Written by: Maria Zavarce

Contributor: Lukas Wilgosh

Next-Gen Drone Tools for SAR & Public Safety: DJI Zenmuse S1 and V1

April 30th, 2025

3 minutes read

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Zenmuse S1: Precision Spotlight with LEP Technology

Zenmuse S1 Vs Wingsland Z15

What’s New & Better in the S1?

Zenmuse V1: High-Fidelity Long-Range Aerial Broadcasting

Purpose-Built for Critical Operations

DJI has strengthened its enterprise drone ecosystem with the launch of two mission-critical payloads: the Zenmuse S1 spotlight and the Zenmuse V1 loudspeaker. Engineered for public safety, search and rescue, emergency response, and night-time operations, these payloads offer enhanced operational performance through precision lighting and long-range audio communication.

By fully integrating with DJI’s existing platforms and control software, the S1 and V1 showcase DJI’s shift toward purpose-built payloads that enhance field team effectiveness in real-time, high-pressure scenarios.

DJI Zenmuse S1: Precision Spotlight with LEP Technology

The Zenmuse S1 is DJI’s first internally developed aerial spotlight to leverage LEP (Laser Excited Phosphor) technology. Unlike traditional LED-based lights, LEP produces an extremely narrow and focused beam capable of illuminating targets over 500 meters away with minimal light diffusion. This makes it ideal for operations that require long-range visibility and target pinpointing, such as search missions in remote or hazardous areas.

Key Features of Zenmuse S1:

• LEP beam with high central illuminance (35 lux @ 100 m)

• Switchable FOV (4° to 15°) for adjustable beam width

• 4 lighting modes: Low beam, High beam, Dual beam, Strobe

• IP54 rating for dust and water resistance

• Full gimbal support for precise control via DJI Pilot 2

• Native compatibility with DJI RC Plus and Matrice 300/350 RTK

Zenmuse S1 Vs Wingsland Z15

The following table presents a detailed comparison between the DJI Zenmuse S1 and the earlier Wingsland Z15 spotlight system. It outlines the key differences in performance, lighting technology, integration, and durability.

Feature	Zenmuse S1 (2024)	Wingsland Z15 (2019)
Manufacturer	DJI (Zenmuse Series)	Wingsland (Third-party)
Lighting Technology	LEP (Laser Excited Phosphor)	LED-based
Max Brightness	10,000 lumens	10,200 lumens (claimed)
Effective Illumination Range	500+ meters	~150 meters
Beam Type	Switchable: 4° to 15° FOV	Fixed Wide Beam (60° FOV)
Central Illuminance @ 100m	35 lux	~4–5 lux
Lighting Modes	Low, High, Both, Strobe	On/Off, Strobe
Gimbal Integration	Full gimbal mount with tilt/yaw	Static mount or limited tilt
Weight	0.76 kg	0.47 kg
Durability (IP Rating)	IP54 (Dust & Water Resistant)	IP44 (Splash Resistant)
Control Integration	Fully integrated with DJI Pilot 2	Limited, via SkyPort
Platform Compatibility	Matrice 300/350 RTK	Matrice 300/350 via SkyPort

DJI Zenmuse S1

$1,829.00

Wingsland Z15

$3,625.00

What’s New & Better in the S1?

• Far Superior Light Penetration: LEP technology provides laser-focused illumination, making it effective for locating individuals, reading signs, or inspecting assets in complete darkness at long distances.

• Tactical Lighting Modes: The addition of a strobe and dual-beam options makes it much more versatile for emergency and law enforcement tasks.

• DJI Integration: Unlike the Wingsland Z15, which required third-party software or limited SkyPort features, the S1 is fully integrated into DJI’s ecosystem (Pilot 2, RC Plus, payload SDK).

• Ruggedized for Harsh Conditions: Built for search and rescue, fire, and industrial response, IP54 means you can fly it in rain, dust, and wind.

