GPR system: Radar Systems Zond Aero LF (low frequency)
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Zond Aero LF is a lightweight low-frequency drone GPR from Radar Systems for deep subsurface mapping, sold in SPH Engineering's Integrated Systems range. It suits DJI M400/M300/M350 RTK drones, and HobiTech supplies it in India.
Technical
| Type | Single channel GPR with unshielded dipole antenna |
| Central frequency | 100, 150, 300 MHz (custom 50–400 MHz by request) |
| Operating bandwidth | 50–200 / 75–300 / 150–600 MHz (-12 dB) |
| Sampling | Real Time Sampling (RTS) with high hardware stacking |
| Samples per scan | 256 / 512 / 1024 / 2048 / 4096 / 8192 (selectable) |
| Sample rate | Up to 1,280,000 samples/second |
| Scan rate | Up to 2,500 scans/s |
| Sample output | 32-bit digital raw data |
| Depth | Up to 20m in average soil; up to 10m at antenna elevation <3m |
| Data format | Standard geophysical SEG-Y (.sgy) with trace geotagging |
Environmental
| Temperature | -20°C to 60°C (internal) |
| Humidity | 96% non-condensing |
| Ingress protection | IP68 in protective box (transport); IP52 airborne |
Mechanical
| Controller size | 23 × 25 × 5.5 cm |
| Dipole length | 100MHz: 0.75m · 150MHz: 0.5m · 300MHz: 0.25m |
| Weight | 0.8kg controller · 0.1–0.4kg per antenna |
What's in the kit
- Zond Aero LF GPR system with 100, 150, 300 MHz centre-frequency antennas
- Prism 2 Data Acquisition/Processing software
- Transport case for GPR controller
- Tube for antennas
- Mounting kit for the DJI M300/M350 RTK drone
What is the Zond Aero LF used for?
Zond Aero LF is the deepest-reaching GPR in the SPH Engineering range. It uses unshielded dipole antennas at 100, 150 and 300 MHz, and SPH has tested the system across a 50 to 400 MHz range. A separate 50 MHz antenna is also available. Lower frequencies trade resolution for depth.
- Depth: up to 20 m from the ground in average normal soil, and up to 10 m with the antenna less than 3 m above the ground. SPH Engineering quotes 4 to 10 m penetration when flown from a drone.
- Flying height: SPH recommends an altitude of 2 m or less for 50 to 300 MHz antennas.
- Typical work: geological stratigraphy, archaeology, engineering and infrastructure assessment, and deep subsurface mapping.
For shallow, high-resolution targets, compare the shielded Zond Aero 500 NG, Zond Aero 600 NG and Zond Aero 1000 NG.
How does it integrate with SkyHub, UgCS and your drone?
On the drone, the GPR connects to the SkyHub on-board computer. SkyHub logs every trace together with GNSS and altimeter readings, so each trace is time-stamped and geo-referenced. The SkyHub software package for GPR adds the SkyHub firmware and a companion application for UgCS, and supports Radar Systems Zond Aero. Missions are planned and flown in UgCS; UgCS EXPERT adds Smart AGL terrain following. For its drone GPR systems, SPH lists DJI M400, M350, M300 and M600, Inspired Flight IF1200A, Harris Aerial H6 and Wispr Ranger Pro among compatible drones. The kit ships with a mount for the DJI M300/M350 RTK.
What do you need to run it?
SPH Engineering notes that additional components and software must be ordered to use this GPR on a drone. A typical set is:
- Zond Aero LF GPR (this product) with Prism 2 acquisition and processing software
- SkyHub hardware and the SkyHub GPR software package
- A UgCS licence for mission planning
- Processing software such as GeoHammer Pro (see all GPR software)
For work on foot, Radar Systems offers mono-static and bi-static terrestrial survey kits. See the full ground penetrating radar range and SPH Engineering's GPR technology page.
Why buy the Zond Aero LF 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. SPH's GPR training courses are also available through HobiTech.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep can the Zond Aero LF see?
Up to 20 m in average normal soil, and up to 10 m with the antenna less than 3 m above the ground. Actual depth depends on soil conductivity and frequency.
Which antennas come with the Zond Aero LF?
The kit includes 100, 150 and 300 MHz centre-frequency antennas. The 300 MHz dipole is 0.25 m long and the 100 MHz dipole is 0.75 m long.
How much does the Zond Aero LF weigh?
The controller weighs 0.8 kg, and each antenna weighs 0.1 to 0.4 kg depending on frequency.
Can I use the Zond Aero LF with a DJI M400?
SPH Engineering lists it for medium-sized drones such as the DJI M400, M300 and M350 RTK. The included mounting kit is for the DJI M300/M350 RTK.
What data format does it produce?
Standard geophysical SEG-Y (.sgy) files with geotagged traces, which you can process in Prism 2 or GeoHammer.
How do I buy the Zond Aero LF 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.