FlySpark ZD1-V3 Single-Channel Drone Payload Dropper | Light-Sensor for DJI Mavic 2/3/4 & Air 2/3, PWM & Quick-Release Versions, 50 × 50 × 70mm, 5V & Approx. 50g

The FlySpark ZD1-V3 Single-Channel Drone Payload Dropper is a compact, lightweight payload release system that turns a small camera drone or FPV-class quadcopter into a precise delivery tool. Measuring just 50 × 50 × 70 mm and weighing approximately 50 g including its mounting strap, it runs on 5 V and carries one payload in a curved cradle that conforms to the payload, releasing it on a single command from the pilot.

The ZD1-V3 is part of the FlySpark UAV Payload Droppers & Release Systems range, supplied and supported in India by AnuShakti Infotech Pvt. Ltd. for defence, government security, public-safety and professional integrator customers, with export enquiries welcome.

Three versions cover the most common aircraft. The ZD1-LED-V3 uses a light-sensor trigger for DJI Mavic 2 / 3 / 4 and DJI Air 2 / 3 drones: an optical sensor sits over the drone’s bottom auxiliary light, so the release is commanded from the standard flight app with no wiring into the aircraft. The ZD1-PWM-V3 takes a PWM servo signal from the receiver or flight controller of FPV-class and custom-built drones, and the ZD1-SQ-V3 adds quick-release mounting for fast swaps between aircraft and sorties.

ZD1-V3 DRONE PAYLOAD DROPPER SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE

WHY CHOOSE THE ZD1-V3 SINGLE-CHANNEL DRONE DROPPER

At approximately 50 g, the ZD1-V3 leaves almost all of a small drone’s lift for the payload itself. The light-sensor version needs no soldering, firmware changes or opening of the aircraft, which keeps DJI Mavic and Air drones in their original configuration and allows the dropper to be fitted or removed in minutes. The PWM and SQ versions follow standard servo conventions, so any FPV-class or custom airframe with a spare PWM output can command a release from a transmitter switch.

• KEY FEATURES:
• • Single-channel drone payload dropper: one payload per release
• • Compact 50 × 50 × 70 mm body
• • Approx. 50 g including mounting strap
• • 5 V operation
• • Light-sensor trigger (LED version): no wiring into DJI Mavic / Air aircraft
• • PWM servo-signal trigger for FPV-class and custom-built drones
• • Quick-release (SQ) version for fast swaps between sorties
• • Curved cradle that conforms to the payload for a secure, low-profile fit
• • Strap retention over the payload
• • Lightweight, high-reliability design
• • Strap / zip-tie mounting under the drone body
• • Reusable: reload and fly again

HOW IT WORKS

The payload is seated in the curved cradle and secured by the retention strap and latch. On the LED version, switching the drone’s bottom auxiliary light changes the light level seen by the optical sensor, and the dropper opens its latch. On the PWM and SQ versions, the latch is actuated when the assigned PWM channel changes position. In both cases the strap and latch open and the single payload falls clear of the aircraft.

COMPATIBLE AIRCRAFT & MOUNTING

The ZD1-LED-V3 is strapped under the body of DJI Mavic 2 / 3 / 4 and DJI Air 2 / 3 series drones. The ZD1-PWM-V3 is strapped or zip-tied to the underside of FPV-class quadcopters and custom-built camera drones that provide a PWM signal, and the ZD1-SQ-V3 clips onto an aircraft-side quick-release base, which is supplied separately. Always check the combined mass of dropper and payload against the aircraft’s take-off limits.

VARIANTS

• • ZD1-LED-V3 – light-sensor trigger for DJI Mavic 2 / 3 / 4 and DJI Air 2 / 3; 50 × 50 × 70 mm; approx. 50 g including strap; 5 V
• • ZD1-PWM-V3 – PWM servo-signal trigger for FPV-class and custom-built drones; 50 × 50 × 70 mm; approx. 50 g including strap; 5 V
• • ZD1-SQ-V3 – PWM trigger with quick-release mounting; aircraft-side quick-release base supplied separately; 50 × 50 × 70 mm; approx. 50 g including strap; 5 V

DEFENCE & MILITARY APPLICATIONS

For armed forces, paramilitary units and government security agencies, the ZD1-V3 adds a precise single-item release to the small drones already in service, without modifying the aircraft.

