Live HD monitoring from the air just got smaller. Amimon has shrunk its seminal monitoring system, the CONNEX, encasing the air-end component of its latest in a package weighing about two ounces. The CONNEX Mini supports up to 1080p60 resolution video with zero detectable latency and features HDMI input and output. Depending on conditions and resolution settings, it boasts a range of up to 1,600' line-of-sight. The air unit features a micro-HDMI connector and includes a cable for an HDMI-equipped GoPro HERO or similar action camera. There are also separately available cables that fit the Panasonic GH4 or other compact mirrorless cameras. For multi-user productions, as many as four ground receivers can be connected to a single air unit. This is great for situations where an impatient DP, director, and producer—along with the camera operator—are all trying to steal a glimpse of the footage as it comes in.
The CONNEX Mini isn't just for video. It supports S.Bus, MAVLink, and CAN-Bus so that you can tie it in with the UAS flight-control system and gimbal. With a compatible telemetry module installed, you can view telemetry data—such as altitude, GPS coordinates‚ and remaining voltage—superimposed on the video feed (OSD). Additionally, it allows you to control a gimbal from a dedicated transmitter. Adapters are included for connecting Futaba (S.Bus) and PPM transmitters to the ground unit. To aid in mounting, a kit will be available‚ made specifically for DJI's range of Zenmuse Z15 gimbals. These gimbals work with the Panasonic GH4, as well as many Sony E-Mount cameras.
For advanced settings and firmware updates, Amimon provides management software for Windows and OS X. There is also a mobile version, currently exclusively for the Android platform. To connect your Android device, the CONNEX Mini includes an OTG USB cable. This special cable allows your smartphone or tablet to act as a device host, almost as if the CONNEX Mini were a connected peripheral. You must ensure that the Android device you tether to has OTG (ostensibly for "On-the-Go") support enabled.
The security-conscious will have reason to appreciate the CONNEX Mini. Most wireless solutions for UAVs (or video production in general) are unencrypted. This means that anyone within range could potentially eavesdrop on the shot. In the case of filmmaking, this could mean accidental behind-the-scenes material leaking to the public. In government and commercial applications, encryption isn't just nice to have, it's a requirement. Like the CONNEX before it, the CONNEX Mini uses robust encryption, similar to what TLS-secured websites use to ensure only designated ground units can pick up the signal. To anyone else, it will just look like gibberish.
With the proliferation of smaller, higher-quality cameras these days, hexa- and even quadcopters are increasingly seen in serious professional videography platforms. While being able to monitor real time in HD is often essential, small form factors mean weight becomes a much more crucial factor. CONNEX Mini is the perfect—and so far only—serious contender for the compact UAS (sUAS) segment, whether you shoot with an action camera such as a GoPro or a small mirrorless camera like the GH4.
