The world's first fully integrated LiDAR UAV has arrived at your door. Get ready to scan in the sky with our essential set-up guide below.
Unboxing and inventory
When lifting your BLK2FLY from its box, grasp the unit's body firmly - after all, it has a lot of fancy technology inside. Unfold each side wing up from the device. With both wings unfolded, set the flying laser scanner down on a flat surface. Make sure everything that is supposed to be in your box is there.
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1x BLK2FLY Aerial Laser Scanner
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1x GEB374 BLK2FLY Smart Battery
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1x GKL352 BLK2FLY Battery Charger
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1x GEV288 USB C Cable,
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1x Set of BLK2FLY Propellers CW & CCW
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1x BLK Cleaning Cloth
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1x BLK2FLY Quick Guide
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1x BLK2FLY Getting Started Guide
Note: Inside the shipping carton with the BLK2FLY box, there is an AC power cord for the BLK2FLY battery charger; make sure this item is present.
Feel free to ooh and ahh at the design and the BLK2FLY's weight, coming in at just under 6lbs.
Charge your batteries
The BLK2FLY has a swappable battery system. One battery should be tucked away along with the BLK2FLY in your box. Charge your batteries fully with the included battery charger. Remember to bring all your batteries on scanning trips to extend your time scanning in the sky.
To attach a battery to the BLK2FLY, slide the battery into the vacant top area until you hear a click. To detach the battery from the unit, hold the BLK2FLY from the bottom and place fingers in the indents about two inches down from the power button on the device. Slide the battery out , and the battery should come off.
Battery care
Remembering these instructions will ensure healthy batteries for your BLK2FLY.
Fully charge your battery before use. Remember to check the charge levels and top them off as necessary. When storing your BLK2FLY, never keep the battery attached. Storing your unit with the battery attached will drain it over time.
Within a few days, to protect its battery life, a fully charged battery will drop to a charge of about 60%. When the battery is discharging itself, the battery level will display a green discharging pattern. Visually you'll see the charge level moving slowly downward. The battery will feel slightly warm to the touch. No need for concern; this is normal.Before taking your BLK2FLY to scan, check your battery’s levels and re-charge to 100%.
Download and register your software | BLK Live app & Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS (BLK Edition)
Download the BLK2FLY Live app through the Apple App Store. The BLK2FLY Live app will provide you with all the needed controls and information on your new device. Download it to your iPad to begin scanning with your BLK2FLY. We recommend using an iPad with LTE or 5G capability for more connectivity options. With an iPad with LTE or 5G capability, display flight restrictions, pull up satellite map data, upload to Reality Cloud Studio, powered by HxDR, and communicate with the BLK2FLY, all when scanning outside a WLAN range.
The BLK2FLY also comes bundled with the software, Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS (BLK Edition). Before scanning with the BLK2FLY, set up Cyclone REGISTER 360 (BLK Edition) on your devices for a smooth software experience.
Make the most of your capture data with Cyclone REGISTER 360 (BLK Edition) and register for a free Leica Cyclone Cloud account. Once done, you can dive in and familiarize yourself with the program by requesting a Virtual Demo and/or learning through our Cyclone REGISTER 360 (BLK Edition) dedicated webinars, videos, and one-on-one training here.
Read the system limitations text and graphics on the BLK2FLY Live app
When first opening the BLK2FLY Live app on the iPad, important text and graphics will pop up informing you of system limitations and safety protocols.
Pay close attention to these. They will help prolong the life of your device. And keep you and your BLK2FLY safe.
Update the firmware
Before you’re ready to scan, check to see if your BLK2FLY unit and BLK2FLY Live app need a firmware update. The BLK2FLY supports over-the-air updates (OTA updates). Staying alert to updates and installing them will have your BLK2FLY not just up to date but ready with new improvements and/or new features.
To check firmware updates for the BLK2FLY: make sure automatic updates are enabled on your iPad (which should be the default option). Whenever a new update is available, the BLK2FLY Live app will inform you and guide you through the process.
Updates are in full play with the BLK2FLY, and our Leica Geosystems engineers are constantly improving the software for the Leica BLK line of devices. Stay informed on firmware updates @LeicaBLK socials and read the BLK2FLY release notes on our website.
Controls
Now’s time for controls. Remotely control the BLK2FLY through the Live app on Apple iPad.
Scan via Satellite View, 3D View, Live View , or remotely control the BLK2FLY with virtual joysticks, all within the Live app. Controls will vary depending on which view you choose.
Satellite View (2D Map View):
See your BLK2FLY scanner’s location. Zoom out for a global pinpoint of your device. Zoom in to view your country, city, and general local where your BLK2FLY is scanning.
The BLK2FLY features intuitive navigational controls for both 3D View and Live Image View.
3D View:
The BLK2FLY will display its perceived environment, buildings, and objects, visually representing the data as white points. See a 3D image of the BLK2FLY and its scanning environments. View the BLK2FLY’s flight path while scanning and see what the BLK2FLY is capturing.
Use the tap-to-fly feature by tapping any object/surface on screen to send the BLK2FLY toward your desired area. Your BLK2FLY will orient itself toward the object/surface.
Live View:
View real-time live feed from the BLK2FLY’s five-camera system. In this view, see what the BLK2FLY sees.
Automatically set the BLK2FLY on a generated flightpath by drawing a polygon around the object you want to scan.
Tap the screen to center the BLK2FLY in your desired direction.
Double tap within the Live app to move the BLK2FLY in the desired direction.
Pinch to zoom in or out, and the BLK2FLY will move closer to or further away from the object you’re scanning.
Pan to rotate the Live image view, and the BLK2FLY will move to keep pace with your panning image.
With your BLK2FLY paired – will you fly with the virtual joysticks or take the automatic approach? (You remembered to get your UAV pilot’s license, right?) Don’t forget to consult your local or national flight regulations wherever you are flying.
You can automatically have the BLK2FLY create its flight path when you select an area in the Live app’s map or tap anywhere on the 3D View in the Live app to send the BLK2FLY to a new area. Choices, choices. Whatever you decide, consider your scanning needs, and move full steam ahead with BLK2FLY’s advanced obstacle avoidance technology.
Watch some tutorial videos
We know you’re a hot shot pilot, but we recommend getting even better acquainted with your BLK2FLY device by watching some of our BLK2FLY YouTube videos. Watch for visual rundowns and hear from Leica BLK Specialist Andy Fontana on scanning missions and efficient usage of the BLK2FLY.
Here’s a BLK2FLY playlist to get you started.
Plan your first scan
If you've flown a drone before, you know how this goes. For your first scanning mission, we recommend scanning in a vast open space by practicing mapping with the tap-to-scan feature and familiarizing yourself with the virtual joysticks. Once confident, take your BLK2FLY to the city, on the road, to the beach, or wherever you plan to scan.
When charting your course, follow safety and territory protocol and set your BLK2FLY down, preferably on a marked surface - ensuring you have a specific landing destination and starting point for your BLK2FLY.
Now it's time to take to the skies with your BLK2FLY up-to-date, fully charged, and ready to go. Choose your controls and watch your BLK2FLY set off!
Congratulate yourself. You've just completed your first scan with the world's first fully integrated LiDAR flying laser scanner.
