Geolux RSS-2-AB water surface velocity measurement kit
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The Geolux RSS-2-AB is a Doppler radar payload that lets a drone measure surface flow velocity in rivers and streams at very high spatial resolution. HobiTech supplies it in India as an Official Partner of SPH Engineering.
Payload data sheet
| Payload type | Surface velocity radar |
| Radar type | K-band 24.125 GHz CW Doppler radar |
| Beam angle width | 24° vertical, 12° horizontal |
| Max. detection distance | 15 m |
| Blind zone | - |
| Measurement resolution | 7.3242 mm/s at tilt angle 0° |
| Measurement repeatability | Error is <1% of the true measured value |
| Sampling frequency | 10 sps |
| Input voltage | 9 – 27 VDC |
| Power consumption | 0.95 W |
| Max. peak current | < 250 mA |
| Dimensions | 110 mm x 90 mm x 50 mm |
| Operating temperature range | -40°C to +85°C |
| Interfaces | RS-232, RS-485, CAN |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Certificates and compliance | EN 60950-1:2006+A1:2010+A11:2009+A12:2011+A2:2013 EN 62311:2008 Draft EN 301 489-3 V2.1.1:2017 Draft EN 301 489-1 V2.2.0:2017 EN 61000-6-3:2007+A1:2011 EN 61000-6-2:2017 EN 300 440 V2.1.1:2017 EN 60529:2000+A1:2008+A2:2014 FCC Part 15 class B ISED RSS211 |
What's in the kit
- Geolux RSS-2-AB sensor
- Mountings
- Cable to connect the sensor to SkyHub onboard computer
- Software for sensor data logging
Documentation & data sets
What is the Geolux RSS-2-AB used for?
The RSS-2-AB measures surface flow velocity in rivers and streams from a drone. It is based on the Geolux RSS-2-300W surface velocity radar. The original RSS-2-300W was designed for static use from a fixed mount above the river. Geolux customised it to fit on a drone, to work with the drone's on-board computer and to send its data in real time while it moves.
The main advantage of a drone-borne sensor is that it can measure in hard-to-reach places with no existing infrastructure. The whole process is automated by the SkyHub onboard computer and UgCS mission-planning software, and the sensor measures at the points you specify.
Typical applications are:
- Hydrological surveys.
- Environmental monitoring.
- Engineering projects in water supply.
- Accurate discharge monitoring in rivers.
- Monitoring of flow in irrigation channels.
The RSS-2-AB and everything needed to use it on drones were developed and tested in the UAWOS (Unmanned Airborne Water Observing System) project.
How does the RSS-2-AB radar work?
The radar is a continuous-wave (CW) Doppler radar working in the K-band at 24.125 GHz. This part of the spectrum is freely available in most of the world, so the sensor can be operated without a specific spectrum licence. Its effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) is below 100 mW, well below any health and safety limits.
- The electronics sit in an anodised aluminium enclosure rated IP68, which protects them even if the instrument is submerged.
- The front has a PTFE (Teflon) antenna cover.
- The back has a circular M12 connector for power and for the communication link to the on-board computer. The connector is also IP68 rated and sealed.
- No setup is needed. The instrument starts measuring surface velocity as soon as power is connected.
How is a velocity measurement made?
To measure, the drone hovers stationary over a point at a set altitude, with its nose (the radar) pointing up or down stream. The radar averages flow velocity over a footprint of a few square metres, and the footprint grows with flight height. The signal-to-noise ratio depends strongly on how rough the water surface is and on how fast the water flows. Faster flows can be measured more reliably than slow flows.
| Survey parameter | Value (per SPH Engineering) |
|---|---|
| Drone position | Hovering stationary at the measuring point |
| Radar direction | Nose (radar) pointing up or down stream |
| Recommended time per point | 30 s |
| Optimal measuring height | Around 5 m above the water surface |
What do you need to run it?
- SkyHub: the sensor has no built-in data logger. The kit requires the SkyHub onboard computer to log the data.
- True Terrain Following: SPH Engineering strongly recommends adding True Terrain Following with a radar altimeter, so the drone holds its altitude precisely relative to the water surface.
- Drones: SkyHub integration lets you use the sensor on various drones, including the DJI M350/M300 RTK and Pixhawk-based drones.
- Software: the mission is planned and flown in UgCS mission-planning software.
What data do you get?
With the SkyHub onboard computer and its software, sensor data is recorded in two formats:
- CSV files with ready-to-use data, including averaged flow velocity.
- SEG-Y files with full-wave data.
Why buy the Geolux RSS-2-AB from HobiTech?
HobiTech is an Official Partner of SPH Engineering based in Bengaluru, India. Every order comes with a GST invoice, and our local team supports the sensor, the drone and the software. SPH training courses are also available through our training page. Read more on our SPH Engineering page, or browse the full hydrology range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Geolux RSS-2-AB measure?
Surface flow velocity in rivers and streams, from a drone. It is a K-band continuous-wave Doppler radar working at 24.125 GHz, with a sampling frequency of 10 sps.
How long does the drone hover at each point?
SPH Engineering recommends 30 seconds per point. The drone hovers about 5 m above the water with its nose (radar) pointing up or down stream.
How accurate is it?
The datasheet gives a measurement repeatability error of less than 1% of the true measured value and a resolution of 7.3242 mm/s at a tilt angle of 0°. Faster flows can be measured more reliably than slow flows.
Does the kit include the SkyHub onboard computer?
No. The standard kit has the sensor, mountings, a cable to SkyHub and data-logging software. The kit requires SkyHub to log the data.
Which drones can carry the RSS-2-AB?
Through SkyHub integration, various drones, including the DJI M350/M300 RTK and Pixhawk-based drones.
How do I buy the Geolux RSS-2-AB in India?
Use Request a quote on this page, or call HobiTech on +91 70225 26509. We confirm the price and configuration, and every order comes with a GST invoice.