Ports and User Elements

The following graphics will introduce you to the FLEXPack NavBox connection ports and user elements.

FLEXPack Front View

Connection Ports and User Elements on Front of the Phoenix LiDAR FLEXPACK NavBox

FLEXPack Side View

Connection Ports and User Elements on Side of the Phoenix LiDAR FLEXPACK NavBox

1. Power Input Connector (LEMO)

2. Ethernet Connector (LEMO)

3. Secondary LiDAR Sensor Connector (LEMO)

4. RFM2 upgraded FOG IMU-60 Connector (LEMO)

5. Camera Connector (LEMO)

6. WLAN Connector (SMA)

7. GPS1 GNSS Connector (SMA)

8. GPS2 GNSS Connector (SMA)

9. RGB Status LED

10. CPU Power Button

11. SD Card Slot

12. USB Port

13. LiDAR Sensor Power LED

14. DMI Wheel Sensor (LEMO)

15. Fan Shroud Power Connector

Detailed Descriptions

(1) Power Input Connector

This 3-pin LEMO connector will be used to supply power to the NavBox and all connector LiDAR sensors and cameras (RFM2 Accessory components included). Only use the proved Power Splitter Cable that was shipped with the system to supply power. This Power Splitter Cable will also allow you to hot-swap 2 batteries during operation without power interruptions. The yellow XT60 connector of the Power Splitter cable shall be used as the primary power source input, while the black XT60 connector is dedicated for the secondary power source input.

The permitted input voltage range is DC 12-28V and is therefore suitable for all 3 to 6 Cell LiPo Batteries.

It is recommended to first connect the Power Splitter Cable to the FLEXPack NavBox before connecting the batteries (or drone power output). After shutting down the system (via the CPU button), first ensure that the LiDAR Sensor LED #13 is off. Then disconnect the battery/power supply from the Power Splitter Cable before unplugging the cable from the NavBox. This will prevent damages due to sparking on the MR30 input connector.

(2) Ethernet Connector

Use this 8-pin Ethernet port to connect to rover via a wired connection to control the unit with our Spatial Explorer Software. Also refer to Connect Via Ethernet.

(3) Secondary LiDAR Sensor Connector

Use this 14-pin LEMO connector with the RFM2-Mobile Accessory to allow dual UAV-22 Collection.

(4) IMU Connector

Use this 10-pin LEMO connector with the RFM2-Mobile Accessory to switch from the MEMS IMU-30 inside the FLEXPack to the FOG IMU-60 with the RFM2.

(5) Camera Connector

Use this 14-pin LEMO connector for different camera options. For example, the connector for the R6 camera (A 61MP RGB camera attached to the FLEXPack for aerial collection) can be swapped to the RFM2-Mobile Accessory connector to allow 360° RGB collection and SLAM Assist.

(6) WLAN Connector

Use this SMA Connector to connect an external WiFi antenna to the system if desired.

(7) GPS1 GNSS Connector

Connect the external GPS antenna to this SMA connector via the provided antenna cable. This is the primary GPS antenna connector labeled ANT1 and must always be used for single antenna configurations.

Only connecting the antenna to the ANT2 port (if available) for a single antenna setup will cause the unit to not synchronize to GNSS time and it would then reject starting any sensor, indicating to the user that time is not yet synchronized.

Furthermore, for dual antenna configurations, connecting the antennas appropriately for primary and secondary is important as a wrong combination will cause problems during post-processing.

(8) GPS2 GNSS Connector

For dual antenna configurations, connect the secondary GPS antenna SMA connector to this port. For single antenna configurations, leave this port unconnected.

(9) RGB Status LED

The Status LED is able to light in many different colors to indicate the current status of the NavBox. It will for example indicate if the system is successfully recording data or if some conditions prevent the system from starting a recording. Such conditions can include a bad GNSS reception or a missing SD card. For more information about the blinking sequences of this LED, please refer to section Status LED.

(10) CPU Power Button

This button is used to turn on/off the internal CPU as well as to start/stop data recording. See FLEXPack CPU button documentation here.

(11) SD Card Slot

All collected data will be stored on the removable SD card. This slot has a latching mechanism. To remove the SD card, simply push the card in with your finger. This will release the lock and the card will slide out and can easily be removed. The SD card will have to be formatted in the exFAT file system and should have a UHS speed rating. We recommend SD cards up to 256GB.

It should be avoided to remove the SD card while the unit is powered on and collecting data. Otherwise, this will lead to data loss.

(12) USB 3.0 Type A Port

High-speed USB ports for connecting additional accessories such as a 4G LTE Module or an USB-to-Ethernet adapter.

(13) LiDAR Power Sensor Power LED

This LED indicates power delivery from the FLEXPack to the VUX LiDAR Sensor. Please wait for LEDs on the NavBox and LiDAR to shut down, then wait 10 seconds before disconnecting power.

(14) DMI Connector

This connector is for DMI Wheel Sensor accessory usage during mobile acquisition.

(15) Fan Shroud Power Connector

This connector is for the VUX fan shroud power cable that improves LiDAR airflow during mobile acquisition.