How Are AeroPoint 2s Different From AeroPoint 1s?

Hardware Changes

AeroPoints 2's internal hardware stack has been completely redesigned to focus on expanding GPS and connectivity capabilities.

AeroPoint 1s

	Propeller Corrections Network	Known Point Method
Minimum GPS Fix Time	45 minutes	45 minutes
Minimum PPK Drone Flight Time	10 minutes	10 minutes
Number of Constellations Observed	up to 3	up to 3
Baseline Distance	40 km (~25 mi)	40 km (~25 mi)
Maximum Capture Time	5 hours	5 hours
AeroPoints App	no	no

AeroPoint 1s collect positioning data using GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations. A single-band GPS chip collects location data every 10 seconds. The data is fully stored on the AeroPoint until it connects to WiFi and uploads to Propeller. 

AeroPoint 2s

	Propeller Corrections Network	Known Point Method
Minimum GPS Fix Time	10 minutes	10 minutes
Minimum PPK Drone Flight Time	10 minutes	2 minutes
Number of Constellations Observed	up to 5	up to 5
Baseline Distance	40 km (~25 mi)	40 km (~25 mi)
Maximum Capture Time	8 hours	8 hours
AeroPoints App	yes	yes

AeroPoint 2 uses GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou satellite constellations. Location data is collected with a dual-band (L1/L2) GPS chip. The data is stored on the AeroPoint until it connects to WiFi and uploads to Propeller.

Dual Frequency GPS

AeroPoint 2s have been equipped with an improved dual-frequency GPS receiver (AeroPoint 1s are single frequency) to improve:

The capture time required to acquire a GPS fix

• 10-minute minimum with the Propeller Corrections Network (previous AeroPoint capture time was 45 minutes)
• Two-minute minimum drone flight time if using the Known Point method (was previously 10 minutes)

The number of satellite constellations we can observe to gather data.

• Support for Galileo and Beidou has been added
• Continued support for GPS and GLONASS

The quality of data collected, which leads to increased accuracy 

• Dual-frequency GPS receiver increases reliability during data collection
• Data is more accurate

The maximum distance from correction source

• Increased to 40 km (~25 mi) from 35 km (~22 mi) to effectively expand AeroPoint correction network coverage by 50% from existing correction sources

The maximum capture time

• Increased from 5 hours to 8 hours to facilitate larger jobs, removing the need for complex AeroPoint operations 

Power Performance and Charges

We understand that purely charging the AeroPoints through solar has caused the product to be artificially limited by location or weather. 

AeroPoints 2s have an added 12- 24V DC charging port that will charge the AeroPoint in five hours, compared to the 8 hours. Each AeroPoint 2 has a charger included, and additional ones are available for purchase. 

We've also increased the battery life to 100 capture hours (from 45 hours). 

Connectivity

Major connectivity feature updates for AeroPoints enable transparency into their operation and health in the field. Added Bluetooth capabilities enable the use of the new AeroPoints app, which provides information on:

• Real-time diagnostic information

  • GPS capture size and elapsed time

  • Upload status and progress

  • Battery level and charging status

• Custom wireless hotspot configuration for AeroPoints connected to the app

Note: The bluetooth range on the AeroPoints is limited to a maximum of 5 meters.

AeroPoint 2s also has an upgraded WiFi capability, which allows data captures to upload quicker than ever.

I still can't do it!

We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.

If you're stuck, the Propeller hardware support team may be able to help. You can contact them by emailing hardwaresupport@propelleraero.com.au.