Remote ID Module for Drone: A Comprehensive Guide

The remote ID module for drones is a game-changer for the industry. It's a small but crucial component that's required by law in many countries.

The remote ID module is a small device that's usually around the size of a matchbox. It's designed to be lightweight and compact, making it easy to install on a drone.

The remote ID module sends out a unique identifier that can be read by other devices, such as those used by air traffic control or other drones. This allows for real-time tracking and identification of drones in the air.

The module is typically powered by the drone's battery and can be easily integrated into existing drone systems.

For another approach, see: Dji Rc 2 Remote Controller for Air 3 Drone

The remote ID module for your drone is a crucial component, and setting it up correctly is essential for safe and compliant flight. Remote ID devices can be connected to any free/unused serial port on the flight controller, or CAN.

You can connect your remote ID device to the TELEM2 port, which is already configured for MAVLink by default. This makes it a convenient option if the port is not being used for something else.

Some remote ID devices, like the Cube ID and Holybro RemoteID Module, have been tested and confirmed to work with the PX4 system. Other devices that support the Open Drone ID protocol and DroneCAN may also work, but they haven't been tested yet.

Here are some remote ID devices that have been tested and confirmed to work:

Connecting your Remote ID device is a straightforward process. You can attach it to any free serial port on your flight controller, or directly to the CAN port.

The most common connection point is the TELEM2 port, which is already configured for MAVLink. This makes it an ideal spot for your Remote ID device.

If you're using a serial port, you'll need to make sure it's not being used for something else. This ensures a stable connection for your Remote ID device.

Here are some specific devices that have been tested with PX4:

The journey towards Remote ID began when the FAA published the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in December 2019.

The FAA received an overwhelming 53,000 comments from drone enthusiasts and experts, which greatly influenced the final version of the rules.

The final version of the rules was published in January 2021, after the FAA fine-tuned the rules based on the feedback received.

The effective date of the final version was delayed to April 2021 due to necessary corrections.

Additional reading: Faa Approved Drone Remote Id Module

If you're looking to upgrade your drone with a remote ID module, you'll need to consider a few options. One of the key decisions is which broadcast module to choose.

There are several options available, including the Dronetag Mini, the Dronetag Beacon, the Hex Cube ID Serial, and the pingRID broadcast module. These modules can be attached to your drone to make it compliant with regulations.

If you're a recreational flyer, you might be wondering if a remote ID module is worth the investment. In some cases, it could be worth considering.

Mavlink Port Configuration is a crucial step in setting up your remote ID hardware. You'll need to configure the parameters for the port where the device is connected.

Assuming you've connected the device to the TELEM2 port, you'll want to set the parameters as follows: MAV_1_CONFIG = TELEM 2, MAV_1_MODE = Normal, MAV_1_RATE = 0 (default sending rate for port), and MAV_1_FORWARD = Enabled.

You'll notice a new parameter called SER_TEL2_BAUD, which requires a specific baud rate depending on the remote ID used. For Cube ID, you'll need to set it to 57600.

There are two main variations of Remote ID requirements, which can be a bit confusing. Specifically, there are requirements for devices integrated into OEM supplied systems and add-on beacons for DIY and existing vehicles.

For add-on beacons, there are variations in how they get GPS position information. Some devices get it via an integrated GPS, while others use the autopilot's position and other information for GPS.

Check this out: Dji - Mini 2 Se Drone with Remote Control

There are also different ways to power add-on beacons. Some are connected to the vehicle's power, while others have a small rechargeable battery.

You can use a serial MAVLink connection or DroneCAN to attach an add-on beacon to the autopilot. Some devices, like the ArduRemoteID module, even come with a USB programming port.

The ArduRemoteID module provides security features like security signing and locking, which can be useful for protecting your device. It also has a secure WIFI web interface for updating firmware.

Here are some specific features of the ArduRemoteID module:

Remote ID is a digital license plate for drones, broadcasting their identification number and location to a network that relevant authorities can access. This technology is designed to improve safety, security, and accountability within the airspace.

The FAA defines Remote ID as the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a broadcast signal.

To broadcast this information, drones need to send out specific data, which includes their Drone ID, location, and altitude, as well as the location and elevation of the control station.

Here's a list of the specific Remote ID data that drones need to broadcast from takeoff to shutdown:

By broadcasting this information, the FAA aims to make the skies safer, allowing them and other authorized parties to know who is flying in the airspace at any given time.

If the Remote ID CAN node is not present, check that the OPEN_DRONE_ID_BASIC_ID and OPEN_DRONE_ID_LOCATION messages appear in the QGroundControl MAVLink Inspector.

To confirm the Remote ID is working, you need to check two things: the Remote ID node appears on the UAVCAN list, and the OPEN_DRONE_ID_BASIC_ID and OPEN_DRONE_ID_LOCATION messages are present in the MAVLink Inspector.

Run the command "shuavcan status" in the QGroundControl MAVLink Console to see the connected CAN nodes. If you only have one CAN component, the list might look like this: plainOnline nodes (Node ID, Health, Mode): 125 OK OPERAT

If the Remote ID node is present but the messages are not being received, you may need to configure the Remote ID itself. This involves selecting Enable Remote ID in the Application Settings, and entering the information for Basic, Operator, and Self ID.

If your CAN Remote ID is not working, it's a good idea to check the QGroundControl MAVLink Inspector for the presence of the OPEN_DRONE_ID_BASIC_ID and OPEN_DRONE_ID_LOCATION messages.

If these messages are not present, you can try checking the UAVCAN list by running the command "sh uavcan status" in the QGroundControl MAVLink Console. This will show you the connected CAN nodes, including the Remote ID node.

The Remote ID node should appear in the list with a health status of "OK" and a mode of "OPERAT". If you have more than one CAN node, you can compare the number of nodes shown with the number expected on your system to see if they match.

Alternatively, you can run the "uavcan status" command with the Remote ID connected and disconnected and compare the results to see if the node ID changes.

You can prevent a drone from arming if its Remote ID is not ready. To do this, you need to set the parameter COM_ARM_ODID to 2.

This parameter is disabled by default, so you'll need to make an adjustment to enable this feature. By setting it to 2, you're essentially telling the drone to only allow arming if a valid Remote ID is present.

Here's a quick rundown of the COM_ARM_ODID parameter: