Does a Spektrum Sky RID module reveal controller location on ground?

[pchaps]

Thinking of using this instead of activating internal Mavic 2 RID. I think that it may transmit takeoff location and drone in-flight info -- but thats it. If so, I like that and may use it in places where I want to takeoff, then walk a ways as I fly just to avoid hecklers. I fly legal btw I'm thinking of using this on one sUAV.

 

[GadgetGuy]

Thinking of using this instead of activating internal Mavic 2 RID. I think that it may transmit takeoff location and drone in-flight info -- but thats it. If so, I like that and may use it in places where I want to takeoff, then walk a ways as I fly just to avoid hecklers. I fly legal btw I'm thinking of using this on one sUAV. View attachment 183545

None of the external RID devices can update pilot location during flight, so any external RID device will work for your requirements, where you launch and relocate during the flight.

 

[microlinux]

I wouldn’t even worry about it, the average person has no clue what RID is or how to get the data.

The chances of someone who knows how to do this randomly scanning at the very time and place you are flying, to heckle you, is probably as close to zero as you can get.

 

[GadgetGuy]

I wouldn’t even worry about it, the average person has no clue what RID is or how to get the data.

The chances of someone who knows how to do this randomly scanning at the very time and place you are flying, to heckle you, is probably as close to zero as you can get.

That completely depends upon where you live and where you fly. The OP wants the chance to be zero, not close to zero. Using an external RID device and relocating after launching makes transmission of his relocation impossible, which is exactly what he wants.

With the Mavic 2, an additional FW update is required for RID broadcasting, as it did not come with RID from the factory, unlike all drones manufactured after the deadline. If he has not already installed the RID FW, he has the choice. If the RID FW update is installed, his location will be continuously updated on all flights and it is anti-rollback FW, and using the external device will no longer be of help. You cannot turn off manufacturer installed RID broadcasting.

 

[anotherlab]

That completely depends upon where you live and where you fly. The OP wants the chance to be zero, not close to zero. Using an external RID device and relocating after launching makes transmission of his relocation impossible, which is exactly what he wants.

With the Mavic 2, an additional FW update is required for RID broadcasting, as it did not come with RID from the factory, unlike all drones manufactured after the deadline. If he has not already installed the RID FW, he has the choice. If the RID FW update is installed, his location will be continuously updated on all flights and it is anti-rollback FW, and using the external device will no longer be of help. You cannot turn off manufacturer installed RID broadcasting.

What locations have had incidents where the OP was tracked down by the RID?

I'm guessing you would have more people coming up to a drone pilot because they are the person standing in an open area, operating an RC, than you would by someone using an app to track RID data.

 

[GadgetGuy]

What locations have had incidents where the OP was tracked down by the RID?

I'm guessing you would have more people coming up to a drone pilot because they are the person standing in an open area, operating an RC, than you would by someone using an app to track RID data.

The sole purpose of RID was to be able to locate the pilot. To assume that RID is not now being actively used to locate drone pilots would be naive. You should now presume that every public event drawing large crowds of people where security is potentially at issue is tracking all surrounding drone activity broadcasting RID, as are all private security and LEO everywhere. This includes areas with and without TFR's and NFZ's. Amusement parks, sporting events, college campuses, golf courses, zoos, sporting events, companies with large private campus buildings, all private property, national parks, state parks, near fires, and anywhere near airports.

Again, it completely depends upon where you are flying, and the appearance of your flight activity to a concerned or paranoid person. Try flying around pot fields off the grid in the backcountry, even if you don't know where the pot fields are. They'll come find you using RID, too! It's a new tool for security, used for both good and bad.

Anyone zealous about their privacy like celebrities will also certainly have security using RID to track down any nearby drone pilots flying over and around and near their estates.

Yes, standing in an open area operating a drone makes one an even easier target for confrontation. However, flying from concealment while still continuously broadcasting your location via RID makes locating you equally easy from well beyond the range from which you can physically be seen, up to 5 miles away, with the right equipment.

If you are broadcasting RID, you are being watched. Just because they don't confront you doesn't mean they aren't aware of exactly where you are and where your drone is at all times. Raise their ire or suspicion and you'll soon see what happens.

If you aren't broadcasting RID, you are even more suspicious to all the above.

Why do you think so many drone pilots have abandoned their previously carefree hobby, and decided it's just not worth the hassle any more, or they have instead scaled down to an RID free Mini 4 Pro with regular batteries?

 

[GadgetGuy]

Is this drone tracker a threat to your safety?

