MicoAir MTF-01P Optical Flow & Laser LiDAR Sensor — 12m Range, Outdoor-Capable, for ArduPilot / PX4 / INAV

📘 Documentation & Guides

• MTF-01P — Full User Manual — specs, wiring, mounting, and why the laser goes farther
• Optical Flow Setup Guide — ArduPilot / PX4 / INAV parameters, EKF sources, vibration checklist and tuning workflow
• Free 3D-printable mounts · MicoAssistant configurator · Video tutorial

Overview

The MTF-01P is the long-range member of the MTF family: the same optical-flow core as the MTF-01, but the LED rangefinder is replaced by an 808 nm laser — range grows to 12 m, the beam tightens to a precise 1.5°, and it keeps 8 m of range even in 70 klux direct sunlight. Choose it for aircraft that hover higher than a couple of meters, fly outdoors, or work over low-reflectivity surfaces where LED units run out of signal. UART output at 100 Hz; works with ArduPilot, PX4, INAV and FMT. Also included in our 5-Inch FPV Electronics Kit.

Before you fly: the airframe comes first

An optical flow sensor corrects the flight controller's estimate — it cannot rescue a vibrating airframe. Check your IMU vibration numbers, balance your props, then add the sensor: our setup guide walks through the exact checks for each firmware.

Specifications

• Range: 0.02–12 m @ 90% reflectivity (600 lux) · 0.01–8 m @ 70 klux direct sun
• Range accuracy: 4 cm (0.02–2 m) · 2% (>2 m) — laser source, 808 nm, 1.5° FOV
• Optical flow: 42° FOV, max 7 m/s @ 1 m height, needs >60 lux and ground texture
• Interface: LVTTL (3.3 V) UART, 115200 baud, 100 Hz · Protocols: MAVLink (ArduPilot / PX4), MSP (INAV), Micolink
• Power: 5 V, ~100 mA · Size: 33.2 × 20.8 × 16.8 mm · Mounting: 24.3 × 12 mm Φ2.5 (same as MTF-01) · Weight: 8 g

The tight 1.5° beam also reads cleaner over uneven ground — one spot instead of a wide patch. Rated figures come from a 90%-reflectivity lab target; dark or vegetated ground shortens any rangefinder's reach.

Firmware & protocol

Select your firmware in the options above and the sensor arrives ready for it. Newer production units additionally auto-detect the flight controller's firmware on power-up; any unit can be switched at any time with the free MicoAssistant tool.

Which MTF sensor?

• MTF-01P (this one): longest range, best in sun and over dark surfaces
• MTF-01: best value for 3–5" builds, 8 m LED rangefinder
• MTF-02P: 1.5 g micro, outdoor-capable · MTF-02: 1 g micro, indoor only

Package list

• MTF-01P module × 1
• 15 cm SH1.0 4PIN–SH1.0 4PIN cable × 1 (for MicoAir 405/743 flight controllers)
• 20 cm SH1.0–MX1.25-6P cable × 1 (for Pixhawk 2.4.8)
• 20 cm SH1.0–GH1.25-6P cable × 1 (for Pixhawk 4/5/6)

Technical Support

Questions before or after your build? Email support@robofusion.net — we respond within 48 hours. First-line answers live at docs.robofusion.net.