Radar altimeter for True Terrain Following (Ainstein US-D1)
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The Ainstein US-D1 is a 24 GHz radar 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
| Frequency | 24 GHz |
| Bandwidth | 190 MHz |
| Altitude range | 0.5–50 m |
| Altitude precision | 6.0 cm (below 1 m); 4.0 cm (above 1 m) |
| Update rate | 100 Hz |
| Field of view | 43° azimuth × 30° elevation |
| Operating voltage / power | 5–13 V; less than 2 W |
| Operating temperature | −20 °C to 60 °C |
| Dimensions / weight | 108 × 79 × 20 mm; 110 g |
| Protection | IP67 |
| FCC ID / IC | 2ATMB-USD1AZ / 26683-USD1AZ |
| SKU | IS-ALTIMETER-US-D1 |
What's in the kit
- 24GHz radar 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 US-D1 radar altimeter used for?
True Terrain Following (TTF) keeps a drone at a constant height above the ground or water, 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.
SPH Engineering states the radar altimeter works in any conditions, such as bright sun, fog, snow and rain, and over any type of surface. Ainstein, the manufacturer, rates it IP67 and lists operation over water, in fog, through dust and in bright or dark conditions. Ainstein notes a blind zone below 0.5 m.
How does it work with SkyHub, UgCS and your drone?
- The altimeter plugs into the SkyHub on-board computer using the supplied cable, connector and SkyHub driver.
- 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 US-D1 mount for DJI M300/M350 RTK is also available.
Radar or laser altimeter?
| Radar: Ainstein US-D1 | Laser: LightWare SF30/D | |
|---|---|---|
| Conditions | Works in sun, fog, snow, rain and over any surface (SPH) | Less reliable in varied conditions and over reflective surfaces (SPH) |
| Practical range | 0.5–50 m (Ainstein) | Up to 100 m; up to 10 m over water, ice, snow and sand (SPH) |
| Country use | 24 GHz: check local rules | Can be used in any country (SPH) |
SPH Engineering states it is the customer's responsibility to check whether a 24 GHz altimeter can be used in a particular country. Read more on SPH Engineering's official SkyHub page.
Why buy the US-D1 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 Ainstein US-D1?
A 24 GHz radar altimeter that SkyHub uses for True Terrain Following, with a 0.5–50 m range and a 100 Hz update rate.
How low can the drone fly with True Terrain Following?
SPH Engineering states SkyHub TTF works as low as 0.5 m.
Does the US-D1 work over water?
Yes. Ainstein lists operation over water, in fog, through dust and in bright or dark conditions.
Which drones is the kit for?
It includes plastic mountings for the DJI M350/M300 RTK. Mountings for other drones are available on request.
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 Ainstein US-D1 radar 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.