Dronetag Scout
This documentation primarily covers the Dronetag Scout. While much of the content is also relevant to the Dronetag Scout EVK — an earlier version of the product now being phased out — some features and instructions may not apply to the EVK model. We strongly encourage all users to upgrade their units to the production-ready Dronetag Scout.
For specific details on upgrading your Scout EVK to the latest version, please refer to the Scout EVK Upgrade page.
Note: Most Dronetag Scout EVK units are eligible for an upgrade to the current Dronetag Scout firmware and hardware standards.
Please note that this version of Dronetag Scout documentation is still a work in progress and may contain some inaccuracies. If you find some inaccuracies, let us know at support@dronetag.com.
Dronetag Scout is a stationary Remote ID receiver, designed to detect compliant drones within its coverage area, providing robust operational awareness. Remote ID technology enables the identification and tracking of drones that meet regulatory standards, enhancing situational awareness and safety in shared airspace.
With Dronetag Scout, users can monitor drone activities, receive real-time data on drone identification, location, heading, speed, height (barometric and GNSS), status, take-off location, and operator location — helping ensure compliance with local airspace regulations. Its stationary design is ideal for fixed installations, offering a reliable solution for consistent, real-time insight into drone operations in the vicinity.
Dronetag Scout supports all Remote ID technologies Wi-Fi Beacon, Wi-Fi NaN, Bluetooth Legacy and Bluetooth 5 Long Range (LE Coded PHY) for Remote ID detection.
What Scout Detects
The Dronetag Scout is drone-agnostic and captures all Broadcast/Direct Remote ID data from drones that comply with Remote ID standards, such as DJI, Autel, and Skydio — up to 10 km in the EU, US, and Japan (with more regions expected to adopt these standards soon). The data can be sent in real-time to the Dronetag App for data visualization and airspace alerts or can be sent raw to third-party platforms without Dronetag apps being involved. It works regardless of whether the drone has built-in Remote ID capabilities or uses an external module.
Please note: the Scout device detects only Remote ID signals — if the drone does not broadcast any Remote ID, the Scout will not detect it.
Here you can find all information about Remote ID.
In countries where Remote ID is not mandatory, Scout can only detect drones with an active Remote ID system (e.g., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others).
For detailed and actual list of Remote ID compatible drones, please, contact the official agencies:
Features
- Remote ID Compatibility – Supports Bluetooth 2.4 GHz (Legacy and 5 Long Range) and Wi-Fi Beacon, NaN 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Remote ID technologies to detect drones compliant with global standards.
- Advanced Drone and Pilot Detection – Multiple independent radios continuously receive Remote ID signals, enabling detection of drones, their pilots (or take-off positions), and even identifying the drone’s manufacturer and model. This data equips you to take swift, decisive action against potential threats.
- Real-Time View and Data Logging – Monitor drone activities via the Dronetag App (Android, iOS, and web browser), or integrate with third-party systems using our API. Historical data is stored for post-incident analysis, and users can set up geofencing.
- Online Transmission Mode – Cellular data transmission for real-time cloud connectivity.
- Effortless Installation – Deploy Scout at any location with pole or wall mounting options. It supports PoE for streamlined power and connectivity and can optionally include 4G connectivity. As a passive receiver, it does not create any interference.
- Built to Last – IP67-rated aluminum enclosure and built-in heating ensure consistent performance in harsh environments.
- Multi-GNSS Support
Optional Upgrades
You can enhance your Scout with custom add-ons tailored to your needs:
- 4G Modem with SIM Card and LTE Antenna – Enable online cloud transmission for real-time data monitoring and integration.
- Sector / Directional Antennas – Improve performance in high-interference environments or extend coverage with up to 4 antennas for 360° reception.
- Older DJI Drones without Remote ID – Add external sensors to detect legacy DJI models like Mini 2, Air 2, Mavic 2, Phantom 4 Pro.
- Customized Mounting Kits – Adapt Scout to unique installation environments.
- On-Premise Deployment – Operate without cloud dependency for secure, private access.
- ADS-B, ADS-L, and FLARM Support – Add additional aviation tech for full situational awareness.
Range
The range is defined by the Remote ID transmitter power on the drone and the environment in which the receiver is located. For this User Guide, we divided it into Detection Range and Tracking Range:
- Detection Range – Ability to sporadically pick up drone activity at greater distances.
- Tracking Range – Real-time, continuous reception for reliable monitoring.
| Signal Technology | Expected Detection Range | Expected Tracking Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth 4, Bluetooth 5 | up to 10 km / 6.2 mi | up to 7 km / 4.3 mi |
| Wi-Fi Beacon/NaN | up to 8.5 km / 5.3 mi | up to 4 km / 2.5 mi |
Tests were conducted in open terrain using two omnidirectional antennas. Drones were flown at different altitudes and distances. A Dronetag Beacon (Bluetooth) and DJI Mavic 3 (Wi-Fi) were used as transmitters, and results comply with EU signal power regulations.
With directional antennas, both detection and tracking ranges may nearly double, depending on placement and environment. This is especially useful for installations covering a specific sector or overcoming interference.
Detection range can vary significantly based on environmental conditions, obstacles, and interference. Urban environments may cause range reductions.
Where to Start with Dronetag Scout
To explore what your Dronetag Scout can do and how to best deploy it for your use case, start with the overview of supported Operational Modes:
🔍 See all available modes and choose the right one for your mission
We recommend using the Scout in Cloud Mode together with the Dronetag App — it's the easiest way to set up, manage, and monitor your system. It offers full feature access including real-time tracking, data storage, alerts and remote control.
👉 Follow our guide to get started with Cloud Mode and the Dronetag App