Red Edge 3 Integration Guide V04
User Manual:
Open the PDF directly: View PDF 
.
Page Count: 9
RedEdge 3 Integration Guide Rev 04
© 2015 MicaSense, Inc. Page 1 of 9
MicaSense RedEdgeTM 3
Multispectral Camera
Integration Guide
Revision: 04 – March 2017
MicaSense, Inc.
Seattle, WA
RedEdge 3 Integration Guide Rev 04
© 2015 MicaSense, Inc. Page 2 of 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE ............................................................................................................................. 3
2. CAMERA DIMENSIONS AND MASS ................................................................................................................. 3
3. LENS AND IMAGER INFORMATION ................................................................................................................ 4
4. ATTACHMENT POINTS.......................................................................................................................................... 4
5. INPUTS AND OUTPUTS......................................................................................................................................... 6
5.1.1. H2: EXTERNAL POWER AND EXTERNAL TRIGGER ................................................................................................... 6
5.1.2. H3: GPS MODULE ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.1.3. H4: SERIAL AND ETHERNET DATA ................................................................................................................................. 8
5.1.4. H5: SERIAL PORT ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
RedEdge 3 Integration Guide Rev 04
© 2015 MicaSense, Inc. Page 3 of 9
1. Introduction and Scope
This document provides the information required for mechanical and electrical integration of a
MicaSense RedEdge 3 multispectral camera onto a host aircraft.
2. Camera Dimensions and Mass
*All dimensions in mm
Mass: 160 grams
RedEdge 3 Integration Guide Rev 04
© 2015 MicaSense, Inc. Page 4 of 9
3. Lens and Imager Information
The imager and lens characteristics are:
HFOV
47.9 deg (5.4 mm Focal Length)
Aspect Ratio
4:3
Sensor size
4.8 mm x 3.6 mm , 1280 x 960 Global Shutter
4. Attachment Points
The RedEdge 3 camera can be attached to the host aircraft using at least 2 of the 4 provided
threaded mounting points. 4-40 screws are used for this purpose.
CAUTION
Do not use a screw that will extend into the threaded holes by more than 8 mm (0.3”). Use a
washer or other spacer to ensure that the screws do not go into the camera too far.
RedEdge 3 Integration Guide Rev 04
© 2015 MicaSense, Inc. Page 5 of 9
NOTE
A very light coating of non-permanent thread locker can be used to prevent the screws
from coming loose due to vibration. Wipe off excess thread locker from screw prior to
insertion.
Recommendations for Installation
The camera should be installed such that it has a clear view of the area directly below
the aircraft. The “cone” of the lenses (47.9 degrees total Horizontal Field of View)
should be considered in the process of deciding where to mount the camera on the
aircraft or payload bay.
Thanks to global shutter imager technology, the camera is able to withstand some
vibration without degrading image quality; nevertheless, vibration isolation between the
camera mounting platform and the aircraft is recommended.
Use of a gimbal is highly recommended to ensure that the camera is pointing straight
down (with respect to the earth) at all times during flight. This is especially important
for multi-rotor aircraft installations. This gimbal system need only be a “servo-driven”
gimbal (for pointing as opposed to high-frequency stabilization). A brushless motor
type gimbal (mass-balanced, free-floating) can also be used, but it is not required.
If the camera’s GPS module is used for providing GPS information to the camera, it
should be installed in a location of the aircraft where it will have a clear view of the sky.
Install the module far away from any devices that could interfere with it (datalink or
video transmitters for instance).
RedEdge 3 Integration Guide Rev 04
© 2015 MicaSense, Inc. Page 6 of 9
5. Inputs and Outputs
The RedEdge 3 camera features 4 connectors for interface to peripherals and to the host
aircraft.
5.1.1. H2: External Power and External Trigger
Signal definitions and connector
Pin #
Signal
1
Trigger
2
Ground
3
Power
Connector on Camera
Hirose DF13A-3P-1.25H(21)
Mating Connector
Hirose DF13-3S-1.25C
28AWG wire recommended
Pin 1 indicator on DF13 family of
connectors (DF13-3S-1.25C shown)
RedEdge 3 Integration Guide Rev 04
© 2015 MicaSense, Inc. Page 7 of 9
Power Input
Item
Value
Nominal Voltage
5.0 V DC
Voltage Range
4.5 V to 5.5 V DC
Absolute
Maximum Voltage
5.5 V DC
Average Power
3.5 Watts average, 4.5 W peak
(Camera Not Providing Power to
External GPS Module)
4.0 Watts average, 5.0 W peak
(Camera Providing Power to External
GPS Module)
Trigger: The camera can be triggered either with a rising-edge/falling edge pulse or a
PWM signal (such as is typically used with standard servos). When using a PWM
signal as the trigger, the camera detects a transition from a “long” PWM to a “short”
PWM (or vice-versa depending on the configuration setup of the camera)
Item
Value
Nominal Voltage
3.0 V DC
Voltage Range
0.0 V DC to 5.0 V DC
Absolute Maximum Voltage
5.0 V DC
PWM Trigger Expected Range
1.0 ms to 2.0 ms
CAUTION
Care should be taken when multiple “grounds” are used for power and trigger of
the camera. Only one ground should be connected to the camera – typically this
is the ground that corresponds to the source of the power. If the ground of the
trigger signal and the ground of the power source are different, they should not be
joined together electrically at the camera. Contact support@micasense.com if
further information is needed.
RedEdge 3 Integration Guide Rev 04
© 2015 MicaSense, Inc. Page 8 of 9
5.1.2. H3: GPS Module
A GPS module is connected to this connector, similar to 3DR’s GPS module
(https://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-gps-ublox-with-compass ).
Signal definitions and connector
Pin #
Signal
Direction
1
5.0 V DC Output
Output From Camera
2
GPS RX
Output From Camera
3
GPS TX
Input To Camera
4
GPS PPS
Input To Camera
5
Not Connected
N/A
6
Ground
Ground
Connector on Camera
Hirose DF13A-6P-1.25H(21)
Mating Connector
Hirose DF13-6S-1.25C
28AWG wire recommended
The camera uses the ublox UBX binary protocol for communication back and forth to the
GPS using the NAV and RXM data classes.
5.1.3. H4: Serial and Ethernet Data
Connector H4 is available for tighter integration with host aircraft. It includes a standard
TTL-level serial port as well as an Ethernet port. Documentation for the communications
protocol is available by contacting MicaSense.
Pin #
Signal
Direction
1
Serial RX (3.3 V)
Output From Camera
2
Serial TX (3.3 V)
Input To Camera
3
Serial Ground
Ground
4
Ethernet TX P
Input To Camera
5
Ethernet TX N
Input To Camera
6
Ethernet Line Ground
Ground
7
Ethernet RX P
Output From Camera
8
Ethernet RX N
Output From Camera
Connector on Camera
Hirose DF13A-8P-1.25H(21)
Mating Connector
Hirose DF13-8S-1.25C
28AWG wire recommended
5.1.4. H5: Serial Port
Reserved.
RedEdge 3 Integration Guide Rev 04
© 2015 MicaSense, Inc. Page 9 of 9
MicaSense RedEdgeTM 3 Multispectral Camera
Integration Guide
Rev 04 – March 2017
MicaSense, Inc.
Seattle WA 98103
The contents of this guide are subject to change without notice
MicaSense, Inc. assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages arising
from the use of this product, and any claims by a third party.
Copying of the contents of this guide, in whole or in part, as well as the scanner
applications is prohibited under the copyright law.
