

2. Tap Qi) to immediately terminate the flight. 

If no button is tapped, the UXS glides downward, 

following the flight plan. 

Aerial Imaging software freezes or Immediately restart the software. If you are unable to 

crashes on the GCS when the UXS is in restart the software, restart the GCS and then restart the 

the air. 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 checklisttab. 

When connecting to the autopilot, a message asks if 

the aircraft is already in the air. 

4. Tap V 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 if required. 

Note- Tapping any button in this screen overrides any previous command. 

Note- The only button available when the UXS is below 50 m (164ft) during takeoff is®. 

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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 (984ft) 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: 

• lower than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the landing entry point while descending. 

• 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 (246ft)+ the 

landing offset, it starts circling downward in 200m (656ft) diameter circles until it reaches a height of 

75 m {246ft) +the landing offset. The aircraft then orbits until you do one of the following: 

• To complete the landing, tap Vin 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. 

• To release the Land command, tap X 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 0 button to move the unmanned aircraft from its current position to a location you 

choose. 

To enable the 0 button, tap the location on the map that you want the unmanned aircraft to 

move to. When you tap 0, the unmanned aircraft flies to the specified location and then orbits 

there at the desired flight height in 200m (656ft) 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: 

• 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. 

• 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 10m (32 

ft) up or down, if required. The software does not allow the height to be set lower than 75 m (246ft) 

or higher than 750 m (2460 ft). 

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4 Completing a Flight 

To release the Fly to command, tap X 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 

way point and resumes mapping when it reaches the point that mapping paused. 

Note - If you tap the map again while the unmanned aircraft is in the Fly to pattern, tap V 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 200m (656ft) 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: 

• /ower than the previous block, the aircraft circles downward until it reaches the height of the 

next block. 

• 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 10m (32ft) up or 

down, if required. The software does not allow the height to be set lower than 75 m (246ft) or higher 

than 750 m (2460 ft). 

To release the Hold command, tap X 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 200m (656ft) 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: 

• 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. 

• higher than the previous block, the aircraft flies to the GCS loc~tion while ascending. If the 

desired height is not yet reached at the GCS location, the aircraft circles upward until the 

desired height is reached. 

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4 Completing a Flight 

When in the Here pattern, you can adjust the unmanned aircraft's height by 10m (32ft) up or 

down, if required. The software does not allow the height to be set lower than 75 m (246ft) or higher 

than 750 m (2460 ft). 

To release the Here command, tap X 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 0 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 0, the unmanned aircraft flies 300m (984ft) to the right of the current heading and 

then orbits there at the desired flight height in 200m (656ft) 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: 

• /ower 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. 

• 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 10m (32ft) up or 

down, if required. The software does not allow the height to be set lower than 75 m (246ft) or higher 

than 750 m (2460 ft). 

To release the Right command, tap X 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 theFTS, tap. and if prompted, confirm FTS activation in the message box on the map. 

Note -If you do not tap V in the message box, the UXS continues the flight. 

Note- Confirmation is always required, except during takeoff when the UXS is still below 25m (82ft). 

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 200m (656ft) diameter circles until it reaches a height of 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 87 
4 Completing a Flight 

10m (33ft). 

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 25m (82ft)- 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 

15m (49ft) above ground. Make sure you consider the obstacle clearances for 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 (246ft) 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 V 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: 

• a person is fatally or seriously injured 

• the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure 

• 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. 

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4 Completing a Flight 

Landing the UXS 

& 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 UXS terminates its flight plan and initiates a 

normal landing sequence. It flies at cruise height to the entry point which is located 300m (984ft) 

from the landing location. It starts circling downward in 200m (656ft) diameter circles until it 

reaches a height of75 m (246ft). It keeps circling in left or right circles, depending on the direction 

specified in the Aerial Imaging software, until you tap V in the message box on the map. 

To complete the landing, tap V in the message box on the map. The UXS finishes its current circle 

until it reaches the intersection with the landing direction and then it starts the final leg of the 

landing. 

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4 Completing a Flight 

The image below shows the linear landing circuit using a landing orientation set to right turns. 

locating the UXS after landing 

If the UXS 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 UXS 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 signal strength. If the signal strength 

is the same in all directions, reduce the gain using the Decrease key until the received signal 

strength is halfthe 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 UXS. 