With Remote ID the new norm for all drone pilots, tools and apps have begun to hit the market that...

dronedj.com

 

[anotherlab]

The sole purpose of RID was to be able to locate the pilot. To assume that RID is not now being actively used to locate drone pilots would be naive. You should now presume that every public event drawing large crowds of people where security is potentially at issue is tracking all surrounding drone activity broadcasting RID, as are all private security and LEO everywhere. This includes areas with and without TFR's and NFZ's. Amusement parks, sporting events, college campuses, golf courses, zoos, sporting events, companies with large private campus buildings, all private property, national parks, state parks, near fires, and anywhere near airports.

Again, it completely depends upon where you are flying, and the appearance of your flight activity to a concerned or paranoid person. Try flying around pot fields off the grid in the backcountry, even if you don't know where the pot fields are. They'll come find you using RID, too! It's a new tool for security, used for both good and bad.

Anyone zealous about their privacy like celebrities will also certainly have security using RID to track down any nearby drone pilots flying over and around and near their estates.

Yes, standing in an open area operating a drone makes one an even easier target for confrontation. However, flying from concealment while still continuously broadcasting your location via RID makes locating you equally easy from well beyond the range from which you can physically be seen, up to 5 miles away, with the right equipment.

If you are broadcasting RID, you are being watched. Just because they don't confront you doesn't mean they aren't aware of exactly where you are and where your drone is at all times. Raise their ire or suspicion and you'll soon see what happens.

If you aren't broadcasting RID, you are even more suspicious to all the above.

Why do you think so many drone pilots have abandoned their previously carefree hobby, and decided it's just not worth the hassle any more, or they have instead scaled down to an RID free Mini 4 Pro with regular batteries?

I'm not disputing what the purpose of RID is or how it work. I'm suggesting that the fear of being tracked by people using RID-tracking apps is greatly overblown.

Do you have any metrics to back up the assertion that many drone pilots have stopped flying because of RID?

 

[GadgetGuy]

I'm not disputing what the purpose of RID is or how it work. I'm suggesting that the fear of being tracked by people using RID-tracking apps is greatly overblown.

Do you have any metrics to back up the assertion that many drone pilots have stopped flying because of RID?

You've been around long enough to notice that the volume of posts on our forum is drastically reduced from what it was before RID, with a plethora of posts of concerns about RID tracking of the pilot's location, during the year before RID became mandatory for all drone pilots flying anything over 250g. I've certainly noticed it.

Now that the RID apps can also display the model of your drone, if you happen to be flying a hard to obtain high value drone like the Mavic 4 Pro, you are putting a target on your back. It's a quick 300% ROI for anyone with the Dronetag RIDER that manages to "boost" your Mavic 4 Pro from you during your 40 minute flight!

Commercial drone pilots travel with lots of expensive gear. They are now targets with tracking devices on all their flying drone equipment. Even if not confronted during the flight, a thief can just follow their car and break into it while they are at lunch or parked somewhere else.

Not good.

 

[Conservative Nihilist]

The more I learn about the detrimental effects of RID, the more I appreciate the fact that I live in a Third World backwater where drones are a rarity that is not regulated in any way. I won't bother flying a drone anywhere that they are regulated by laws because I've been spoiled by the Wild West scene out here in the sticks.

 

[anotherlab]

You've been around long enough to notice that the volume of posts on our forum is drastically reduced from what it was before RID, with a plethora of posts of concerns about RID tracking of the pilot's location, during the year before RID became mandatory for all drone pilots flying anything over 250g. I've certainly noticed it.

Correlation does not imply causation

Commercial drone pilots travel with lots of expensive gear. They are now targets with tracking devices on all their flying drone equipment. Even if not confronted during the flight, a thief can just follow their car and break into it while they are at lunch or parked somewhere else.

Do you have any documented instances of that happening?

 

[GadgetGuy]

Correlation does not imply causation



Do you have any documented instances of that happening?

Believe what you want…

 

[anotherlab]

Believe what you want…

I prefer to base my beliefs on things that can be backed up. If you have something concrete, I’m all ears.

 

[GadgetGuy]

I prefer to base my beliefs on things that can be backed up. If you have something concrete, I’m all ears.

Ignorance is bliss. Open your eyes! The evidence is all around you, but if you choose to ignore it, you do so at your own peril. I have no need to convince you. He who is convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. LOL!

 

[anotherlab]

Ignorance is bliss. Open your eyes! The evidence is all around you, but if you choose to ignore it, you do so at your own peril. I have no need to convince you. He who is convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. LOL!

The full quote is "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise.".

You say the evidence is all around us, but you haven't shared any of it. That's not opening eyes, that's just turning off the lights and telling people to trust you that the furniture moved.

 

[GadgetGuy]

The full quote is "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise.".

You say the evidence is all around us, but you haven't shared any of it. That's not opening eyes, that's just turning off the lights and telling people to trust you that the furniture moved.

Not my job to convince you of anything.
Open your eyes. The lights are still on. I haven't turned them off. LOL!