MyDroneFleets UAV Hardware Tracker
Introduction
MyDroneFleets UAV Hardware Tracker is designed to connect to a predesignated 4G LTE network to report its current location, speed, and attitude, independent of the drone’s flight controller.
Weight Class
The trackers are designed to be mounted on any drone weighing at least 250g.
They have been tested on drones as small as DJI’s Mavic Mini (249g) as well as large industrial drones like the Cerana UAS.
Global Positioning
The location is determined via Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), blending 3 constellations: GPS, GLONASS, and BEIDOU, to determine the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the tracker / drone.
Under clear skies, the accuracy of the GNSS position is around 3 meters.
Endurance
MyDroneFleets UAV Hardware Tracker can normally be operated up to one hour, before it needs to be recharged.
As it is powered independently from your UAV, it will continue to emit a signal even in the event of a total failure of your UAV, which can help pilots and emergency services location the missing drone.
Connectivity
Although the UAV Hardware Tracker can be purchased as a retail consumer device, it is more often purchased through your local mobile service provider or airspace regulator. In these cases, you do not need to purchase a separate SIM card.
Technical Specifications
| Weight | 60g |
| Size | 60mm x 45mm x 23.5mm |
| Battery | Lithium Polymer (non-removable) |
| Endurance | 1 hour |
| Charging Port | Micro USB |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE |
| SIM Card | Nano SIM (non-removable) |
| Temperature | 0 to 55°C |
| GNSS | GPS / GLONASS / BEIDOU |
| Other Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass |
Connectivity for Retail Trackers
MyDroneFleets UAV Hardware Tracker is bundled with an international SIM card that’s designed to work in multiple countries.
Contact us to learn more about configuring it with a local telecommunications provider instead.
Connectivity for CFMS Trackers (SG)
CFMS Trackers by CAAS comes with a Singtel 4G LTE network subscription that works only in Singapore.
You can purchase your trackers and subscriptions from CAAS. You can access the details of your trackers using CAAS’s FlyItSafe mobile application.
Performance Considerations
The tracker weighs 60 grams.
Empirical tests with small drones such as the DJI Mavic series does not reduce its performance.
It is not possible to micro drones such as DJI Tello to carry this tracker.
For larger drones, you can mount it anywhere, such as along the booms or on top of the body.
For smaller drones however, we recommend you mount it on the centre of gravity (CG) of the drone to maintain your performance.
Download User’s Manual
To get started with the UAV Tracker, refer to the Setting Up The Tracker section.
Before your first flight, be sure to read the Operating the Tracker section.
It’s important that you read the Care and Maintenance section to learn how to prolong the life of your Tracker.
Are you looking to purchase trackers for evaluation?
Contact Us for pricing and availability in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scope
Q. Do off-the-shelf DJI drones require the UA Tracker to be mounted?
A. Trackers will be required as long as the UA fulfils the requirement (applicable to most DJI models except those less than 250g).
Safety
Q. What am I supposed to do if the UA Tracker is deemed to affect the safe operation of the UA? What if the tracker causes interference or instability of the UA?
A. Garuda Robotics, in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), have conducted numerous tests on UA above 250g without significant impact on the operation of the UA.
Since June 2022, tracker use has been made compulsory for all non-recreational drone activities in Singapore, including by military and government agencies such as the Air Force (RSAF) and Police Force (SPF). To date, thousands of flight hours have been logged across dozens of drone models. There have been no issues with safety or interference.
The Tracker contains sensors and lithium batteries, and is as safe as a typical commercial off the shelf UA. The tracker is rated to operate in most of Singapore’s and Malaysia’s outdoor environments.
Q. When using the tracker, how is TFOA risk (Things Falling off Aircraft) managed?
A. The tracker must be mounted with the provided adhesive and/or moulded mount. If you are using the tracker within a MyDroneFleets Drone Test Site (DTS), first time tracker mounting must be supervised by DTS staff.
Endurance
Q. Would the GPS tracker run on battery and affect my drone battery life?
A. The GPS tracker is independently powered with batteries and will not affect your drone battery life.
Q. Each of my operations lasts between 2 to 3 hours or maybe even more. Is this a clear indication that more trackers have to be purchased for my operation? I am simultaneously flying more than one UA. Do I need more trackers?
A. Operators would need to assess and plan for number of trackers needed, especially for simultaneous or long operation. Each tracker is rated to operate approximately 60 mins and requires 60 mins for a full charge. Operators are encouraged to purchase sufficient trackers to support their operations.
Privacy
Q. Will the data collected by MyDroneFleets be open to the public?
A. No. All data collected are strictly confidential and will be shared with government agencies only. It will not be made available to the public.
Permits
Q. Does the tracker affect our UA payload declaration in our operations manual? Are we required to apply for variation for our Activity Permit in this case?
A. There is no need to apply for a variation of your Activity Permit.