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Using Simulated Data

Dronetag provides a simulation tool called Mocker that lets you test your integration during development without a physical device. With Mocker, you can create virtual flights and verify that your system correctly receives and processes Dronetag data.

πŸ‘‰ https://mocker.dronetag.app

Use physical devices for final validation

The simulator is great for validating connections and general data exchange, but it may not produce data identical to real Dronetag devices. We strongly recommend testing with a physical device before going to production.

Prerequisites​

  • Dronetag account β€” create one for free if you don't have one
  • Virtual Mocker device registered to your account (see below)
  • Access to the Mocker application β€” typically granted along with your first virtual device

Obtaining virtual devices​

To get a virtual device, contact us with your Dronetag account details. We are generally happy to provide virtual devices for testing and development purposes. Once a virtual device is registered to your account, you can use it to simulate flights and test your integration.

Creating a simulation​

Mocker supports two simulation engines depending on the type of device you want to simulate:

EngineDevice typeExample devices
nri_via_liveNRI (Network Remote ID) deviceDronetag Mini
dri_via_funnelDRI receiver deviceDronetag Scout, RIDER

NRI device simulation (nri_via_live)​

An NRI simulation mimics a device that reports its own position to the network. Only one identifier is needed because the simulated device reports itself.

  1. Open the Mocker application and sign in
  2. Tap anywhere on the map to place a new simulation
  3. Select the nri_via_live engine
  4. Choose a flight scenario
  5. Under UAS Identifier, select one of your Mocker devices β€” it will act as the NRI device
  6. Configure any remaining parameters for your chosen scenario and click Create

DRI receiver device simulation (dri_via_funnel)​

A DRI receiver simulation mimics a device that detects and reports nearby Remote ID aircraft. This requires two identifiers: one for the receiver and one for the detected aircraft.

  1. Open the Mocker application and sign in
  2. Tap anywhere on the map to place a new simulation
  3. Select the dri_via_funnel engine
  4. Choose a flight scenario
  5. Under UAS Identifier, enter any valid Remote ID ANSI serial number β€” this represents the aircraft that your receiver detects
  6. Under Sensor ID, select one of your Mocker devices β€” it will act as the DRI receiver
  7. Configure any remaining parameters for your chosen scenario and click Create

Controlling simulations​

Once created, the simulated device appears on the map and in the left sidebar. From the sidebar you can:

  • Pause the simulation
  • End the simulation gracefully
  • Force kill the simulation β€” use this only to test a lost-connection scenario
Simulations are time-limited

Simulations continue running even if you close the browser and will automatically end once their time limit expires. Please dismiss any simulations you are no longer using.