How to find an unloaded drone?

Imagine that suddenly your drone loses range and lands not knowing where. Frustration is growing and time is running out. What to do in such a situation? How to find an unloaded drone? Fortunately, there are several proven methods that can help you locate your lost machine. From tracking the last known GPS position, to using mobile apps, to physically searching in the field, any of these strategies can prove effective. In this article, we will suggest how to effectively and quickly recover your drone, minimizing stress and increasing the chances of success.

What actions can be taken to find the drone?

The search for a drone is of course the first activity that any of us would rationally start. However, you can take steps that will effectively help you find your doom. Drones DJI are professional equipment that, thanks to GPS, records information such as the drone's location, altitude, etc.- in the app. You can also use a free tool such as Airdata, which, when you connect the instrument to a computer, shows even more detailed data.

We know because we fly. A few months ago, during a risky flight, our drone DJI Mavic 3 fell into the water for us. It happened quite close to the seashore near Kuznica. It was cold, so fishing out by hand was impossible. However, we came to the conclusion that we would attempt to fish out the equipment with an underwater drone with a grapple, which is also in our drone fleet. First, however, we needed to know the exact last location of our drone. To do this, our service technician hooked up the controller to a computer with the application Airdata. We were able to see the location of the drone, the entire course of the last flight, and even how the operator controlled the sticks.

Airdata application

The end of the story was that we were unable to launch the underwater drone because the waves and currents of the sea were too big... but maybe you, dear reader, will be the one to find our Mavic while swimming on Hel? (as something, it's entrance number 31 forge :)

Opportunities to avoid losing your drone

It is worth considering how to avoid such situations. The advanced equipment is equipped with a number of features that inform the user about possible failures and malfunctions of the equipment. When something is wrong, the corresponding notifications appear in the app. To avoid such incidents, therefore, you should carefully check the equipment.

Checking the equipment before the flight

Before starting, check for any errors. It is necessary to carefully examine the propellers for damage and whether they are properly fitted, because even a small crack, can lead to disruption of aerodynamics and an accident. To be sure, you can have your drone professionally inspected every now and then.

Proper training

Drones are a valuable tool for monitoring and recording aerial footage. It is important to have the right qualifications and technical expertise to ensure safety during drone operations. Proper education is the key.

Loss of coverage

Equipment malfunctions can be affected by other interference such as telecommunications towers, etc. The drone has an option to set where it knows what to do if it loses range. It can return to the starting point or stop and hover in the air. If the operator chose the second option and could not find the drone, the machine waited in place until the landing procedure began.

Equipment failure

A drone is electronics that, like any other equipment, can fail. We have been running the service for years, so we know that there are many possibilities. The most common are mechanical failures, non-functioning wires or strands, transmitters, or uncalibrated sensors. If you have any doubts about the performance of your drone, you can contact our service.

How to recover your drone after battery drain?

Recovering a drone after a battery drain can be a challenge, but there are several steps you can take to increase the chances of finding it. If your drone is equipped with an automatic return-to-home (RTH) function, it should be configured and enabled before each flight. If the battery runs out, the drone will automatically return to the starting point or another defined location, which makes it much easier to retrieve it.

Battery care

Many people who use drones don't know or don't pay attention to the importance of proper battery care. Regular care of batteries prolongs their life and improves safety during flights. Neglected or damaged batteries can lead to drone failure and even loss of the drone. For those interested, we leave a link to the article from six tips on how to maintain your battery.

Putting contact information on the drone

This is a useful tip for both you and your friend who flies a drone. Always it's a good idea to put your phone number on the drone. In a situation where all other methods fail, it may be that someone finds the drone and contacts you to give it away.

How to check the last known GPS location?

If you do not have access to the RTH function or the drone has landed elsewhere, there are other methods. You can try tracking the last known GPS location using a drone management app such as DJI GO, DJI Fly, or another suitable for your model. These apps often allow you to locate the drone's last known position on a map, which can be very helpful in searches.

Locator

The drone has a built-in GPS, but if it discharges, it will not give the location. That's why it's a good idea to attach a separate locator, which will help in such a situation. A similar solution is to use an independent LED that would make it easier to find the drone at night.

Find My Drone

Many drones have a "Find My Drone" feature. It allows you to quickly locate your drone by showing its position on a map. If your drone has this feature, it is worth taking advantage of it.

How to find a drone without GPS?

However, if your drone is not equipped with a GPS module, or you do not have access to telemetry data, you will need to manually search the area. Focus on the area where you suspect the drone may have landed. You can also try using other drones for exploration. Reporting a missing drone to the appropriate authorities or community groups can significantly increase the chances of finding it.

Radio location

You can use radio signals to determine the drone's position, which is useful in places where GPS signals are inaccessible, such as enclosed spaces or dense forests. Radio communication allows constant contact with the drone, and telemetry systems send information from the drone to a control station, giving full control over its location.

IMU technology

Monitors drone movement with accelerometers and gyroscopes. This allows tracking the position of the drone even without a GPS signal, which is useful in areas with high electromagnetic interference or inside buildings. IMU records drone's movement and orientation data. Analysis of this data can help determine which direction the drone was flying in before losing contact.

Summary

Finding a lost drone can be a challenge, but there are several effective methods that can help. The best approach is to use GPS data recorded by apps such as DJI GO or Airdata, which track the drone's last known position. It's also a good idea to use the automatic return-to-home (RTH) function and take regular care of the batteries to avoid power problems.

If the drone is not equipped with GPS, it will be necessary to manually search the area or use other drones for the search. In addition, radio locators and IMU technology can help determine a drone's position even without a GPS signal. Regular pre-flight equipment check and proper operator training is very important and can prevent drone loss. Put contact information on the drone in case it is found by another person. Have a successful flight and may your drone never decide to get lost!