For whatever reason, the builder of our Freefly Alta X mapping drone opted for a single-frequency M+ over the M2. We typically get PPK fix in the range of 70% to 95%. Lately, we can’t get geotagging to start. We’ve been flying without PPK and just relying on Ground Control marks. It’s taking longer and we need more GCP’s at this rate. I’m suspecting the antenna. If we need to change anything, it seems like it’s a good time to upgrade to M+.
My questions:
Is upgrading as simple as removing the M+ and plugging in the M2? or is there some reprogramming involved?
Are there other options besides the Reach M2?
The M+ is just a single freq receiver while the M2 is dual freq. You’ll get faster start up and fix quickly, if full sky usually under 10 sec.
You’ll have to check to see with the manufacturer to see if it’s as simple as replacing the unit. They’re the same dimensions.
You’ll be surprised at the data quality, especially if your PP. Make sure you have a base receiver on-site if anything goes wrong with the RTK. Make sure the base is logging at the same rate as the drone. Using my Autel, it logs at 0.2 sec so I usually set my base at the same rate. If not, you won’t have good results if post processing.
We’re using a Trimble R10-2 collecting at 5hz. That matches the Emlid M+. We’ve been using it successfully for about a year.
The advantage of duel frequency is something I’m very familiar with. I’ve been surveying for over 40 years and I’ve followed the development of the tech closely.
The big problem I’m having is the data-logging. It just won’t start. At $65, replacing the antenna and cable isn’t a bad option for the most likely cause. I just want to consider the possibility of upgrading to M2 instead.
Freefly built the UAV but had nothing to do with the PPK system. A third party assembled the mapping package based on the Alta-X. They are completely unresponsive on this matter. I’ve tried, a lot. That leaves Emlid. My question remains: Can I simply swap the module and antenna? or is there other configuration that needs to be done?
Should be able to just swap the module out and the antenna, but adjust new settings in Flow and any new antenna offsets. Uses all the same cables and same module sizing. Doesn’t hurt to try and money back guarantee, but you will never look back at M+.
Thank you, timd.
I’m sure you’re right about not looking back. When we got this thing from the builder, I was astounded to find out that single-frequency even existed in this sort of application. I asked the builder about it. He told me that it saved us $100 or so. This is a $35k mapping drone. I believe “face-palm” is the appropriate reaction to that.
When you say “adjust new settings in Flow” can that be the free version? Our use of Emlid hardware is limited to this UAV. Perhaps the HTML interface will configure everything we need? The address on the WAP is 192.168.24.1 There are tabs for Logging and RTK settings. It looks like it should be everything we need.
That was a comedy of errors. The sales guy who took the order didn’t know the difference between the GPS that’s on the stock drone and the survey grade, PPK GPS. We originally took delivery of this thing without PPK. It took me two days of trying to get it to work before I got the tech who built it on the phone and found out what happened. Shipping an Alta-X isn’t cheap. After we got it back again, the PPK was getting around 80% fix. Not good. I looked at the RINEX. Wait! What!?! This can’t be right. Yup, they still make single frequency GPS. I never thought to check.
They ghosted us shortly after that. We’re on our own.