DJI Zenmuse V1: High-Fidelity Long-Range Aerial Broadcasting

Complementing the S1 is the Zenmuse V1, a high-powered aerial loudspeaker designed for clear, intelligible audio transmission over long distances. It is especially valuable in disaster zones, riot control, evacuation procedures, and large-scale public events where ground-to-air communication can significantly enhance operational effectiveness.

Key Features of Zenmuse V1:

• Max sound pressure: 120 dB @ 1 meter

• Effective broadcast range: 500–700 meters

• Supports live speech, pre-recorded playback, and loop modes

• Built-in mic and recording for message monitoring

• Directional sound projection to minimize spillover

• IP55 rating for enhanced environmental protection

• Fully integrated with DJI Pilot 2 for live control and playback

Unlike basic speaker attachments, the Zenmuse V1 offers real-time voice transmission with feedback monitoring, ensuring that field personnel or civilians receive clear and timely instructions. Its directional projection reduces audio interference and improves clarity in complex environments.

DJI Zenmuse V1

$1,279.00

Purpose-Built for Critical Operations

Together, the Zenmuse S1 and V1 form a complementary payload suite that supports night vision, target illumination, situational awareness, and direct public communication from the air. These tools are not just add-ons; they are central to DJI’s vision of a multi-role drone platform capable of supporting integrated, real-time action from the sky.

Whether it’s locating a missing hiker in the wilderness or broadcasting evacuation orders in a flood zone, these payloads provide essential capabilities that extend the functionality of DJI’s enterprise drones well beyond typical aerial photography.

BRINC Lemur 2: The Next Evolution in Public Safety Drones

In life-threatening emergencies, responders are often faced with complex, unpredictable environments where every second counts. The BRINC Lemur 2 drone is designed to assist them in precisely these moments, entering the most hazardous situations to gather critical information, communicate with individuals on the ground, and deliver lifesaving tools. Combining advanced imaging, autonomous navigation, and rugged adaptability, the public safety drone offers a new level of situational awareness and control, ultimately helping save lives.

At the heart of the Lemur 2 is a powerful suite of sensors, optimized for visibility and data gathering in even the harshest conditions. Its 4K camera offers sharp, high-resolution footage during the day, ensuring that every detail in the surrounding environment is captured. But this public safety drone truly shines when light becomes scarce. With integrated night vision and thermal sensors, it cuts through the darkness and detects heat signatures, giving operators vital information when navigating tight, GPS-denied spaces such as collapsed buildings, smoke-filled rooms, or other low-visibility environments.

Real-Time Mapping with LiDAR

Time is of the essence in critical missions, and having an accurate map of your surroundings can make all the difference. The Lemur 2’s onboard LiDAR system offers real-time environmental scanning, generating live, precise 2D floor plans as it moves.

With over 570,000 data points collected per second, the drone builds a comprehensive map of even the most cluttered or challenging environments. This real-time mapping capability not only enhances visibility for remote operators but also supports teams working on the ground, helping them strategize their next move with accurate, up-to-the-second data.

In a collapsed building scenario, for instance, the drone’s LiDAR data can reveal blocked passageways or the safest path forward, saving lives by streamlining search and rescue efforts.

Autonomy and Control

Navigating tight, complex spaces is one of the greatest challenges for any unmanned aerial vehicle, but the Lemur 2 takes this in stride. Its dynamic autonomy system includes obstacle awareness and Smart Speed, a feature that automatically slows the drone as it approaches objects. Whether flying through narrow hallways, cluttered rooms, or multi-story buildings, the Lemur 2 maintains precision control, reducing the risk of collisions.

This intelligent navigation is crucial for drones for law enforcement in hostage situations, where the drone needs to enter buildings discreetly or in disaster areas where responders face multiple hazards.

Breaking Barriers with the Glass Breaker

For law enforcement and emergency responders, gaining rapid entry into secured or inaccessible spaces is often critical. That’s where the Lemur 2’s glass breaker attachment proves its value. Capable of shattering tempered, automotive, and most residential glass, this tool enables responders to breach windows quickly and safely, providing access to trapped individuals or creating openings for ventilation during fires.