• • Marker and screening smoke delivery with suitably sized smoke canisters
• • Signalling and position-marking drops for patrols and landing zones
• • Inert training payload drops for UAV operator and drop-accuracy training
• • Sensor, beacon and small radio-relay emplacement
• • Emergency resupply of tourniquet kits, batteries, small radios and water purification tablets
• • Decoy and reflector release for exercises
• • EOD and CBRN team training with inert payloads
• • Perimeter-sensor seeding around camps and installations
• • Search and rescue of personnel in difficult terrain
• • Integration of other authorised payloads by the end user in accordance with national law and procurement rules

CIVILIAN & COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

For emergency services, utilities, researchers and commercial operators, the ZD1-V3 is a low-cost way to deliver small items accurately from a compact drone.

• • Search-and-rescue drops of radios, flotation aids and first-aid kits
• • Mountain and maritime rescue support from compact camera drones
• • Utility pilot-line drops for power-line stringing
• • Firefighting extinguisher-ball drops where size and weight fit
• • Agriculture: seed balls and bio-control capsules
• • Fishing bait release from small drones
• • Wildlife research: tag, sensor and sample-kit placement
• • Events and demonstrations with lightweight novelty drops
• • University and R&D projects on drone delivery and release mechanisms

COMPARE THE FLYSPARK DROPPER RANGE

The ZD1-V3 is the entry point to the FlySpark drone payload dropper range: the smallest, lightest single-channel unit. Choose a dual-channel or multi-channel model when one sortie must deliver several items, or a mechanical-latch model for heavier airframes and payloads.

• • FlySpark ZD1-V3 – smallest single-channel dropper, 50 × 50 × 70 mm, LED light-sensor, PWM or quick-release
• • FlySpark ZD1PLUS-V1 – larger single-channel PWM / quick-release dropper for Ø60 mm-class cylindrical payloads
• • FlySpark M18ZD1-V1 – single-channel dropper sized for M18-class smoke canisters, LED, PWM or quick-release
• • FlySpark ZD2-V3 – dual-channel dropper with two independently controlled releases for DJI Mavic / Air and FPV-class drones
• • FlySpark ZD4 / ZD6 / ZD8 – 4, 6 and 8-channel CRSF droppers for multiple independent releases per sortie
• • FlySpark 60WD series – mechanical-latch droppers with TPU shock damping for heavier FPV-class and custom airframes

• STANDARD SUPPLY:
• • FlySpark ZD1-V3 single-channel payload dropper in the ordered version (LED, PWM or SQ)
• • Retention strap and mounting strap / zip-ties
• • Light-sensor module (LED version) or PWM servo lead (PWM / SQ versions)
• • Installation and set-up guide
• • FlySpark technical support for aircraft and payload fit

IMPORTANT USE NOTE: The ZD1-V3 is supplied only to verified end users. The buyer is responsible for using lawful payloads, obtaining all airspace and flight permissions, and complying with export-control and national regulations. Never fly or release payloads over people, respect the aircraft’s take-off weight limits, and test the release on the ground with no payload before every mission. Payload fit is confirmed by FlySpark for the end user’s approved payload.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: What is a drone payload dropper? A: A drone payload dropper (payload release) is a small mechanism fitted under a drone that holds a payload and releases it on command from the pilot. It lets a drone deliver a rescue pouch, marker, sensor or supply item to a precise point without landing.

Q: What is the FlySpark ZD1-V3? A: The FlySpark ZD1-V3 is a single-channel drone payload dropper measuring 50 × 50 × 70 mm and weighing approximately 50 g including its mounting strap. It runs on 5 V and is offered in three versions: ZD1-LED-V3 (light-sensor trigger for DJI Mavic and Air drones), ZD1-PWM-V3 (PWM servo signal) and ZD1-SQ-V3 (PWM with quick-release mounting).

