MagNIMBUS atomic total-field magnetometer
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MagNIMBUS is SPH Engineering's drone magnetometer built on QuSpin QTFM Gen-2 atomic total-field sensors, for UXO, utility, geology and archaeology survey teams. HobiTech supplies it in India, in single-sensor or vertical gradiometer form.
Technical
| Sensor designation | QuSpin QTFM Gen-2 |
| Number of sensors | 1 (standard) · 2 (vertical gradiometer) |
| Sensor technology | Laser-pumped rubidium total field |
| Sensor sensitivity | Very high |
| Sampling rate | Up to 500 Hz (scalar mode, user-configurable) |
| Dynamic range | 1,000 to 150,000 nT |
| Live data stream to ground station | Yes |
| Design | Foldable mount + upper mast for gradiometer configuration |
Environmental
| Operating temperature | -15°C to 55°C |
| Ingress protection | IP52 |
| Humidity | Non-condensing |
Mechanical
| Weight | 0.7kg (standard) · 1.2kg (gradiometer) |
| Size | Folded: 640×180×75mm · Unfolded: 1100×310×75mm |
What's in the kit
- MagNIMBUS magnetometer
- Upper mast with QuSpin sensor (gradiometer configuration)
- Transport hard case
What is MagNIMBUS used for?
MagNIMBUS measures the Earth's magnetic field in nanotesla (nT) and maps the anomalies caused by ferrous (iron-containing) objects and rocks. SPH Engineering lists these main uses:
- Searching for UXO and landmines with metallic casings
- Finding tramp metal and lost ground engagement tools (GET)
- Locating buried infrastructure such as metal pipes and shielded cables
- Environmental surveys for abandoned wells and buried tanks
- Geology and mineral prospecting
- Archaeology
The foldable arm lets the sensor fly very close to the ground, from a couple of dozen centimetres. A magnetometer cannot see non-magnetic material such as plastic, copper wire or gold. SPH Engineering also states that it cannot detect most types of modern landmines, so it should never be used to confirm that an area is clear. It can confirm the presence of ferrous UXO during Non-Technical and Technical Surveys.
Single sensor or gradiometer: which should you choose?
| Single sensor | Vertical gradiometer | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | 1 × QuSpin QTFM Gen-2 | 2 × QuSpin QTFM Gen-2 (second on an upper mast) |
| Weight | 0.7 kg | 1.2 kg |
| Base station | Sometimes recommended | Not required |
| Near power lines and other field sources | More difficult | Supported |
| Data processing | Needs an experienced specialist | Simpler |
Both options have the same detection capability. The gradiometer makes processing simpler and removes the need for a base station.
What do you need to run MagNIMBUS?
MagNIMBUS is part of SPH Engineering's integrated magnetometer system. SPH lists these main components:
- Drone: DJI M400, DJI M350 RTK, DJI M300 RTK, Inspired Flight IF800, Inspired Flight IF1200A or similar.
- Onboard computer: SkyHub logs the magnetometer data and runs True Terrain Following with the SkyHub TTF software package.
- Altimeter: a laser altimeter (LightWare SF30/D) or a radar altimeter (Ainstein US-D1).
- Flight planning: UgCS EXPERT.
- Processing: GeoHammer Pro for quick field processing, or Seequent Oasis montaj for large or complex projects. See all magnetometer software.
For UXO and environmental work, SPH suggests 0.5–1 m line spacing, a drone height of about 1.5 m above ground and speeds up to 10 m/s for MagNIMBUS. Read more on SPH Engineering's magnetometer technology page, or compare all drone magnetometers.
Why buy MagNIMBUS 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. We also offer SPH's magnetometer training courses, including the trainer-led course on magnetic data processing and interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sensor does MagNIMBUS use?
The QuSpin QTFM Gen-2, a laser-pumped rubidium total-field magnetometer, with a dynamic range of 1,000 to 150,000 nT and sampling up to 500 Hz in scalar mode.
How much does MagNIMBUS weigh?
0.7 kg with one sensor and 1.2 kg in the gradiometer configuration. Folded, it measures 640 × 180 × 75 mm.
Does MagNIMBUS stream live data?
Yes. It sends a live data stream to the ground station during the flight.
Can MagNIMBUS detect landmines?
Only some types with metallic casings. SPH Engineering states that it cannot detect most modern landmines and must not be used to confirm the absence of ordnance.
Which drones can carry MagNIMBUS?
SPH recommends the DJI M400, M350 RTK, M300 RTK, Inspired Flight IF800 and IF1200A, or a similar drone. It works with a SkyHub onboard computer and a laser or radar altimeter.
How do I buy MagNIMBUS 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.