In an active shooter situation, for example, the ability to break through windows without putting personnel at risk allows law enforcement to gather crucial intelligence and take action from a safe distance.

Delivering Essentials

The Lemur 2’s multipurpose dropper, capable of carrying and delivering payloads of up to 1 pound, offers another layer of functionality. From delivering medical supplies to victims trapped inside a building, to sending negotiator phones into high-risk environments, the dropper provides tactical solutions without requiring direct human involvement. This "last inch" delivery system ensures that essential tools or aid reach their destination, even when the situation is too dangerous for people to approach directly.

In scenarios where even opening a door could pose a significant risk, this capability keeps first responders out of harm's way while still accomplishing critical tasks.

Built to Survive Harsh Conditions

Designed for durability, the Lemur 2 can handle tough conditions. Its IP24 rating means it's protected against water and dust, allowing it to perform reliably in environments where other drones might struggle. Additionally, its advanced AES-256 encryption ensures that all communications remain secure, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

This combination of rugged features makes the Lemur 2 a versatile tool, whether deployed in a flood zone, a fire, or a high-security situation. It’s built to work in the most demanding conditions, keeping responders informed and protected at all times.

A Future of Safer Operations

The Lemur 2 represents the future of public safety drones. By combining cutting-edge technology with practical, lifesaving features, it enhances the capabilities of first responders and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Flying through smoke, navigating collapsed buildings, or delivering vital supplies, the Lemur 2 redefines efficiency and safety in dangerous environments. It’s a game-changer, designed to access areas others can’t, providing essential support to help save lives.

Measur Signs Canadian Distribution Agreement with BRINC Drones

October 7th, 2024 - Measur, Canada's leading unmanned systems distributor, and BRINC Drones, a leader in public safety technology, today announced a strategic partnership to bring BRINC's range of uncrewed technology manufactured in the USA, to public safety agencies across Canada. This partnership will expand the availability of BRINC's advanced public safety solutions, including the Responder, Station, Lemur 2, and BRINC Ball across Canada. By working together, Measur and BRINC Drones aim to enhance public safety and provide first responders in Canada with the cutting-edge technology they need to excel in their missions.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, BRINC Drones is at the forefront of innovation in public safety technology. BRINC Drones offers a range of advanced products designed to enhance situational awareness, streamline emergency operations, and facilitate effective communication in high-stress environments. Their innovative solutions, including the Responder, Lemur 2, BRINC Station, and BRINC Ball, are tailored to meet the rigorous demands of first responders and public safety agencies. With features like real-time thermal imaging, LiDAR mapping, rapid deployment capabilities, and durable communication systems, BRINC Drones equips emergency teams with the essential tools to make informed decisions and perform critical missions accurately and efficiently.

“BRINC is excited to partner with Measur to bring BRINC’s cutting-edge technology to agencies across Canada,” said Andrew Coté, Vice President of Strategy and Growth at BRINC. “This partnership expands the reach of our purpose-built for public safety technology and provides Canadian first responders with critical tools to enhance situational awareness and improve response times. Together with Measur, we look forward to supporting public safety efforts and increasing the visibility of BRINC products across Canada.”

BRINC Responder

BRINC’s Responder drone is the world’s first purpose-built 911 response drone. It offers exceptional situational awareness with a 640px resolution thermal camera, 40X total zoom, and rapid deployment features. It integrates with the BRINC ecosystem for advanced capabilities in emergency response.

Learn More

BRINC Station

A cutting-edge drone charging nest that ensures rapid deployment of Responder in under 5 seconds. The station is engineered for reliability and durability, with features like fast charging, climate control, and compatibility with Starlink and solar panels.

Learn More

Lemur 2

A versatile drone designed for indoor tactical environments, equipped with 4K daytime, night vision, thermal sensors, and real-time LiDAR mapping. The Lemur 2 also features dynamic autonomy and advanced obstacle detection for superior navigation and safety.

