SF10/A Laser Altimeter - no compromises.
The SF10/A is our latest generation of laser altimeters designed for fixed wing and multicopter UAVs. This uncompromising design has evolved from our high accuracy SF01 series with dramatically lower weight (31g) and excellent performance from 0m to 60m. Designed for serious amateurs or professional UAV operators, the SF10/A has been optimized to give high reliability data during the critical approach and landing phase of a flight as well as high accuracy data for precision hovering of multicopters.
Taking lessons from the popular SF02/F low cost laser altimeter, the SF10/A has analog and serial interfaces along with an I2C bus. In addition, there is a full featured USB port for changing settings such as the I2C address and analog span.
Size comparison of the SF10/A (above) and the SF02/F (below).
The SF10/A draws 120mA from a 5V power supply and the readings update 15 times a second at a resolution of 1cm. A very high signal-to-noise ratio keeps readings stable and accurate right up to the full range of 60m, even in bright sunlight. This has been achieved through the use of wide aperture, aspherical lenses and narrow band optical filters. In addition, a low noise, high gain APD (avalanche photo diode) detector offers the best signal sensitivity possible.
Other advancements included fully shielded magnetics for low EMI emissions and susceptibility, a high speed, 12bit analog output for easy interfacing, adjustable damping and selectable fail-safe controls.
We are now accepting orders through our online store at Lightware Optoelectronics
I would like to give special thanks to NamPilot for initiating this project and providing his expert guidance and unbounded enthusiasm throughout!
Comments
Tearig - it's not only the price of the aircraft that determines the value of a safe landing. For researchers and professional UAV operators, it's the loss of time, specialized equipment and critical data that is at risk.
Justice - in our experience, it takes a very high signal-to-noise ratio to get reliable readings off water. The SF10/A has been designed with this requirement in mind and we are waiting for real-world data to verify the actual performance, specifically over the ocean.
Phill - we are always keen to discuss the development of custom products. Most of our revenue comes from OEM products that are not shown on our website.
Could you make one go to a range of 130m?
I've been keeping an eye on what you guys are up to at lightware since Christmas and am really pleased to see the direction you're taking. This looks like a lovely bit of kit but not quite what I'm after for the tasks I'd like to accomplish. Are you open to some custom development?
Wonder how this would react on a reflective surface (water) assuming APM would override it? hmm...
they are pricey.. not sure I would put a $600 sensor on anything less than a $10,000 craft
Yes, the price maybe steep for many people as the SF10/A is a high performance product. For less critical applications there is the lower price SF02/F.
Perfect... Except for the 600$ price tag. That places it out of reach for most of us in this community.
Hi thomas - the laser is Class1M, irrespective of orientation. The optics make the beam wider, reducing the energy density and thereby lowering the risk. The wavelength is 905nm. Full specifications are due shortly...
Ooooo Ahhh :)
Great idea! We'll be releasing lots of detailed information over the coming months showing how the unit performs as well as giving independent test results.
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