Scout

Small Form Direction Finding for Remote ID Collection

Scout is a small, all-in-one radio direction finding system used to collect and verify Remote ID signals. It can be run as a single sensor or tied into a wider network, depending on how it’s deployed. Scout was developed to support drone detection and airspace awareness.

It covers both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz at the same time, picking up Bluetooth and WiFi-based Remote ID signals.

What Sets It Apart

Purpose-Built for Remote ID
Collects, identifies, and verifies Remote ID signals, helping build a clearer picture of nearby airspace activity.

Compact, All-in-One Design
The antenna, receiver, and supporting components are built into a single unit, so there’s no need for external cabling or additional mounting hardware.

Extended Signal Reception
Antenna design supports improved reception of low-power Remote ID signals, with observed detection distances exceeding standard antenna configurations.

Simultaneous Band Coverage
Covers both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands at the same time, supporting Bluetooth and WiFi signal environments.

Deployment & Operation

Scout can be deployed as a single sensor or as part of a distributed network.

  • Operates over standard TCP/IP networks
  • Supports local or distributed deployments, including VPN-based configurations
  • Multiple sensors can be networked to expand coverage and reduce missed detections

When deployed in a network, multiple nodes contribute to a more complete view of the electromagnetic environment.

User Interface (ATAK)

Scout integrates with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) for command and control.

  • Displays detected drones on a map using Remote ID data
  • Calculates the line-of-bearing (LOB) to the signal source
  • Compares the reported location to the LOB for validation
  • Visual indicators highlight mismatches for further review
  • Automatically records signal data for later analysis

System Design

Scout is built on a software-defined radio architecture.

  • Software Defined Receiver with 80 MHz instantaneous bandwidth
  • Dual 40 MHz sections for concurrent band coverage
  • Based on ADRV9002 and Xilinx UltraScale+ SoM

The antenna section can be removed or replaced to support expanded capabilities.

Power & Connectivity

  • Ethernet connectivity for control and data transfer
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE) for fixed or semi-permanent installations
  • Battery operation for short-term deployments (~8 hours)
  • Supports continuous updates and development over a network connection

Expansion Capability

Scout is designed to support additional signals of interest with future configuration or modification.

Current and potential coverage includes:

  • Command and control links (DJI, Autel, Skydio, WiFi)
  • Bluetooth advertisements
  • Analog 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz signals
  • Hobbyist controller signals
  • DJI OcuSync video and control signals

Scout provides a practical approach to Remote ID collection—compact enough to deploy quickly, and flexible enough to operate as part of a larger network.

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