Note - If you experience difficulties finding 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 UXS has successfully landed, tap®. 

2. A message warns that the UXS should be on the ground. Do one of the following: 

• If the UXS is not on the ground, tap X. You will return to the flight monitoring screen. 

• lfthe UXS is on the ground, tap V. The UXS 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 returns to 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 of shutter 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 of shutter commands and you will need to correct this. For 

more information, see Exporting flight data for processing, page 96. 

Note -If you have images from more than one flight on the camera, you may need to remove the SO 

card from the camera, insert it into the Tablet, and then use Windows Explorer to navigate to the 

correct folder on the SO card to view the number of images taken for the flight. To do this you will 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 91 
4 Completing a Flight 

need a USB to SO 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 V to close the post-flight checklist and return to the Flights tab. 

The status of the flight changes to: (i) 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: 

• @)Successfully mapped and settings frozen. 

• fi> Not successfully mapped and settings frozen. 

If the log files were downloaded the (f) 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 ofthe 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 UXS 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: 

• safety pin 

• launch dock with lock pin 

• V-support 

• crank 

• launch slide with elastics 

For more information, see Locating your equipment, page 60. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 93 
Analysis and Export 

• Transferring the images 

• Returning the project to the Aerial 

Imaging Desktop software 

• Exporting flight data for processing 

CHAPTER 5 

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5 Analysis and Export 

Transferring the images 

Note - If you already transferred the images from the camera to an external storage device in the field, 

then transfer the images from 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/ens, the image 

properties (exif data) show a 0 value for the properties linked 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 GWTformat. 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 tj, 

Trimble UXS 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 images to the Tablet. 

1. In the Projects screen, select the project to export flight data from. 

2. Click L:-+. The Export wizard appears. 

3. Select the format to export to: 

• To process the flight data using Trimble Business Center software, select the .jxl option. 

• 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 images from another flight}, Trimble recommends performing the flight again. 

If there are: 

• 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. 

• 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 a~e not due to obvious reasons such as a depleted camera battery 

during flight, an SO 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 UXS 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 97 
CHAPTER 6 

Troubleshooting 

• Errors and warnings 

• Landing issues 

• Aerial Imaging software issues 

• eBox LED status 

• Technical support 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 98 
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 

Pre-flight, before ARM 

Pre-flight, after ARM 

In-flight 

Loss of G PS lock 

Pre-flight, before ARM 

Pre-flight, after ARM 

In-flight 

Replace the battery with a fully charged battery and then redo the 

flight checklist. 

1. Disarm the UXS via software. If that does not work, disarm the 

UXS 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. 

If the landing location is not too far from the location of the UXS and 

the battery level is not too low, tap the <3) button. Otherwise, tap 

the® button. 

1. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox. 

2. Redo the checklist. 

1. Disarm the UXS via software. If that does not work, disarm the 

UXS 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. 

The automatic failsafe mechanism is activated. See Failsafes during 

flight, page 81. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 99 
6 Troubleshooting 

Communication loss 

Pre-flight, before ARM 

Pre-flight, after ARM 

In-flight 

Camera errors 

The camera is taking a 

picture every 20 to 25 

seconds. 

eBox errors 

You will not be able to ARM the UXS. 

1. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox. 

2. Redo the checklist. 

1. Disarm the UXS via software. If that does not work, disarm the 

UXS 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. 

The automatic failsafe mechanism is activated. See Failsafes during 

flight, page 81. 

1. Abort the checklist. 

2. Disconnect the UXS battery. 

3. Restart the checklist. 

There are two types of eBox errors that can occur: 

• Autopilot errors 

• Miscellaneous eBox errors 

The appropriate action to take depends on the stage of the flight that the error occurs. For more 

information, see: 

• Taking action when an Autopilot error occurs, page 104 

• Taking action when an eBox error occurs, page 104 

Trimble UXS Aerial imaging Solution User Guide 100 
6 Troubleshooting 

Autopilot error message types 

The table below explains the types of autopilot error that can occur. 

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 way point 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 101 
6 Troubleshooting 

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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 102 
6 Troubleshooting 

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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 103 
6 Troubleshooting 

Taking action when an Autopilot error occurs 

Pre-flight, before ARM 

Pre-flight, after ARM 

In-flight 

You will not be able to ARM the UXS. 

1. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox. 

2. Redo the checklist. 

1. Disarm the UXS via software. If that does not work, disarm the 

UXS 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. 

If the landing location is not too far from the location of the UXS and 

the battery level is not too low,, tap the g) button. Otherwise, tap 

the@ button. 

Taking action when an eBox error occurs 

Miscellaneous eBox errors include eBox altitude pressure sensor errors. 

Pre-flight, before ARM 

Pre-flight, after ARM 

In-flight 

Landing issues 

You will not be able to ARM the UXS. 

1. Press the Mode button once (one flash) to restart the eBox. 

2. Redo the checklist. 

1. Disarm the UXS via software. If that does not work, disarm the 

UXS 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. 

Always use@. 

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 UXS Aerial imaging Solution User Guide 104 
6 Troubleshooting 

manually power off the UXS, 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 

lfthe Aerial Imaging software on the GCS freezes or crashes when the UXS is in the air, see Aerial 

Imaging software freezes or crashes, page 1. 

lfthe 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 105 
6 Troubleshooting 

eBox LED status 

The diagram below shows the status of the LEDs on the eBox. 

f_..j:.h 

::::,<.~t~J~ ~,1<:..£ 

1 !l&~~ 2 tiest~e-~ 

C6<1.RM 

Technical support 

If you have an issue and cannot find the information you need in the product documentation, 

contact your Trimble distributor. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 106 
CHAPTER 7 

Specifications and Settings 

• UXS specifications 

• Camera specifications 

• Camera settings 

• Battery charger settings 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 107 
7 Specifications and Settings 

UXS specifications 

The UX5 aerial imaging rover has the following specifications: 

Power /battery 

Battery type 

Nominal energy capacity 

Nominal voltage 

Battery charger settings for 

charging: 

-Maximum current 

-Voltage 

Battery charger settings for 

discharging: 

-Maximum current 

-Cut-off voltage 

Battery charging time 

Height 

Minimum flight height 

Maximum flight height 

Maximum operational ceiling 

(recommended) 

Lithium polymer 

6000mAh 

14.8V 

6A 

16.8 v +/- 0.03 v 

40A 

9V 

Maximum 2 hours if fully 

discharged. 

75 m (246ft) 

750 m (2460 ft) 

5000 m (16,400 ft) 

Note - UX5 not tested above 2500 m 

(8202/t). 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 108 
7 Specifications and Settings 

Dimensions 

Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) 2.5 kg (5.51bs) 

Wing span 100 em (39.3 ") 

Length 65 em (25.6 ") 

Height 10.5 em (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: 

Effective pixels 23.4 mega pixels 16.1 megapixels 

Image sensor APS-C 23.5 x 15.6 mm (0.93 X APS-C 23.5 x 15.6 mm (0.93 x 

0.61")CMOS 0.61") CMOS 

Focal length 15 mm (0.6") 15mm (0.6") 

F-aperture 4.5-22 4.5-22 

Shutter speed 1/4000-60 1/4000-30 

ISO sensitivity ISO 100-25600equivalent ISO 100-25600 equivalent 

Display 7.5cm (3") 7.5cm (3") 

Dimensions 109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7 mm 110.8x58.8x32.5 mm 

(width x height x depth) (4.31 X 2.47 X 1.41") (4.36 X 2.31 X 1.28 ") 

Weight 224 g (0.49Ib) body only 218 g (0.48Ib) body only 

Battery charging time Approximately 310 minutes Approximately 280 minutes 

when fully discharged when fully discharged 

Trimble UXS 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: 

• Sony a5100 camera settings 

• Sony NEX-5 camera settings, page 115 

Note the following: 

• Settings that are greyed out in the camera menus cannot be selected and so are not listed here. 