Learn More

BRINC Ball

An innovative communication device designed for high-stakes situations, featuring a sensitive microphone, 4G/LTE connectivity, and powerful speakers, ensuring clear and reliable communication in any environment.

Learn More

"We have seen an increase in demand from our public safety partners across Canada for USA-manufactured uncrewed technology that is capable, affordable, and accessible. The BRINC ecosystem between hardware, like the Lemur 2 for indoor tactical operations or the Responder for outdoor response, and LiveOps software creates an industry-first all-in-one operations platform that unifies drone operations for public safety professionals. We are extremely excited to introduce BRINC's turnkey drone program for public safety and emergency responders across Canada.” said Lukas Wilgosh, Vice President - Unmanned Technologies at Measur.

Starting today, all BRINC Drones products are available for sale by Measur including the Responder, Lemur 2, Station,Ball, and LiveOps software. Measur will provide local support and service to BRINC operators in all of our service locations across Canada.

About BRINC Drones

BRINC is an American developer of technology in the service of public safety. The company builds a connected ecosystem of tools designed to save lives. BRINC manufactures its products in the US, has co-located R&D and production, and is vertically integrated, controlling the entirety of its supply chain. Over 500 public safety agencies and 10%+ of the SWAT teams in the US use its products to de-escalate dangerous situations and safeguard human life. The company is backed by top investors, including Sam Altman, Index Ventures, Dylan Field, Elad Gil, Patrick Shanahan, Julius Genachowski, Shyam Sankar, Alexandr Wang, Bradley Tusk and Jeff Weiner.

For more information, visit: brincdrones.com

About Measur

Measur is Canada's commercial drone experts. Founded in 2001, Measur has become the most trusted source for aerial solutions in mining & aggregates, agriculture & forestry, infrastructure & utilities, construction, surveying & mapping and oil & gas.

Learn more: drones.measur.ca

How Drones Enhance Bathymetric Surveys: A Safer and More Efficient Approach

Bathymetric surveys, which involve mapping the underwater topography of lakes, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water, have historically been conducted using traditional manned boats equipped with sonar systems. While effective, these methods can be time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes risky, especially in shallow, remote, or hazardous waters. However, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are facilitating bathymetric surveys by offering a faster, more efficient, and safer alternative.

What is a bathymetric survey?

A bathymetric survey measures the depth and topography of the underwater surface, providing a detailed map of the waterbed. These surveys are essential for a variety of industries, including environmental monitoring, coastal engineering, underwater construction, and scientific research. Traditional methods often rely on echo sounders mounted on boats or ships, but drones now offer new possibilities for bathymetric data collection.

Types of Drones Used for Bathymetric Surveys

There are two primary types of drones used in bathymetric surveys, Aerial Drones (UAVs) and Surface Drones or USVs:

Aerial Drones (UAVs)

Drone-Based Echo Sounder

EchoLogger ECT D052S Echo Sounder

These drones are typically used to collect aerial data or to assist in launching smaller surface drones. They can also be equipped with LiDAR sensors or photogrammetry systems to map the water surface. For example, the DJI M350 RTK, can be outfitted with devices like the EchoLogger ECT D052S, a high-performance dual-frequency echo sounder that measures water depths between 0.5 to 200 meters. This echo sounder comes equipped with tilt and temperature sensors and features an RS232 interface, allowing easy integration with drones. Its lightweight and durable design make it ideal for deployment in challenging environments, offering accurate underwater data collection for small to large-scale water bodies. The echo sounder provides a versatile, efficient solution for detailed underwater mapping without the need for traditional manned vessels.

Oct 01, 2024

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About the Author

Maria Zavarce, Marketing Coordinator at Measur, brings over two years of specialized experience in the drones and robotics industry. Combining her knowledge of emerging technologies with 8+ years of inbound marketing and SEO, she provides actionable insights into the transformative power of advanced solutions.

Next-Gen Drone Tools for SAR & Public Safety: DJI Zenmuse S1 and V1