Bird Hazard deterrent placements on drone

[Trident]

Birds seem to like the Mavic 3 Pro, and a few weeks back had a whole flock try to attack ....so now that I got some google-y eyes and some red reflective......has anyone recommendations of where to "safely" place these on a Mavic 3 Pro so that they don't interfere with any sensors. Maybe the tape is too wide and it needs to be cut into strips to fit??
Love to hear from anyone who has already been down this path and hasn't had any issues with blocking sensors/erratic flight ... etc? I have got smaller eyes too, so maybe they work better on the arms?????

 

[High_Order1]

I know very little.

I do know that if the retroreflective material is metal backed, and it is placed over the GPS antenna, it does degrade it. There was another thread on the topic.

I don't know how much reflective stuff is adequate to deter birds yet.

My suggestion is for the top surface, put a small amount (dice to matchbox size) on, then test it and see if it starts exhibiting unwanted behaviors.

A list of where the antennas are for each airframe would be pretty cool.

 

[GadgetGuy]

I know very little.

I do know that if the retroreflective material is metal backed, and it is placed over the GPS antenna, it does degrade it. There was another thread on the topic.

I don't know how much reflective stuff is adequate to deter birds yet.

My suggestion is for the top surface, put a small amount (dice to matchbox size) on, then test it and see if it starts exhibiting unwanted behaviors.

A list of where the antennas are for each airframe would be pretty cool.

Unfortunately, it appears that metal backing is essential to ALL retroreflective material, so there is no "if."

• Metal Backing:
  The metal backing, specifically the hemispherical aluminum coating, is crucial for the retroreflective properties.
  
  

 

[Cafguy]

You don't want to put that tape on your Drone Not only can it interfere with signals you will never get it off!

 

[Ralph thompson]

Ive flow DJI drones since 2012 and never once been attacked by birds. I’ve seen vultures frequently, fly around in circles above the drone, I’ve had waterfowl zip past, a little close for comfort, I’ve seen hawks look on in curiosity, sea gulls flock around etc etc but never been attacked. If I see birds, I follow the law and fly away from or RTH until the disappear, which they always do.

 

[MS Coast]

I've done a web search for evidence that reflective materials and fake eyes actually frighten birds, but came up with nothing but anecdotal reports. I've seen neighbors put reflective strips, foil pie plates, AOL CDs, and other shiny materials in gardens and on fruit trees, but usually for only one season. The birds weren't impressed.

 

[Cafguy]

I think the reflective tape myth comes from those little reflective "bird repellent" dots you can buy for your sliding doors and large windows. They can see the dot and wont fly thru the window. Birds see your Drone as a predator and they are very Brave they will attack the Drone if they want.... tape or no.

 

[MS Coast]

Unfortunately, it appears that metal backing is essential to ALL retroreflective material, so there is no "if."

• Metal Backing:
  The metal backing, specifically the hemispherical aluminum coating, is crucial for the retroreflective properties.

There are highly reflective polyester materials, such as mylar, that are non-metallic. They're used on truck and trailer reflectors, road markers, and traffic signs. My offshore PFDs have strips of it on the shoulders.

But there's little real evidence that birds are frightened away from shiny materials.

 

[Cafguy]

Mylar is coated with a metallic conductive coating. In my County (Kern County California) Mylar balloons are Banned because of the risk of them getting into power lines and starting a fire.

 

[MS Coast]

Mylar is coated with a metallic conductive coating. In my County (Kern County California) Mylar balloons are Banned because of the risk of them getting into power lines and starting a fire.

Mylar may have a metallic film applied to it, but not all Mylar does. Metal is not necessary for the material to be reflective. Mylar is also used as an electrical insulator.

 

[mavic3usa]

The only time I believe when *all* types of birds will attack is when you get near their nest. Otherwise, I believe birds attacking drones is overrated and I wouldn't bother to modify my drone in preparation for such an attack.

 

[High_Order1]

Unfortunately, it appears that metal backing is essential to ALL retroreflective material, so there is no "if."

• Metal Backing:
  The metal backing, specifically the hemispherical aluminum coating, is crucial for the retroreflective properties.

That appears to be an AI answer.

My experience with Mylar and Kapton is that it is generally RF-transparent.

A sputtered metal coating can be added to it.

The balloon issue isn't so much the conductiveness of the material, it is that it is providing a relatively sharp point to help cause a corona discharge, creating a fault between phases or to the ground line.

As always, your mileage may vary!

Edit: my key takeaway here is that one should find where all the antennas are, and then try not to occlude those areas. Anything else is probably fair game. (I think it would be cool to see a drone with 50 googly eyes all over it. Would trip some hippies out, at the least!)

 

[dave canada]

when you see in the camera your drone begin to roll judt pull the controllers in and down like stsrting and the props will mske the bird let go and move on I,ve done it twice just happened to be my first reaction a hawk or eagle from behind you,ll see the drone start to roll but of course not to far and it kills the drone when they get level boom off and running and I would think a puzzled bird lol

 

[GadgetGuy]

There are highly reflective polyester materials, such as mylar, that are non-metallic. They're used on truck and trailer reflectors, road markers, and traffic signs. My offshore PFDs have strips of it on the shoulders.

But there's little real evidence that birds are frightened away from shiny materials.

I was very specific about retroreflective material, rather than highly reflective polyester materials. My understanding is that metal is required for retroreflective tape, which is what the OP was using.

 

[MS Coast]

I was very specific about retroreflective material, rather than highly reflective polyester materials. My understanding is that metal is required for retroreflective tape, which is what the OP was using.

Retroreflective materials are what I was thinking of, too.

"Most modern tapes use non-metallized materials,"

Reflective Tape 101: Grades, Uses, Recommendations, and More!

Reflective tape is a safety tool that enhances visibility and helps prevent accidents across various industries. Click here to learn more.

americansignproducts.com

 

[High_Order1]

I was very specific about retroreflective material, rather than highly reflective polyester materials. My understanding is that metal is required for retroreflective tape, which is what the OP was using.

3M uses microspheres of glass in the layer above the polymer substrate. That's why it looks grainy.

 

[High_Order1]

I have an inexpensive multi-roll pack I got off amazon that looks just like the picture above.

My metal detector does not react to it.

 

[Cafguy]

The interference thing is up for debate (I say it can). The thing with tapes like these is the adhesive that is used on them.
Unlike a vinyl "wrap", most reflective tape uses a pressure sensitive Adhesive that is VERY strong and removing it will be almost impossible!
Then there are some solvent based adhesives used on reflective tape that will, in time, turn the plastic they were applied too into a gooey mess. If you really want to put reflective tape on your Drone look for rubber based adhesive Reflective tapes. it won't scare birds tho. Birds aren't real.

 

[High_Order1]

Here's an example:

14 sats but not enough to get home point?

 

[GadgetGuy]

Retroreflective materials are what I was thinking of, too.

"Most modern tapes use non-metallized materials,"

Reflective Tape 101: Grades, Uses, Recommendations, and More!

Reflective tape is a safety tool that enhances visibility and helps prevent accidents across various industries. Click here to learn more.

americansignproducts.com

My understanding has been enlightened! Thank you!