View angle of downward sensors

[andrew.lindsay]

Does anyone know the view angle of the downward sensors on the Mavic Air (MA)?

In order to suspend an object from the bottom of the MA I need to extend the landing gear. The object I'm hanging will go directly underneath the MA and at the center of gravity. I do not believe it will be in view of the downward sensors. But if I were to extend the rear landing gears 8 to 10 inches straight down using 3mm carbon fiber rods, then will the rods be in the view and/or impact the drones performance? I can extend them out diagonally if needed, but that adds weight and is more cumbersome. In short, I don't want to angle them outwards any more than necessary. But I don't know at what angle I might need to do so or if I even need to bother. Perhaps two stationary rods in the sensors view won't impact performance. I just don't know.

If anyone can give me some insight or information on this matter it will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[andrew.lindsay]

The angle appears to be narrow. I tried a simple experiment to see if I could determine what I needed to know. I launched the MA and hovered about 4 feet off the ground. Then I slowly passed a large flat solid object a foot or so underneath the MA and watched for when the MA reacted. It only reacted when the object was within the boundaries of the legs. I concluded I could extend the legs straight down and be okay as far as the downward looking sensors were concerned. However, I did add a bit of outward angle, just to provide more stability when on the ground. Although it added a little more weight, I used hot melt glue to attach the extensions. This will allow me to make modifications if needed. I made both indoor and outdoor test flights. At my level of piloting ability I could not notice any performance issues. There were no issues with landing. The drone remained upright on uneven ground, even when I put it down with a little lateral motion. I'm happy with the outcome.