Evaluation of Starling 2 Max for Custom Onboard CV Project (4K MIPI, Onboard Inference, Zoom & Range Requirements)

[sebastianp]

Hi ModalAI Team,

We are currently evaluating off-the-shelf development platforms for an upcoming computer vision project. We are looking closely at the Starling 2 Max (and/or custom VOXL 2-based platforms) and would love to verify feasibility against our core requirements.

Project Overview & Requirements

Our pipeline runs a custom C++ algorithm combined with deep learning model inference onboard the aircraft, alongside manual flight control.

Here are our primary hardware and software requirements:

1 High-Res Video & Uncompressed/Raw Access:
◦ Resolution: Minimum 4K native video resolution (8K capability preferred).
◦ Data Pipeline: We require direct, low-latency access to uncompressed / raw frame buffers (or near to it)
◦ Optics (optional): Ability to support continuous optical zoom (at least 4x).

2 Onboard AI Compute & Performance:
◦ Our models are currently built/optimized for PyTorch and NVIDIA TensorRT.
◦ What real-world FPS / latency can we expect for standard object detection models (e.g., YOLO variants) ?

3 Flight Range, Autonomy & Control:
◦ Full manual flight control capabilities for the pilot.

Key Questions for the ModalAI Team

1. Camera & Zoom Integration: * The Starling 2 Max standard setup features IMX412 (12MP) sensors. Can we stream full 4K uncompressed raw frames via MIPI into custom C++ code seamlessly?
2. Custom C++ & Library Support: How simple is it to compile and run external static/dynamic C++ libraries directly within the VOXL SDK runtime environment?
3. Companion Compute Option: If our inference workloads heavily rely on NVIDIA TensorRT, is it feasible to mount a secondary compute payload (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano/NX) onto the Starling 2 Max frame using VOXL 2 Ethernet/USB3 expander boards, and what would be the impact on payload capacity (~500g limit) and flight time?

Looking forward to your guidance

Thank you so much for your attention and participation.

Sebastian

[sebastianp]

Our team at Sodyo is preparing to order a Starling 2 Max platform for R&D and deployment in Israel.

We have a few technical and regulatory questions regarding the radio configuration and ground station setup:
1 1 km Video Stream & Telemetry Link: Our primary operational requirement is to maintain a stable, real-time HD video stream and full QGroundControl telemetry over a range of at least 1 km. Standard Wi-Fi will not cover this distance.
What is the recommended radio/datalink configuration for the Starling 2 Max to reliably achieve 1 km live video streaming?
2 Israel Spectrum Compliance (2.4 GHz vs. 915 MHz):
Due to Israeli Ministry of Communications (MoC) regulations, sub-1GHz operations on 915 MHz are restricted (Israel utilizes 868 MHz for sub-1GHz ISM, making 915 MHz subject to customs detention).
◦ On your order page, the Microhard pMDDL2450 (which operates on 2.4 GHz and is legal in Israel) is bundled with an ELRS 915MHz receiver.
◦ Is it possible to order the Starling 2 Max configured with the Microhard pMDDL2450 modem paired with a 2.4 GHz R/C link (e.g., 2.4 GHz ELRS or Ghost Atto 2.4 GHz) so the entire RF package complies with 2.4 GHz regulations in Israel?
3 Ground Controller / GCS Hardware:
If we select the order option that includes the battery pack and controller (Kit option with Controller), which specific remote controller model is supplied with the Starling 2 Max?
Additionally, does that controller come pre-installed/configured with the corresponding ground unit receiver/modem (e.g., Microhard ground unit / ELRS module) for out-of-the-box streaming and control?

thank you in advance