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Retrofit Integration in USA

Using Dronetag DRI for FAA Remote ID Broadcast Module Compliance

This guide walks through the steps required to retrofit an existing drone with the Dronetag DRI to meet the FAA's Remote ID Broadcast Module requirements under 14 CFR Part 89.

The FAA defines this mode for operators who modify drones that were not originally designed with Remote ID.
The DRI enables compliance by broadcasting the required identification data over Bluetooth without needing full OpenDroneID integration.

Requirements​

Make sure you have:

  • Remote ID serial number (ANSI/CTA-2063-A format)
  • Dronetag DRI module (recommended: U.FL antenna variant)
  • Compatible antenna for the U.FL variant. The small testing antenna is included with a Dronetag DRI.
    We recommend choosing a pre-approved antenna from our approved list of antennas.
  • Compatible cable to connect the DRI module to your flight controller. The example cable is included with a Dronetag DRI.
  • Flight controller (e.g., Pixhawk or ArduPilot) installed in the drone.
  • Tools to securely mount the DRI module to your drone: 3M Dual Lock / strong adhesive tape / Velcro or M2 screw.
  • Smartphone supporting BLE 5.0 (for broadcast verification).

Step-by-Step Integration Guide​

  1. Mount the DRI on the Drone​

    • Look at your drone and find a suitable place for secure installation of the DRI module:
      • DRI module with integrated antenna should be placed away from conductive materials like metal or carbon fiber.
      • DRI module with U.FL antenna can be mounted on any material, but the antenna should not be covered with any conductive material like metal or carbon fiber.
    • With a DRI module with U.FL antenna: position and secure the antenna in a place where it can freely transmit and receive signals.
    • Use screws or adhesive tape to secure the DRI module to your drone.
    • The DRI module should be mounted firmly and securely so it will not move during future flights.

  2. Connect DRI to Flight Controller​

    • Using the included cable or your custom cable, connect the DRI module and the flight controller:
    • Please note the number of the telemetry/serial port to which you connected the DRI. It will be needed later.
    note

    From now on, we will demonstrate the guide steps on a Holybro Pix32 v5 flight controller as a reference.
    The guide steps are identical or very similar for any other compatible flight controller.

    warning

    Follow the manufacturer's documentation for your flight controller to decide where you should connect your DRI module.

  3. Power On and Check LED Indicators​

    • Power on the drone and check the DRI status:
      • Yellow LED → Indicates basic power-up and standby. This is the expected state for a brand-new Dronetag DRI.
      • Green LED → DRI is ready for takeoff. This means the DRI is already configured, and you should verify that the rest of the configuration is correct.
    • See the LED indicator reference for the full color guide.

  4. Configure DRI via Mobile App​

    If you are doing this for the first time, see the detailed walkthrough: DRI Configuration

    • Use one of the supported mobile apps:
    • Open the Dronetag Toolbox app.
    • Select your DRI device from the device list.
    • On the Identification screen, select the US identification and save.
    • On the Configuration screen, check the following settings:
      • Enable MAVLink flight start – True
      • GNSS Input – MAVLink
      • Pressure data input – MAVLink
      • MAVLink Integration Type – Standard
      • Controller Port Baud Rate – 115200

  5. Connect the Flight Controller to PC​

    If you are doing this for the first time, see the detailed walkthrough: Connect to Flight Controller

    A USB connection is the fastest and most reliable method to configure the flight controller. The alternative is to use a SiK Telemetry connection, which is slower, so be patient.

    SiK Telemetry

    Connection using a SiK telemetry radio does not require a physical connection between the flight controller and PC, but it is much slower to work with than the USB method. How to use the Holybro SiK radio is described on the page Holybro SiK Radio V3 documentation.

    SiK Telemetry warning

    If you decide to connect a SiK Telemetry through the Port-Forwarding feature of the DRI, do not connect RTS/CTS lines between the DRI and the SiK radio.

  6. Configure the Flight Controller​

    If you are doing this for the first time, see the detailed walkthrough: Flight Controller Setup

    • Assign the correct serial port for the DRI in the FC parameters (symbol x in parameter names below). Use the noted number of the telemetry/serial port from the previous step:
      • SERIALx_PROTOCOL = MAVLink
    • Set the serial port baud rate to 115200:
      • SERIALx_BAUD = 115200
    • Turn off serial port flow control:
      • BRDSERx_RTSCTS = 0
    Do you want more functions?

    If you want to use OpenDroneID with full integration (e.g., pre-flight checks, GNSS fix enforcement), check the Full Integration in USA.

  7. Confirm LED Status After FC Configuration​

    • Check the DRI status:
      • Green LED → DRI is receiving valid MAVLink data and is ready for takeoff
    • See the LED indicator reference for the full color guide

  8. Verify Broadcast in Mobile App​


Done!​

Your drone now meets FAA Remote ID compliance through retrofit using the Dronetag DRI. You’re ready to fly.