USV Deployment
Pre-Deployment Inspection
Before placing the USV in water, complete the following checks:
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| SD card | Confirm the SD card is inserted in the ES200 echo sounder and has sufficient free space |
| Camera | Verify the camera lens is clean and the camera status indicator is active |
| Battery | Check the USV battery level indicator shows adequate charge (minimum 50% recommended) |
| Antennas | Confirm both 2.4 GHz RF antennas are installed and upright |
| Propellers | Confirm propeller plugs are installed and propellers spin freely |
| GNSS fix | Verify the GNSS receiver has achieved RTK Fixed or TAP solution |
| RC link | Confirm the H20 remote control shows a connected status |
| Software | Confirm Tersus Captain is connected and displaying USV position |
warning
Do not launch the USV if the GNSS receiver does not have a valid fix. Doing so may result in inaccurate or unusable survey data.
USV Water Entry
- Carry the USV to the water's edge using the hull handles.
- Place the USV gently onto the water surface — do not drop or throw.
- Release the USV and step back from the water edge.
- The USV will float immediately. Verify the hull sits level on the water.
Manual Operation
- On the H20 remote control, move the 3-Stage Switch (Left) to the Arm position. The propellers will become active.
- Use the left joystick to control forward/backward motion.
- Use the right joystick to steer left/right.
- Joystick deflection magnitude controls speed — start with small inputs and increase gradually.
caution
Always push the joystick slowly when first entering the water. Sudden full-throttle inputs can cause the USV to become unstable or travel out of safe range quickly.
Situational Awareness
- Keep visual contact with the USV at all times during manual operation.
- Monitor the connection indicator on the H20 remote control. If it turns off, the USV will enter Hold mode and wait for the link to re-establish.
- The operator should follow the USV along the bank to maintain the best RF link quality.
Map Loading
Before starting an autonomous mission, load a map into Tersus Captain:
- In Tersus Captain, tap the Map button.
- Select Online Map (requires Wi-Fi/LTE) or Import Map (pre-downloaded tiles).
- Zoom to the survey area and confirm the USV position is shown correctly on the map.