Q: Which DJI drones does the ZD1-LED-V3 fit? A: The light-sensor version is specified for DJI Mavic 2, Mavic 3 and Mavic 4 series and DJI Air 2 and Air 3 series camera drones. It is strapped under the drone body and needs no wiring into the aircraft.

Q: How does the light-sensor (LED) trigger work? A: An optical sensor is taped over the drone’s bottom auxiliary light. When the pilot switches that light from the flight app, the dropper detects the change and opens its latch, releasing the payload. The aircraft itself is not opened, soldered or modified.

Q: How is the PWM version triggered? A: The ZD1-PWM-V3 connects to a PWM servo output on the receiver or flight controller of an FPV-class or custom-built drone. The pilot assigns a spare transmitter switch, and moving that switch releases the payload.

Q: What is the difference between the PWM and SQ versions? A: Both use a PWM servo signal. The ZD1-SQ-V3 adds a quick-release interface so the dropper can be clipped on and off an aircraft-side quick-release base between sorties; the aircraft-side base is supplied separately.

Q: How many payloads can the ZD1-V3 release? A: The ZD1-V3 is single-channel: it carries and releases one payload per sortie. For two or more independent releases, see the FlySpark ZD2-V3 dual-channel and ZD4 / ZD6 / ZD8 multi-channel droppers.

Q: What payloads can it carry? A: Compact payloads that fit the curved cradle and strap, such as rescue pouches, small first-aid items, marker and signalling devices, smoke canisters of a suitable size, sensors and beacons. Payload fit is confirmed by FlySpark for the end user’s approved payload.

Q: What is the maximum payload weight? A: The practical limit is set by the aircraft, not by the dropper. Stay within the drone manufacturer’s take-off weight and flight-stability limits, and confirm your payload with FlySpark before ordering.

• Q: What are the dimensions and weight of the ZD1-V3?
• A: Overall size is 50 × 50 × 70 mm and weight is approximately 50 g including the mounting strap.

• Q: What voltage does the ZD1-V3 need?
• A: The dropper is specified for 5 V. PWM and SQ versions are connected to a 5 V PWM output on the aircraft.

Q: Does fitting the dropper affect my drone’s flight? A: Any underslung load changes the drone’s balance, flight time and handling, and may block downward vision sensors. Test with the dropper fitted and an inert payload before operational use, and follow the aircraft manufacturer’s guidance.

Q: Can the ZD1-V3 be used on FPV-class drones? A: Yes. The ZD1-PWM-V3 and ZD1-SQ-V3 are designed for PWM-signal aircraft such as FPV-class quadcopters and custom-built camera drones. It can also be fitted to other small aircraft that provide a PWM output.

• Q: What is the drone payload dropper price in India?
• A: Price is on request. Contact FlySpark on WhatsApp or email with the version, quantity and end-user details for a quotation in INR or for export.

Q: Who can buy the ZD1-V3? A: FlySpark supplies drone payload droppers only to verified end users such as defence and government agencies, public-safety services, professional integrators, research institutions and licensed commercial operators.

Q: What is the lead time, and do you export? A: Lead time is confirmed with the quotation. FlySpark supplies across India and handles export enquiries subject to applicable export-control rules and end-user documentation.

Q: Is the ZD1-V3 a weapon system? A: No. FlySpark supplies the ZD1-V3 as a payload release for lawful rescue, signalling, training, research and logistics tasks. Integration of any other authorised payload is the end user’s responsibility and must follow national law, airspace rules and procurement and export-control requirements.

• Q: Is the dropper reusable?
• A: Yes. The ZD1-V3 is reloaded by seating a new payload in the cradle and closing the strap and latch, ready for the next sortie.

Q: How does the ZD1-V3 compare with other FlySpark droppers? A: It is the smallest and lightest single-channel dropper in the range. The ZD1PLUS-V1 is a larger single-channel PWM unit, the ZD2-V3 adds a second independent channel, and the ZD4 / ZD6 / ZD8 series offer 4 to 8 channels for larger aircraft.

Q: What warranty is included? A: Warranty covers manufacturing defects for 1 year under approved use and normal operating conditions. Crash damage, water ingress, incorrect wiring or unauthorized modification may not be covered.