Kp-index and satellite count

gow7 · Apr 23, 2017

Hi,

As most of you I like to use UAV Forecast to check if it is safe to fly.
So my question is: When Good To Fly? is No because of the Kp-index if you have a good satellite lock (10/16) you still fly or you don't take the risk? I don't take the risk because I'm not flying 100% confident yet, I'm still trying to master it.

But I would like to know your opinion.
Thanks.

4wd · Apr 23, 2017

When the KP is showing red at 5 or more there is a chance that weaker satellite signals will be overwhelmed.
With the Phantom 2 and some other drones this was quite an issue as using GPS only rather than GPS+Glonass you often only just had minimum of six anyway. Less than six and it would go in ATTI mode - drift with wind.
The Mavic using Glonass too will often see 15 satellites or more, so it would need a big storm to mask several of those, but it's still good to be aware of 'red' periods and perhaps avoid anything too ambitious.

One day there will be a major flare which will literally shut some of these satellites down at least temporarily.
In the past there have been flares with such powerful RF radiation they overloaded the mains power grid causing blackouts.