Integrated Survey Platform

Magpie

A fully integrated, ready-to-fly magnetic-survey platform built around the QTFM Gen‑2 atomic magnetometer—GPS, 9‑axis IMU, data logger, and wireless connectivity in one ultra-lightweight unit. Start collecting high-quality data within minutes.

The QTFM Gen‑2 sensor is a separate product: order Magpie together with a new sensor, or send in one you already own.

Applications

Deploy anywhere, in minutes

Magpie uses the high-performance QTFM Gen‑2 atomic magnetometer and is suited to many geophysical and environmental surveys. For outdoor work, the built-in GPS, IMU, and logger make it easy to collect magnetic data on UAVs or other moving platforms without any integration effort.

The onboard vector mode and IMU provide accurate orientation information for removing heading error from both the sensor and the platform. Heading error compensation →

Because everything is fully integrated, Magpie can be deployed within minutes on any survey that requires high-quality magnetic data.

  • Geological mapping
  • Mineral exploration
  • Archaeology
  • UXO searches
Total Weight <102 g
Average Power <4 W
Scalar Sensitivity <5 pT/√Hz
To Deploy Minutes
Specifications

Technical specifications

Platform

Dimensions 290 × 25 × 25 mm
Weight <102 g (119 g with the derived-vector attachment), not including batteries
Average power 4 W at 11 V (typ.)
Peak power 5.5 W at 11 V
Operating voltage +9.0–13.9 V DC (any 11.1 V LiPo; non-magnetic 3S recommended)
Construction White plastic casing (default); carbon fiber available as an upgrade
Interface Wi‑Fi (data download) · Bluetooth (command & control)
Indicators Logger LED, sensor LED

Integrated modules

Wireless controller ESP32‑PICO‑MINI‑02
GNSS module u‑blox NEO‑M9N
Antenna AN‑GPS‑A001‑MMCX
IMU sensor TDK InvenSense ICM‑20948 — 9‑axis accel / gyro / mag / temp
Logger storage 32 GB microSD card

Primary sensor — QTFM Gen‑2 Full specifications →

Model QTFM Gen‑2
Measurement Total-field (scalar) · triaxial (derived-vector attachment)
Sensitivity Scalar <5 pT/√Hz (typ. 3) · vector <0.1 nT/√Hz
Dynamic range 1,000–150,000 nT typ.
Heading error <3 nT (uncompensated)
Dead zone guide <±7° cone about earth’s field
Max gradient field Approximately 300 nT/cm
Output data rate Scalar ≤1000 Hz · triaxial ≤250 Hz
Bandwidth 500 Hz
Operating temperature −15 to +55 °C
Slew rate limit None

Synchronization. Multiple Magpie units can be connected for synchronous operation, to account for cross-sensor interference. See the synchronization guide.

Pricing

Pricing

Ordered with a new sensor +$3,000 Added to a QTFM Gen‑2 sensor on the same order
Upgrade a sensor you own $3,500 Send-back service — hardware upgrade, firmware, reoptimization, and full retest
Estimated cost of a complete unit
  • QTFM sensor base price $10,000
  • Magpie hardware and enclosure $3,000
  • Derived-vector attachment $1,500
  • Estimated total $14,500

Guide pricing only. Contact us for a formal quotation.

In the box
  • Carrying case
  • 11.1 V rechargeable 3S LiPo battery (1800 mAh, ~4 hr operation)
  • Battery charger
  • Adapter cables

Additional LiPo batteries are available on Amazon.

Request Pricing

The QTFM Gen‑2 is built in two grades, A and B, which differ only in noise floor. Which grade applies to an order depends on the destination country.

Export — ECCN 6A006.a.2 (QTFM A)

Ships freely to Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, and many other countries. China, India, and Russia require a DOC license (typical approval 8–12 weeks).

Export — ECCN 6A996.a (QTFM B variant)

Magpie units based on the QTFM‑B variant (under 20 pT/√Hz) ship freely to almost all countries without a license.

Resources

Software & documentation

Built on the QTFM Gen‑2 sensor