Industry News

Septentrio Names Unmanned Systems Source Dealer for UAV Market

Unmanned Systems Source to offer Septentrio GNSS Receiver Boards, Software and Reference Stations Septentrio October 6, 2015 – Septentrio announced Unmanned Systems Source the authorized dealer for GNSS positioning products in the UAV market. The two companies will showcase Septentrio’s unmannned solutions in Booth 330 at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, Oct. 5-7. Earlier this year, Septentrio introduced its AsteRx-m UAS high-accuracy GNSS receivers and GeoTagZ software suite designed specifically for UAV applications. The AsteRx-m UAS board provides consistent, robust centimeter-level positioning even under extreme challenging interference and multipath conditions. The compact, lightweight module also has the industry’s lowest power consumption - less than 600mW with GPS and 700mW with GLONASS satellite measurements, extending range and increasing payload. In addition, the AsteRx-m UAS enables users to accurately synchronize a camera shutter to GNSS time. “At Unmanned Systems Source, our concept is to provide our customers a true one-stop shopping experience for the full range of UAS products and systems through distribution agreements with industry-leading companies like Septentrio,” said Jennifer Jerrick, CEO of Unmanned Systems Source. “Septentrio’s powerful GNSS receiver and complementary software are important additions to our product lines.” Septentrio’s companion GeoTagZ software suite works together with the UAV’s camera and image processing solution to provide high-accuracy position tags of images without the need for a real-time data link. GeoTagZ is available as a library of software to integrate easily into the UAS image processing tool chain. GeoTagZ is designed to be integrated with Septentrio’s APS-NR2 base station for high-accuracy differential calculations. The AsteRx-m UAS and GeoTagZ solution provides seamless integration into UAV onboard systems. The module plugs directly into common autopilots. Power comes directly from a micro USB, a 9-30V external power supply or the vehicle power bus. “AsteRx-m UAS, GeoTagZ and the APS-NR2 combine to provide an easy plug-and-play solution for UAV data collection and processing that is small, lightweight and simple to use while ensuring the ultimate in dependable centimeter-level accuracy,” said Neil Vancans, vice president of Septentrio Americas. “We look forward to working with Unmanned Systems Source to make this technology more widely available to the rapidly growing UAV community.” Septentrio designs, manufactures and sells high-precision multi-frequency multi-constellation GPS/GNSS equipment which is used in demanding applications in a variety of industries such as marine, construction, agriculture, survey and mapping, GIS, UAVs as well as other industries. Visit Unmanned Systems Source to learn all about Septentrio’s product line. About Unmanned Systems Source Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, Unmanned Systems Source is an online, e-commerce warehouse with the fastest growing selection of unmanned components, parts and remote sensing systems available today. It is a single source of supply and information and serves commercial, governmental and public sectors.  

BrockTek’s UAS product line lands at Unmanned Systems Source

BrockTekSeptember 28, 2015 – The fixed wing product offering at Unmanned Systems Source now includes BrockTek’s line of aerial vehicles. The new partnership took effect September 1 and has generated a high level of interest from customers. “BrockTek’s aerial vehicles are a great addition to Unmanned Systems Source. And the integration, engineering and design support team they bring is equally exciting, as well,” said Jennifer Jerrick, President of the Women Owned Small Business. “Our aim is to offer consumers not just products but information and support so they can purchase or design a system that meets their mission needs. Thanks to this new partnership our customers have several more options in terms of selecting a vehicle with the payload capacity, flight endurance and price point that is right for their application and the engineering support to maximize their success.” The Havoc UAS is the largest platform offered by BrockTek; it boasts a 16 foot wingspan, 25 pound plus payload capacity and 18 hours of endurance when equipped with a fixed gear propeller. The Eel UAS by comparison offers a small frame and is easy to assemble without the use of tools; its 39 inch wingspan, 90 minute endurance and hand launch capability make it a great choice for numerous applications. “We wanted to partner with Unmanned Systems Source for a myriad of reasons. First and foremost, forming a channel partnership was an integral part of BrockTek's growth and strategy. A partnership of this nature provides incredible market guidance and, more importantly, provides a more in-depth understanding of specific customer needs and wants,” said Callie Groth, Director of Business Development. “Secondly, a channel partnership allows for us be more responsive to customers, which in turn, drives growth and profitability.” BrockTek is no stranger to the unmanned industry.  Formerly known as Brock Technologies, it was founded in 2006 by Keith and Jessica Brock and acquired by Aztera Holdings, LLC in July 2015. “Unmanned Systems Source is unlike any other company in the unmanned systems market today. Not only is it a leading provider of a variety of unmanned systems, its headquarters are also right in our backyard. It only made sense to partner with a company who understands the vision of BrockTek, its platforms and the value of working together,” said Groth. Visit Unmanned Systems Source to learn all about BrockTek’s product line and to request a quote on the UAS that’s right for your application. About Unmanned Systems Source Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, Unmanned Systems Source is an online, e-commerce warehouse with the fastest growing selection of unmanned components, parts and remote sensing systems available today. It is a single source of supply and information and serves commercial, governmental and public sectors.

Renegade Flyers

Increased reports of illegal flights threaten industry

operators On August 12, 2015 the FAA released this statement: “Pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, from a total of 238 sightings in all of 2014, to more than 650 by August 9 of this year. The FAA wants to send out a clear message that operating drones around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized operators may be subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time. Pilots of a variety of different types of aircraft – including many large, commercial air carriers – reported spotting 16 unmanned aircraft in June of 2014, and 36 the following month. This year, 138 pilots reported seeing drones at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet during the month of June, and another 137 in July. Meanwhile, firefighters battling wildfire blazes in the western part of the country have been forced to ground their operations on several occasions for safety reasons when they spotted one or more unmanned aircraft in their immediate vicinity. Having fun means flying safely! Hobby or recreational flying doesn't require FAA approval but you must follow safety guidelines. Any other use requires FAA authorization. Avoid doing anything hazardous to other airplanes or people and property on the ground.

THE “DOs” of FLYING

• Do fly a model aircraft/UAS at the local model aircraft club • Do take lessons and learn to fly safely • Do contact the airport or control tower when flying within 5 miles of the airport • Do fly a model aircraft for personal enjoyment

THE “DON’Ts” of FLYING

• Don't fly near manned aircraft • Don't fly beyond line of sight of the operator • Don't fly an aircraft weighing more than 55lbs unless it's certified by an aeromodeling community-based organization • Don't fly contrary to your aeromodeling community-based safety guidelines • Don't fly model aircraft for payment or commercial purposes Thanks to our friends from UAV Systems Association for this helpful information. The UAVSA offers its members information, tools and resource to engage and inform the community and help sUAS businesses succeed. To find out more, visit www.uavsa.org Unmanned Systems Source is a proud member of UAVSA.