• 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 

0 Camera settings 

1 Shoot Mode Shutter Priority 

Image Size L:24M 

Aspect Ratio 3:2 

Quality Fine 

2 Movie File Format AVCHD 

Movie Record Settings SOi 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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 110 
7 Specifications and Settings 

4 Exposure Camp. ±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 

ORO/ Auto-HDR O-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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 111 
7 Specifications and Settings 

0 Custom settings 

1 Zebra Off 

MF Assist Off 

Focus Magnif. Time No limit 

Grid Line Diag +square grid 

Movie Marker Display Off 

Movie Marker Settings 

Center Off 

Aspect Off 

Safety zone Off 

Guide frame 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 Optical zoom only 

Release w/o lens Enable 

AEL w/ shutter Off 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 112 
7 Specifications and Settings 

4 Self portrait/ -timer Off 

Exp. Comp. Set. Ambient only 

Face Registration 

AF Micro Adj. 

AF Adjustment Set. Off 

5 

Clear 

Lens Comp. 

Shading Comp. 

Chro. Aber. Comp. 

Distortion Comp. 

Custom Key Settings 

Center Button 

MOVIE Button 

lit Wireless 

Airplane Mode 

o• 

~ Application 

Off 

Off 

Off 

Change all items to "Not set" EXCEPT Focus Magnifier 

Movie mode only 

On 

There are no relevant settings set in the Application menu. 

[E) Playback 

Display Rotation Off 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 113 
7 Specifications and Settings 

...ca. ._.Setup 

1 Monitor Brightness 

Audio Signals 

Tile Menu 

Delete Confirm. 

2 Power Save Start Time 

PAS/NTSC Selector 

Touch Operation 

HDMI Settings 

HDM I Resolution 

HDMIInfo. Display 

CTRLFOR HDMI 

3 USB Connection 

USB LUN Setting 

Language 

Date/Time Setup 

Area Setting 

4 Format 

File Number 

Folder name 

5 Version 

Setting Reset 

Manual 

Off 

Off 

"Cancel" first 

30 mins 

Off 

Auto 

Off 

Off 

Auto 

Multi 

English 

Set the correct date and time for your location and the 

format used by your organization. 

Set the correct area for your location. 

Series 

Date form 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 114 
7 Specifications and Settings 

Sony NEX-5 camera settings 

Lens settings 

Aperture ring 

Focus ring 

Menu settings 

Shoot Mode 

Shoot Mode 

Camera 

Drive Mode 

Flash Mode 

AF/MF Select 

Autofocus Area 

Autofocus Mode 

Touch Shutter 

Object Tracking I 

Tracking Focus 

Zoom 

Face Detection 

Face Registration 

f/4.5 

3+m 

Note - 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 10ft 

mark. 

S (Shutter priority) 

1/1000 or above 

Remote Cdr. 

Off 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 115 
7 Specifications and Settings 

Smile Shutter Off 

Auto Port Framing Off 

Soft Skin Effect Off 

Shooting Tip List 

LCD Display 

DISP Button 

Image Size 

Image Size 

Aspect Ratio 

Quality 

Movie File Format 

Movie Record Setting 

Brightness/Color 

Display All Info 

Enable the following: 

• Display All Info 

• Big Font Size Disp 

• Histogram 

l:16M 

3:2 

Fine 

NEX SR: N/A 

NEX ST: AVCHD 

NEX SR: N/A 

NEX ST: 25p 17M (FH) 

Exposure Compensation ± 0.0 

ISO 

White Balance 

For the NIR camera: 

+ 1.0 with the UV HAZE (orange) filter 

+ 2.0 with the NIR (black) filter 

Auto 

Auto WB 

For the NIR camera, use custom brightness/color settings. See 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 116 
7 Specifications and Settings 

Metering Mode 

ORO/Auto HDR 

Picture Effect 

Creative Style 

Playback 

Setting brightness/color settings for the NIR camera, page 59 

Multi 

O-Range Optimizer 

Off 

Standard 

There are no relevant settings set in the Playback menu. 

Application 

There are no relevant settings set in the Application menu. 

Setup 

Shooting settings 

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 

M F Assist Time 2 Sec 

Color Space sRGB 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 117 
7 Specifications and Settings 

Release without Lens 

Front Curtain Shutter 

Long Exposure NR 

High ISO NR 

Lens Comp.:Shading 

Lens Comp.: Chromatic Aberation 

Lens Comp.: Distortion 

Auto Slow Shutter 

Movie Audio Rec. 

