SkyHub by SPH Engineering

SPH Engineering's SkyHub onboard computer and the hardware sets that make true terrain-following and real-time payload control possible on DJI and other platforms.

SkyHub sits between the drone and the sensor: it powers the payload, logs its data with position and altitude, and holds the aircraft at a set height above the ground. In India it is the core of every GPR, magnetometer, bathymetry and methane system used by survey firms, mining companies, utilities and researchers.

How to choose SkyHub hardware

• The computer: SkyHub 3 weighs 195 g, takes 12–60 V and supplies a selectable 9–18 V output up to 5 A, with UART, RS-232, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces.
• Your drone: the SkyHub core licence supports the DJI M400, M350 RTK and M300 RTK and Cube/Pixhawk drones. Cables and mountings are sold separately for each aircraft; see mounts and cables.
• Altimeter for True Terrain Following: the Ainstein US-D1 radar altimeter (0.5–50 m) or the LightWare SF30/D laser altimeter (up to 100 m, but up to 10 m over water, ice, snow or sand).
• Safety: the MR77 obstacle detection radar spots obstacles up to 40 m ahead on the DJI M350/M300 RTK.
• Software: each payload needs its SkyHub software package.

Frequently asked questions

Does SkyHub work with the DJI M400?

Yes. SPH Engineering offers a separate SkyHub 3 smart cable assembly for the DJI M400, and an M350-to-M400 upgrade for existing users.

Radar or laser altimeter?

The radar altimeter is listed for GPR and magnetometer surveys that need constant ground clearance. The laser altimeter suits countries where a 24 GHz radar cannot be used, but its range falls to about 10 m over water.

What is in a typical SkyHub set?

SkyHub 3, the cable assembly and mountings for your drone, an altimeter and its mount, the core licence and the payload software package.

What does it cost?

SkyHub is quoted per configuration with the payload. Ask for the current lead time with your quote.

Is training available?

Yes. SPH Engineering's UgCS Area Scan and True Terrain Following course is available, priced on request; see UgCS training.