Block GPS

Spencer Luedke · Nov 30, 2016

Sorry if this has been answered but I couldn't find anything on search.
I live two miles from a major airport but have a large abandoned sports complex next door I can fly in. My problem is,while inside the complex, I pickup enough gps signals that the Mavic won't fly because it's a no fly zone. Any suggestions on how to work around this?

J-Dub · Nov 30, 2016

Good luck flying without GPS, hope you are a well seasoned pilot. Also, there are reasons for no fly zones.

Deckyon · Nov 30, 2016

AAAAND, this is why regulations are becoming stiffer and stiffer with each drone sold.

thefrisbee995 · Nov 30, 2016

Deckyon said:
AAAAND, this is why regulations are becoming stiffer and stiffer with each drone sold.

I think there is an exception if you are flying inside though..

Spencer Luedke · Nov 30, 2016

Deckyon said:
AAAAND, this is why regulations are becoming stiffer and stiffer with each drone sold.

My understanding is the FAA has no regulations for UAS indoor flight in or out of a no fly zone. If this is incorrect please direct me to the specific regulation that prohibits this. Also I am not fly in my living room but an indoor complex that is 400' long, 150' wide and 100' high.

msinger · Nov 30, 2016

Spencer Luedke said:
My understanding is the FAA has no regulations for UAS indoor flight in or out of a no fly zone.

That's correct.

Spencer Luedke · Nov 30, 2016

So does anyone have a suggestion for blocking the gps signal?

msinger · Nov 30, 2016

This is not practical, but covering the top of your Mavic with tinfoil might allow you to work around that issue.

J-Dub · Dec 16, 2016

msinger said:
This is not practical, but covering the top of your Mavic with tinfoil might allow you to work around that issue.

This is off topic kind of, but my MP will arrive next week at my workplace. A large building, but not really high ceilings and lots of electronic interference (a print shop). Is it possible to preflight with all necessary updates and calibrations, except for Compass Cal, and fly it inside a little using the avoidance sensors? I don't want to Cal the Compass until I get home and go to my flying field 20miles away from work.

msinger · Dec 17, 2016

You definitely don't want to calibrate the compass inside a building. Doing it outside is the way to go. There's no need to wait until you get to your flying field.

Spencer Luedke · Jan 15, 2017

For anyone following this post I did find a way to block the gps signal and fly in atti mode. First, aluminum foil does not work. I order, off eBay, a cell phone pouch that blocks gps signals, removed the liner and fabricated a hood for the back of the Mavic effectively covering where the GPS receiver is located but not affecting the rear vents or status light. Results-0 gps acquired.

Mavic Ray · Jan 16, 2017

Could you post a picture please.

Mako79 · Jan 16, 2017

Basicaly, you need wrap the back of the mavic with tinfoil.

Spencer Luedke · Jan 16, 2017

Aluminum foil is a myth. Here are pictures of the shield, I just cut to fit, folded and super glued the seams. There is a front flap that is held in place when you insert the battery and the back is held using the Velcro dot I already have there to hold a flytron strobe.

Will.i.am · Jan 16, 2017

So Spencer, with this GPS hood, the mavic stays in ATTI mode, Correct? Good job BTW.

Spencer Luedke · Jan 16, 2017

Will.i.am said:
So Spencer, with this GPS hood, the mavic stays in ATTI mode, Correct? Good job BTW.

Yes

barmav · Jan 16, 2017

This is all about government control. There has been no stated case of a DJI drone killing anyone but there have been many cases of people getting killed by guns! What's more important drone control or gun control?

Yes I agree the NFZ around Washington DC at 15 miles makes sense and airports, prisons and military bases etc. but 30 miles is ridiculous and paranoid!

Peace & hair grease

Sent from my iPhone using MavicPilots

CactusJackSlade · Jan 17, 2017

Mako79 said:
Basicaly, you need wrap the back of the mavic with tinfoil.

I believe he said tin foil did not work... although I wonder if copper foil would? I used to get interference from one of my GoPro knock off cameras and could not get a GPS lock.... I wrapped the camera in copper foil: Problem solved.