CUAV NEO 3 Pro

The CUAV NEO 3 Pro is a DroneCAN GNSS module with a u-blox M9N, RM3100 compass, MS5611 barometer, buzzer and safety switch for medium-class multicopters. Chinese maker CUAV connects it to the flight controller through DroneCAN.

The module receives GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS in the L1 band (GPS L1C/A, GLONASS L1OF, BeiDou B1I, Galileo E1B/C). It does not offer RTK. For accuracy CUAV states 2.0 m, and 0.7 m as the best measured value. For planning the normal value counts; the best value is an exception under favourable conditions. The rate is 25 Hz, the compass is an RM3100, and connection is through DroneCAN with a GHR-04V-S connector. The module weighs 33 g.

With a single band the receiver cannot remove the ionosphere; metre class is the result, but it is enough for navigation, attitude control and zone warning. The EU classes C1 to C3 require geo-awareness and remote identification, both resting on the GNSS position. Anyone who will later need centimetre accuracy chooses an RTK module straight away. At 33 g the module contributes noticeably to take-off mass, which matters on aircraft near a class limit such as C0 below 250 g.

For selection the compass decides: the RM3100 is less sensitive to interfering fields than simple sensors but still needs a mast and distance from power leads. It is calibrated after installation and checked after larger changes of location. The barometer in the module reacts to air movement and should be shielded from propeller wash. Upkeep includes CAN node firmware matched to the autopilot version and a look at the connector after hard landings.