Wind Noise Reduction 

AF Micro Adjustment 

Main settings 

Menu Start 

Function Menu Settings 

MOVIE Button 

Custom Key Settings 

Touch Operation 

Beep 

Language 

Date/Time Setup 

Area Setting 

Help Guide Display 

Power Save 

Enable 

Off 

Off 

Normal 

Auto 

Auto 

Auto 

Off 

On 

On 

NEX SR: Top 

NEX ST: Previous 

Off 

Off 

Off 

English 

Set the correct date and time for your location and 

the format used by your organization. 

Set the correct area for your location. 

Off 

Standard 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 118 
7 Specifications and Settings 

Power Saving Start Time 

LCD Brightness 

Display Color 

Wide Image 

Playback Display 

HDMI Resolution 

CTRL for HDMI 

USB Connection 

Cleaning Mode 

Version 

Initialize 

Memory card tool 

Format 

File Number 

Folder Name 

New Folder 

Recover Image DB 

Display Card Space 

30min 

Manual 

White 

Normal 

Manual Rotate 

Auto 

On 

Auto 

(Click to clean the sensor.} 

(Click to see the camera and lens version.} 

(Click to reset settings.} 

(Click to format a card.} 

Series 

Date Form 

(Click to create a folder.) 

(Click to recover the image database.} 

Click to view card space usage.} 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 119 
7 Specifications and Settings 

Network settings 

Access Point Settings 

Edit Device Name 

Display MAC Address 

Reset View on Smartphone I SSJ D/PW 

Reset 

Reset Network Settings 

Airplane Mode (NEX ST only) 

(Click to view the MAC address.) 

NEX SR: (Click to reset the remote view.) 

NEX ST: (Click to execute smartphone connection 

SSID and password reset.) 

(Click to reset the network settings.) 

On 

Trimble UXS 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: 

• LiPo manual 

• 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 "Lila 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: 

• LiPo manual 

• C:5.0A 6000mAh 

UXS 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 if required. 

This section contains the following: 

• Hazards identification, page 122 

• First aid measures, page 124 

• Fire fighting measures, page 124 

• Accidental release measures, page 125 

• Handling and storage, page 125 

• Exposure controls and personal protection, page 127 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 121 
7 Specifications and Settings 

• Physical and chemical properties, page 127 

• Stability and reactivity, page 127 

• Toxicological information, page 128 

• Disposal considerations, page 128 

• Transportation information, page 128 

Hazards identification 

Emergency overview 

• Do not open or disassemble. 

• Do not expose to fire or open flame. 

• Do not mix with batteries of varying sizes, chemistries or types. 

• 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 ofthe 

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: 

182442-95-1 LiMnNiCo02 as Co 

l.Omg/m3 

R43 S24 526 

S36 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 122 
7 Specifications and Settings 

EC: 96-49-1 

EMC: 

623-S3-0 

21324-40-3 

Organic 

solvents { ECEMC) 

(1)- Nature of special risks: 

R14 Reacts with water 

EC: 38 oc {1oo OF) 

EMC: 4 oc {39 oF) 

R21 Harmful in contact with skin 

R22 Harmful if swallowed 

R41 Risk of serious damage to the eye 

EC: 243 °( 

{469 OF) 

EMC: 

90 oc {194 

OF) 

N/A 

as Ni 

OSHA 

None 

established 

OSHA 

OSHA 

R42/43 May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact 

R43 May cause sensitization by skin contact 

(2)- Safety advice: 

52 Keep out of reach from children 

58 Keep away from moisture 

522 Do not breathe dust 

524 Avoid contact with skin 

526 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical 

Protective clothing 

536 Wear suitable protective clothing 

537 Wear suitable gloves 

Trimble UXS 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 

• Flush with plenty of water (eyelids held open} for at least 15 minutes. 

Skin contact 

• Remove all contaminated clothing and flush affected areas with plenty of water and soap for at 

least 15 minutes. 

• Do not apply greases or ointments. 

Ingestion 

• Dilute by giving plenty of water and get immediate medical attention. 

• Make sure that the victim does not aspirate vomited material by use of positional drainage. 

• Make sure that mucus does not obstruct the airway. 

• Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 

Inhalation 

• Remove to fresh air and ventilate the contaminated area. 

