Configuration for Operators

This page explains the process for configuring Remote ID for PRISM Sky.

Remote ID was added to ArduCopter for PRISM Lite version 1.0 (or newer) and QGroundControl and Mission Planner. In order for Remote ID to function, the ArduCopter and QGC (or Mission Planner) need the previously mentioned versions to be installed on your PRISM Lite and Ground Control Station (GCS).

To access the required software and firmware for Remote ID below:

pageQGroundControlpageMission PlannerpageArduCopter for PRISM Lite

Location Source

In accordance with Part 89, Standard Remote ID Systems (RIDS), such as PRISM Lite, are required to meet location accuracy requirements for both the aircraft and ground control station (GCS).

Aircraft

The aircraft must be designed with an integrated GNSS system that, at a minimum, uses GPS with SBAS (WAAS) augmentation as its location source.

PRISM Lite is designed and produced with two (2) ARK RTK GPS devices pre-installed for its location source. Each ARK RTK GPS unit utilizes one (1) Ublox F9P GPS sensors installed in each module that supports SBAS (including WAAS in the US) and communicates to the vehicle via CAN bus.

GCS

The GCS needs to have access to an accurate 3D GPS position, as this information needs to be broadcast for Remote ID.

The GCS can either be designed with an integrated GNSS system (not recommended) or use an external USB device (recommended) however both must use GPS with SBAS (WAAS) augmentation as its location source and NMEA protocol - required.

Recommended GCS Location Source:

• IDLink - an all-in-one location source and data link solution that supports SBAS (including WAAS in the US) augmentation and uses NMEA protocol.

• External USB GPS Device - a USB GPS device that supports SBAS (including WAAS in the US) augmentation and uses NMEA protocol.

IDLink or External USB GPS Device

Users that choose to use this method must use IDLink or a USB GPS device that supports SBAS (including WAAS in the US) augmentation and uses NMEA protocol.

Both location source options communicate with the GCS via USB and are configured through the instructions below:

1. Close QGroundControl or Mission Planner

2. Connect the external USB GPS device to your GCS

3. Determine COM port via Device Manager>Ports (COM & LPT)

4. Open QGroundControl or Mission Planner and navigate to

   • QGroundControl

     • Click on the QGroundControl logo in the top left corner

     • Navigate to Applications Settings>General to configure the GCS GPS

     • Scroll down to Miscellaneous to ensure Enable Remote ID checkbox is checked

     • Select Remote ID in the left Menu panel

     • Under GCS GPS ensure configure the following settings:

       • Location Type = Live GNSS

       • NMEA External GPS Device

         • Select the COM port for the GPS device from Step 4 above.

         • Set the Baud Rate (9600 minimum)

     • Close QGroundControl, and re-open it

   • Mission Planner

     • Click on connect in the upper right hand corner to connect data link

     • Click on the Drone ID tab on the home screen

     • Select the corresponding COM port for NMEA GPS Device

     • Set the the NMEA GPS Baud Rate (9600 minimum)

NOTE: Set Baud Rate according to your USB GPS device manufacturers recommendations. If setting the Baud Rate to 9600 does not work, try increasing to the next available Baud Rate and repeat steps above.

Interference

PRISM Lite uses Bluetooth 5 and Bluetooth 4 on the 2.4ghz band to broadcast the required Remote ID data at 1Hz via an omni-directional antenna located at a distance apart from all persons and is not co-located or operating in configuration with any other antenna or transmitter.