Deploy Your Sensor
Note: Detailed setup instructions will be published when sensors begin shipping in Q3 2026. This page provides general guidance on deployment and placement.
Overview
Deploying a FliteGrid sensor is designed to be simple. No technical expertise is required.
Mount the sensor in a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. Each sensor comes with mounting brackets.
Connect the cable. The sensor uses a PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection, so a single cable runs from your router or PoE switch to the sensor, providing both power and internet.
Register on FliteGrid.io and connect the sensor to your account.
Start earning. Once registered and online, the sensor begins collecting Remote ID data and earning reward points automatically.
Placement Guidelines
Sensor placement is the single biggest factor in the quality of data your sensor collects and the rewards you earn.
Elevation matters. Remote ID broadcasts are relatively short-range radio signals. The higher and more unobstructed your sensor's position, the larger its effective reception area. Rooftops are ideal. Balconies, elevated decks, and exterior wall mounts can also work.
Clear sky view. The sensor needs line-of-sight to the sky in as many directions as possible. Trees, walls, and buildings between the sensor and a passing drone will block or degrade the signal. Avoid enclosed or partially covered locations.
Stable mounting. The sensor should be securely mounted in a fixed position. Its GPS data is used for proof-of-location verification, so it needs to stay where you put it.
Connectivity. The sensor requires a wired Ethernet connection. Plan your cable routing from your router or PoE switch to the sensor's mounting location. Cable lengths up to 100 meters (328 feet) are supported by standard Ethernet.
What to Expect
Once your sensor is deployed and online, you'll be able to:
View your sensor's status on FliteGrid.io
See real-time drone activity detected by your sensor on the FliteGrid platform
Track your reward points accumulation
Monitor your sensor's data contribution to the network
Detailed setup documentation, troubleshooting guides, and video walkthroughs will be available before sensors ship.
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