• 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 UXS 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: C02 

Dry chemical or foam extinguishers 

Not to be used: TypeD extinguishers 

Special exposure hazards 

Following cell overheating due to external source or due to improper use, electrolyte leakage or 

battery container rupture may occur and release inner component/material in the environment. 

Eye The electrolyte solution contained in the battery is irritant to ocular tissues. 

contact: 

Skin The electrolyte solution contained in the battery causes skin irritation. 

contact: 

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 UXS 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 UXS 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: 

Hand protection: 

Eye protection: 

Skin protection: 

Not necessary under normal use. 

In case of battery rupture, use self contained full-face respiratory 

equipment. 

Not necessary under normal use. 

Use gloves if handling a leaking or ruptured battery. 

Not necessary under normal use. 

Wear safety goggles or glasses with side shields if handling a leaking or 

ruptured battery. 

Not necessary under normal use. 

Use rubber protective working in case of handling of a ruptured battery. 

Physical and chemical properties 

Temperature range: 

In storage 

During discharge 

During charge 

+30 oc (86 OF) max. 

-20 to +60 oc (-4 to+ 140 OF) 

o to +45 oc (+32 to 113 °F) 

Stability and reactivity 

Conditions to avoid 

Heat above 60 oc (140 oF) or incineration. 

Deform, mutilate, crush, pierce, disassemble 

Short circuit 

Prolonged exposure to humid conditions. 

Materials to avoid 

N/A 

-20 to +60 oc (-4 to +140 °F) 

-20 to +60 oc (-4 to +140 OF) 

Oto +45 oc (+32 to 113 °F) 

Trimble UXS 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. 

Toxicologica I 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 I 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 disposal standards under Universal Waste 

Regulations. Disposal of large quantities of Lithium-ion 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 

lOOWh (Battery) of watt-hours are not restricted for transport. 

(5.0 Ah of Nominal Capacity: S.OAh x 3.7V = 18.5Wh) 

Packing 

Packing Instructions 965 for Air Transport 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 128 
7 Specifications and Settings 

IMDG for Sea Transport 

International conventions 

Air lATA 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 (4ft) 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 UXS 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 ofTests and Criteria'. The amount of 

Lithium contained in these batteries is below the limits set by the DOT in Section 49CFR173 and 

lATA. These can be shipped with the following label: 

CAUTION! 

DO NOT lOAD OR TRANSPOilT 

PACKAGE IF DAMAGED 

tor mor-e: info.rm~_tkm_. can 823-':~36.2..0100 

LITHIUM ION or LITHIUM POLYMER 

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES INSIDE 

(No Utniurn Metal) 

The package contains lithium ion or polymer ceH or batteries. The package must be handled with care and 

that a flammability hazard exism if the packfrge is 

damage. Special procedures should be fc!lowed in the 

event of !he package is damaged. To include inspection 

and repacking, if necessary. 

For emergency information, call CHEMTREC. 

1-703-527-3657 [international] 

1-800-424-9300 [U.s AJI 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 130 
APPENDIX A 

Country-Specific Regulatory Information 

• FAA conditions and limitations of 

operation 

• 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 131 
A Country-Specific Regulatory Information 

FAA conditions and limitations of operation 

The United States of America Department ofTransportation Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has 

granted Exemption No. 11110 for operation ofTrimble unmanned aviation systems for the purpose 

of precision aerial surveys 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 of sight (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 ofthe 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 UXS 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 ofthose 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] 

• Minimum 2 flights on the UX5 as a remote pilot during the Type Rating module 

• Minimum 2 flights on the UX5 as visual observer during the Type Rating module 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 133 
A Country-Specific Regulatory Information 

• When failed:Minimum 4 flights on the UX5 for the failed part 

Instructor pilot 

• A minimum of 25 flights and 4 hours where: 

• The flights occurred on 4 different calendar days. 

• 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). 

• 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. 

• One flight with a minimum programmed leg distance of 1 km (if possible by CAA 

regulations, otherwise as long as possible.) 

