SENSYS MagDrone R3 magnetometer

The SENSYS MagDrone R3 is a dual-sensor fluxgate magnetometer on a 1 m bar, for UXO search, buried utility mapping and archaeology from drones with 1 kg payload. HobiTech supplies it in India as part of SPH Engineering's integrated systems.

What is the MagDrone R3 used for?

The MagDrone R3 carries two triaxial fluxgate sensors on a horizontal bar, mounted on the drone's legs. SPH Engineering calls it a real workhorse for UXO search. Typical jobs:

• Searching for UXO (unexploded ordnance)
• Locating buried metal pipes, shielded cables and power cables
• Archaeology
• Finding buried metal objects of a few hundred grams or heavier

To detect artificial objects, the sensor must fly as low as possible. SPH recommends 1 m above the surface or lower for UXO search, with a terrain-following system. According to SPH, detection ranges from about 0.5 m for a hand grenade to several metres for large ordnance. Magnetometers cannot detect most types of modern landmines, and SPH states they must never be used to confirm that an area is clear.

What is inside the MagDrone R3?

SENSYS, the manufacturer, lists these details for the R3:

• Two FGM3D/75 3-axis fluxgate sensors, 1,000 mm apart, mounted parallel
• 150 pT resolution and a ±75,000 nT measurement range
• 11.1 V, 1,950 mAh Li-Ion battery, or power from the drone
• Integrated GPS and 2 GB of internal memory
• MagDrone DataTool software included; SENSYS MAGNETO software is optional

Units from serial number SN000200 onward have a built-in GPS and can also take an external GPS. SPH recommends the external GPS for better geotagging when the R3 flies with a SkyHub on an RTK drone. The kit includes the cable for SkyHub's GPS-out interface.

How does the R3 work with SkyHub and UgCS?

• Drone: DJI M400, DJI M350 RTK, DJI M300 RTK, Inspired Flight IF800, Inspired Flight IF1200A or similar. R3 plastic mountings for DJI drones and an R3 power cable are available separately.
• Onboard computer: SkyHub can power the R3 and feed it positions through its GPS-out interface. It also runs the True Terrain Following package with a laser or radar altimeter.
• Flight planning: UgCS EXPERT.
• Processing: GeoHammer Pro or Seequent Oasis montaj.

For UXO and environmental work, SPH suggests 2 m line spacing, a drone height of about 1 m above ground and speeds up to 8 m/s with the R3. See SPH Engineering's magnetometer technology page or compare our drone magnetometers.

Why buy the MagDrone R3 from HobiTech?

HobiTech is an authorised SPH Engineering partner based in Bengaluru, India. Every order comes with a GST invoice, and our local team supports the sensor, the drone and the software. SPH's magnetometer training courses are also available through HobiTech.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sensors does the MagDrone R3 have?

Two SENSYS FGM3D/75 triaxial fluxgate sensors on a 1 m horizontal bar, 1,000 mm apart.

Does the MagDrone R3 have GPS?

Yes. Units from SN000200 onward have a built-in GPS and can also use an external one, which SPH recommends when flying with SkyHub on an RTK drone.

Can the MagDrone R3 run on drone power?

Yes. It runs on its 11.1 V Li-Ion battery or on power from the drone. With SkyHub, SkyHub powers it.

Does the R3 stream live data to the ground?

No. It records data internally, and the included MagDrone Data Tool prepares the data after the flight.

Which is better for UXO, the R3 or the R4?

The R3 is lighter and SPH suggests 2 m line spacing for it. The MagDrone R4 has 5 sensors on a 2 m bar for higher-resolution mapping at 2.5 m line spacing, but needs a drone that carries 2 kg.

How do I buy the MagDrone R3 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.