Laser altimeter for True Terrain Following (LightWare SF30/D)
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The LightWare SF30/D is an eye-safe laser altimeter for SPH Engineering's SkyHub onboard computer, used for True Terrain Following in low-altitude drone surveys. HobiTech supplies the kit in India for DJI M350/M300 RTK drones.
Technical
| Practical range | Up to 100 m (up to 10 m over highly reflective surfaces such as water, ice, snow and sand) |
| Laser safety class | Eye safe, Class 1M |
| Rated range (LightWare) | 0.2–200 m |
| Update rate (LightWare) | 39 to 20,000 readings per second |
| Wavelength | 905 nm |
| Sensor weight / dimensions (LightWare) | 30 g; 30 × 56 × 50 mm |
| Interfaces (LightWare) | USB, serial UART and I2C |
| SKU | IS-ALTIMETER-SF30D |
What's in the kit
- Laser altimeter
- Data cable
- Connector for SkyHub
- Software driver for SkyHub
- Plastic mountings for DJI M350/M300 RTK (mountings for other drones on request)
What is the SF30/D laser altimeter used for?
True Terrain Following (TTF) keeps a drone at a constant height above the ground, based on real-time altimeter readings. SPH Engineering states that SkyHub can fly TTF as low as 0.5 m. SPH uses it with low-flying sensors such as ground penetrating radar, magnetometers and metal detectors.
The SF30/D is a single-beam laser rangefinder from LightWare. LightWare rates it from 0.2 to 200 m. For SkyHub terrain following, SPH Engineering quotes a practical range of up to 100 m, dropping to 10 m over highly reflective surfaces such as water, ice, snow and sand.
How does it work with SkyHub, UgCS and your drone?
- The altimeter connects to the SkyHub on-board computer with the supplied data cable, connector and SkyHub driver. A SkyHub 3 cable for the SF30/D is also sold separately.
- The SkyHub True Terrain Following package uses its readings to hold height; missions are planned in UgCS.
- SkyHub supports the DJI M400, M350 RTK and M300 RTK, and Pixhawk/Cube autopilots via MAVLink. The kit includes mountings for the DJI M350/M300 RTK; a separate laser altimeter mount for DJI M300/M350 RTK is also available.
Laser or radar altimeter?
| Laser: LightWare SF30/D | Radar: Ainstein US-D1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Country use | Can be used in any country (SPH) | 24 GHz: customer must check local rules (SPH) |
| Conditions | Less reliable in varied conditions and over reflective surfaces (SPH) | Works in sun, fog, snow, rain and over any surface (SPH) |
| Practical range | Up to 100 m; up to 10 m over reflective surfaces (SPH) | 0.5–50 m (Ainstein) |
Choose the laser altimeter where a 24 GHz radar cannot be used, and the radar where you fly over water, snow or in poor weather. Read more on SPH Engineering's official SkyHub page.
Why buy the SF30/D 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 training is available too, including the UgCS Area Scan and True Terrain Following course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LightWare SF30/D?
A laser altimeter that the SkyHub onboard computer uses for True Terrain Following, with a practical range of up to 100 m.
Is the SF30/D laser eye safe?
Yes. It is an eye-safe Class 1M laser.
Does it work over water or snow?
Range drops to about 10 m over highly reflective surfaces such as water, ice, snow and sand. For these surfaces SPH suggests the radar altimeter is more reliable.
Why choose laser instead of radar?
SPH Engineering states the laser altimeter can be used in any country, while use of a 24 GHz radar altimeter must be checked country by country.
What else do I need?
The SkyHub hardware, the SkyHub TTF package and a UgCS licence such as UgCS EXPERT.
How do I buy the LightWare SF30/D laser altimeter 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.