• 11 flights with a different selected height where: 

• 2 flights are at the minimum height 

• 2 flights are at the maximum allowable height 

Examiner 

• 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 (NOT AM) 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 UXS 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 NOT AM 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 ofthe 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 UXS 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 ofTitle 14, 

Code of Regulations (14 CFR) including, but not limited to, parts 45, 47, 61, and 91. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 136 
Glossary 

Glossary 

aerial imaging 

rover 

aerial photo 

station 

aeronautical 

information 

publication 

AlP 

avoidance zone 

block 

CAA 

cross wind 

elevon 

flight 

flight plan 

flight strategy 

GCP 

GCS 

The UXS aerial imaging rover is a type of unmanned aircraft specifically 

designed for aerial photogrammetry. 

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. 

A manual containing thorough details of regulations, 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. 

See aeronautical information publication. 

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. 

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. 

Civil Aviation Authority. 

A wind that blows from a sideways direction. 

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. 

The motion of the aircraft through the earth's atmosphere. The main part 

ofthe flight records aerial photo station images of one or more blocks. 

One flight can stretch over multiple blocks, depending on the area 

parameters. 

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. 

Pre-defined sequence of flight lines that can be set per block. 

See ground control point. 

See ground control station. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 137 
Glossary 

georeference 

georeferenced 

image 

ground control 

point 

ground control 

station 

ground sample 

distance 

GSD 

head wind 

height 

lATA 

ICAO 

launch 

launch dock 

launcher 

METAR 

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. 

A photo taken from a ground- or aerial-based station that includes 

overlaid point coordinate data. See also georeference. 

An accurately surveyed coordinate location for a physical feature that can 

be identified on the ground and is used to georeference images. 

The ground control station (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. 

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. 

See ground sample distance. 

A wind that blows from the direction that the aircraft is flying toward. 

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. 

International Air Transport Association 

International Civil Aviation Authority 

The process of releasing the rover from the launcher. Launch immediately 

preceeds takeoff. 

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. 

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

unmanned aircraft in the direction of takeoff. 

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 UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 138 
Glossary 

mission 

mission area 

NOT AM 

photogrammetry 

pitot tube 

remote pilot 

station 

remotely-piloted 

remotely-piloted 

aircraft 

remotely-pi! oted 

aircraft system 

RPA 

RPA observer 

RPAS 

scan area 

segregated 

airspace 

TAF 

tail wind 

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. 

A single polygonal area that defines the geographical area to be 

photographed at a defined overlap and GSD during one or more flights. 

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 NOT AM is commonly used rather than the more 

formal term Notice to Airmen. 

The use of photography in surveying and mapping to make 

measurements between objects. 

The sensor used by the aircraft to detect airspeed. It must be kept clean 

and free of obstructions to operate correctly. 

The station at which the remote pilot manages the flight of an unmanned 

aircraft. 

Control of an aircraft from a pilot station which is not on board the 

aircraft. 

An aircraft where the flying pilot is not on board the aircraft. This is a 

subcategory of unmanned aircraft. 

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. 

See remotely-piloted aircraft. 

A remote crew member who, by visual observation of the remotelypiloted aircraft, assists the remote pilot in the safe conduct of the flight. 

See remotely-piloted aircraft system. 

A polygonal area on the earth's surface where aerial images are recorded. 

Airspace of specified dimensions allocated for exclusive use to a specific 

user(s). 

See terminal aerodrome forecast. 

A wind that blows from the opposite direction to the direction that the 

aircraft is flying toward. 

Trimble UXS Aerial imaging Solution User Guide 139 
Glossary 

takeoff 

terminal 

aerodrome 

forecast 

tiepoint 

tracker 

UA 

UAS 

unmanned aircraft 

unmanned aircraft 

system 

visual line-of-sight 

operation 

waypoint 

winglet 

The initial ascent of the unmanned aircraft. Takeoff immediately follows 

launch. 

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). 

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. 

The tracker consists of a transmitter inserted in the body of the 

unmanned aircraft and a receiver. If required, the receiver is used to track 

the transmitter signal so the unmanned aircraft can be located once it has 

landed. 

See unmanned aircraft. 

See unmanned aircraft system. 

An aircraft which is intended to operate with no pilot on board. See also 

unmanned aircraft system (UAS). 

An aircraft and its associated elements which are operated with no pilot 

on board. 

An operation in which the remote crew maintains direct visual contact 

with the aircraft to manage its flight. 

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. 

The extreme edge of the wing. 

Trimble UXS Aerial Imaging Solution User Guide 140