I believe commercial UAV Remote Pilots will be especially interested in the 520E, which is beginning to ship.
The new H520E is the second generation in Yuneec's professional line.
Yuneec has redesigned the drone with a completely new
processor with increased computing power in its existing and proven design,
preparing it for the development of new applications and a number of payloads.
The comments and expectations of H520 users have been met by making improvements that
we were hoping for.
LONG RANGE, STABLE CONNECTION
One of the most substantial improvements that will be welcomed by all users is
the range - it has been more than doubled by using OFDM signal modulation
technology. The result of using this solution in the new H520E is an extension of
transmission range up to 7 km for American models (3.5 km for European models)
and increase of connection stability in locations with high amount of radio
interference (e.g. in cities). Yuneec has also used a different kind of antenna,
and relocated to the bottom of the arm endings. The black OFDM module can be
seen under the hull.
H520E RTK - MORE THAN ACCURATE
H520E will also appear in a variant with RTK support. This system allows you to
make photogrammetric surveys of exceptional precision, in the range of 1-1.5cm.
It will be willingly used by surveyors and other users who create professional,
accurate orthophotomaps, 3D models or other surveying or construction
documentation. Moreover, the use of RTK allows to improve the drone's stability
in places where errors in reading the position from GPS can occur due to
reflected signals (so called multi-path error), e.g. next to tall buildings or in
canyons. Yuneec does not forget about existing users and at the same time
introduces the long-awaited RTK upgrade to previous H520 models.
A PORT FOR CAMERAS AND SENSORS TO MEET FUTURE NEEDS
Looking at the new H520E, an attentive observer will also see that payload is
mounted in a new way. First of all, the old gimbal plates have been replaced by a
wider, openwork construction containing 6 (compared to the previous four) oil
dampeners. Secondly, this structure is permanently attached to the drone and the
cameras are replaced by an advanced mounting system based on a rotating locking
ring. This has allowed the use of a new payload connector with 30 pins instead of
the previous six. This gives greater expandability, and opens up a lot of room
for the suppliers of unusual devices and sensors, who, using the SDK and the new
connector, will be able to retrofit the H520E with more payloads, extending the
drone's functionality almost infinitely.
H520E PROCESSOR POWER
In order to cope with the additional tasks and loads that may be involved, the
drone's main processors and equipment have been replaced by new units with
significantly increased computing power. The controller in the new edition
received a modern quad-core processor.
CHANGE OF POWER SYSTEM
The drone's power system has also been refreshed. First of all, the battery
capacity has been increased to 6200mAh, so the maximum flight time has been
extended to 25-30 minutes. Yuneec also used a new battery connector already known
from Yuneec H3, which increases the level of safety and maintains better
parameters at high load. In addition, the drone is equipped with a sensor for
correct battery installation, so the user will receive a warning, and the drone
will not start if the battery is not installed correctly.
The DataPilot application has been adapted to handle novel functionalities -
several new items have appeared in the menu, including GNSS-RTK, where the user
can set up Network RTK communication or communication with his own base station,
and special sub-menus for handling unusual payloads, such as a load drop system.
The proven design and layout of the DataPilot function has been maintained
roughly unchanged, while maintaining its rich functionality - especially in terms
of precise planning of various types of autonomous flights.
H520E
YCAP - A WORLD OF NEW DEVICES WORKING FOR H520E
Yuneec has established the official YCAP (Yuneec Certified Accessory Program) for
external devices for H520E, so that manufacturers of accessories and payloads for
H520E can certify their products. This will ensure full compatibility,
integration and safety of these accessories. At the same time the manufacturers
are provided by Yuneec with tools and support in developing the best possible
solutions. So we can expect the emergence of devices such as tethered power
systems, multi-spectral and gas sensors, payload release systems and much more.
NEW GENERATION
The new generation H520E builds on the best features of the older version - a
stable six-rotor design, very advanced autonomous flight planning software, a
proven PX4 flight controller and a practical ST16S controller. However, the
individual components have been improved and adapted to the requirements of the
drones of the future. With its extended range, RTK options, extended flight time
and other improvements, as well as the infinite possibilities for external
payloads, the H520E is ideal for almost any professional application.
As many forum members remember, U.S. pilots and technicians based in Las Vegas
were largely responsible for the original H520 final product.
