SkyHub 3 cable for LightWare SF30/D altimeter
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The SkyHub 3 cable for the LightWare SF30/D is a data cable that connects SPH Engineering's SkyHub 3rd generation onboard computer to the SF30/D laser altimeter for True Terrain Following. HobiTech supplies it in India.
Connectors
| SkyHub side | Switchcraft W16982-7SG-P-518 |
| Rangefinder side | Molex Pico-Lock 504051 7-pin receptacle |
| Cable type | Data cable |
What is the SkyHub 3 cable for SF30/D used for?
The LightWare SF30/D is a laser rangefinder that SkyHub uses as an altimeter. SkyHub reads its distance to the ground in flight and uses it for True Terrain Following, which holds the drone at a steady height over the surface. SPH Engineering states SkyHub can follow terrain as low as 0.5 m.
This cable carries the data between the two. On the SkyHub side it has a Switchcraft W16982-7SG-P-518 connector. On the altimeter side it has a Molex Pico-Lock 504051 7-pin receptacle.
Do I need it if I buy the SF30/D kit?
SPH's LightWare SF30/D laser altimeter kit already includes a data cable, a connector for SkyHub, the SkyHub software driver and plastic mountings for DJI M350/M300 RTK drones. This separate cable is useful as a spare, or when you need a SkyHub 3 cable for an SF30/D you already own.
How is the SF30/D set up in SkyHub?
The SkyHub user manual connects the altimeter over UART. It enables the altimeter with the LIGHTWARESF30D setting in the payload configuration and uses a baud rate of 115200. The manual lists the SF30/D with a maximum range of 200 m. For SkyHub terrain following, SPH quotes a practical range of up to 100 m, dropping to about 10 m over water, ice, snow and sand.
Which SkyHub cable do I need?
Every SkyHub 3rd generation cable does one job. Pick the cable by what you are connecting SkyHub to. Connector details are from SPH Engineering's product pages.
| Cable | Connects SkyHub 3 to | SkyHub side | Other end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart cable assembly for DJI M400 | DJI M400 | XT30 power + USB data | Native DJI PSDK cable |
| Smart cable assembly for DJI M300/M350 RTK | DJI M300 RTK, M350 RTK | XT30 power + Switchcraft signal | Native DJI SDK round ribbon cable |
| Cable for Inspired Flight IF1200A | Inspired Flight IF1200A | XT30 power + Switchcraft signal | DB25, UPC 2.1 25-pin pinout |
| Cable for Pixhawk autopilot | Pixhawk Telem port | Switchcraft signal | JST 6-pin receptacle |
| Cable for LightWare SF30/D | SF30/D laser altimeter | Switchcraft signal | Molex Pico-Lock 504051 7-pin |
| Cable for RS232 devices | RS232 sensors, e.g. Geonics EM61Lite | Switchcraft signal | D-SUB 9-pin male |
The Switchcraft connector on SkyHub is the Switchcraft W16982-7SG-P-518. All six cables are for SkyHub 3rd generation only.
What else do you need for terrain following?
- The SkyHub on-board computer hardware, 3rd generation.
- The LightWare SF30/D laser altimeter, or the Ainstein US-D1 radar altimeter for flights over water or in poor weather.
- The SkyHub True Terrain Following package.
- A drone cable, for example for the DJI M300/M350 RTK or DJI M400.
- UgCS mission-planning software, such as UgCS EXPERT.
Browse our Integrated Systems collection, or read SPH Engineering's official SkyHub page.
Why buy the SkyHub 3 cable for LightWare 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 together. SPH training courses are also available through HobiTech, including UgCS and True Terrain Following training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SkyHub generation does this cable fit?
SkyHub 3rd generation. SPH lists it as a SkyHub 3 accessory.
What connectors does it have?
A Switchcraft W16982-7SG-P-518 on the SkyHub side and a Molex Pico-Lock 504051 7-pin receptacle on the altimeter side.
Is a cable already included with the SF30/D kit?
Yes. SPH's SF30/D kit includes a data cable and a connector for SkyHub. Buy this one as a spare or for an altimeter you already have.
Does this cable work with the Ainstein US-D1 radar?
No. SPH lists it for the LightWare SF30/D only.
How low can SkyHub fly with the SF30/D?
SPH Engineering states SkyHub terrain following works as low as 0.5 m. Over reflective surfaces the laser's practical range drops to about 10 m.
How do I buy the SkyHub 3 cable for LightWare SF30/D 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.