Better COM system needed for BlueBoat

In the world of aerial drones, DJI has the best communication system in the world for the price. DJI Transmission System (Everything You Need to Know) - Droneblog

While I fully understand the flying and controlling an aerial drone is quite different than operating a “surface drone” (AUV, USV, etc.), there is still the need to have better COM and control of USVs, like the BlueBoat.

DJI’s OcuSync system has advance to the point that I can fly my Air3 out over 6 miles off shore AND get photos, video, all because of the proprietary OcuSync transmission system.

Surely someone out there can create a somewhat similar system! OcuSync uses WiFi bands and manages to keep the vehicle in control amid all the electronic noise.

I would love to use my DJI RC Controller to control a BlueBoat-like vessel, and do away with the laptop. Technically this could be done but DJI would surely want a piece of the action. I have not seen any companies out there that offer a hand-held controller with high-res screen.

I put a small form factor computer in the blue boat and the just remote desktop it using a bullet M2. With a yagi on the transmitter and a good Omni on the receiver side I’m getting a couple of miles. Keep in mind a drone has the advantage of altitude to keep a good line of sight. Another option is to use the EIVA control system, it’s really good but about 4700 euro for the controller and 5600 euro for the receiver.

Good point, but I can fly my drone 25 feet above the water out past 6 miles and still have good COM, so it’s not just altitude.

25’ altitude is a lot different than 1 foot altitude above seawater, especially for radio wave propagation!

I also tested it by lowering the drone to about 1-2 feet to see how the sensors reacted and my controller kept the drone in control! Their Ocusys is amazing.

The ultimate solution for us was using zerotier VPN and a 4G LTE modem on the boat. Unlimited range, less equipment to set up on site, and you can control the boat from any computer with an internet connection.

1 Like