Blue Mark DroneBeacon 121 Series User manual

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
1/19
DroneBeacon - Transponder Manual
121-series
April 2023 - version 1.1

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
2/19
The latest version of this manual is located here:
https://download.bluemark.io/db121.pdf
Intended audience: users of the db121/db121pcb transponder
Disclaimer: we are not responsible or liable for errors or incomplete information in this
document.
Version history
version
date
description
1.0
January 2023
Initial release
1.1
April 2023
Updated documentation to be in line with newest
firmware
Improved quick start

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
3/19
QUICK START
Attach to the drone
db121
For optimal performance attach the db121 on the top of your drone/airframe:
Use the 3M dual lock™ stickers (included).
clean the surface and remove the foil of the 3M dual lock sticker, apply firm pressure and wait
1 hour for optimal adhesion. Use a sticker for both the db121 and drone. Snap the db121 to
the counter part sticker on the drone. The stickers allow you to easy remove or attach the
db121.
Or/and use two M5 screws.
the db121 has two M5 screw noses that can be used for attaching the db121 to your drone.
connect power (5 - 14V) to the power connector (JST-GH 1.25mm 2-pin)
db121pcb
install the db121pcb to the drone chassis using 4x M2 screws or cable ties
Install the antenna vertical to make sure the antenna pattern is omni-directional and the Remote
ID signals can be received from each direction. Also make sure that the last part of the antenna
(where it gets thicker) is not obstructed by metal objects that could block radio reception in
that direction.
Install the GPS antenna to a location not near metal objects or ground planes. For optimal
performance install the GPS antenna in the horizontal plane.
connect power (5 - 14V) to the db121pcb using the 2-pin power connector (JST-GH 1.25mm
2-pin) or use the (non-populated) auxiliary 2.54mm 2-pin header.
Use the db121/db121pcb
If you power on the drone, the db121/db121pcb will be automatically powered on too.
Wait for a GPS fix (slowly flashing status LED every 4 seconds). You are ready to fly.
Status LED
-Ready for take-off: slowly flashing (every 4 s), location acquired.
- Non-compliant config: very slow flashing (every 20 s), location acquired
- Acquiring location
e
e
l
e
e
l
e
e
e
e
l
e
e
l
e
e
e
e
l
e
e
l
e
e
db121/db121pcb Vertical antenna
installation. Thick antenna part
should not be obstructed by
metal objects

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
4/19
Configuration
For typical use in the USA no configuration is required. USA: use the db121/db121pcb S/N number
for registering your drone at the FAA. For the EU, you need to enter your operator ID.
After the db121/db121pcbis powered, press the configuration button. The
red config LED is now
solid red.
Connect to the dronebeacon WLAN network (no password needed)
Point your browser to http://192.168.50.1 or scan the QR code.
Flying a drone could create risks for people, air traffic
and other assets. Before flying, the drone operator has
to make sure to know the local rules regarding drone
flights and obtain the necessary authorization to fly
the drone(s).
configuration web-page

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
5/19
Contents
Quick start......................................................................................................................................................................................3
1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Audience.......................................................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Specifications ..............................................................................................................................................................6
1.3 What's in the Box.......................................................................................................................................................7
1.4 Installation....................................................................................................................................................................8
1.5 Using the db121/db121pcb ..................................................................................................................................9
1.6 EMC test.........................................................................................................................................................................9
1.7 Android/iOS app ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.8 Open Drone ID.........................................................................................................................................................10
2 Configuration .........................................................................................................................................................................11
2.1 General........................................................................................................................................................................11
2.2 Operator ..................................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Flight............................................................................................................................................................................ 12
2.4 Radio............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
2.5 Firmware.....................................................................................................................................................................14
3 Current profile ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16
4 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................... 17
5 Warranty ...................................................................................................................................................................................18
6 More information................................................................................................................................................................. 19

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
6/19
1 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing and using DroneBeacon products!
The latest version of this user manual may be downloaded at the following link:
https://download.bluemark.io/db121.pdf
(Direct/Broadcast) Remote Identification (Remote ID) adds “beacon” capability to drones to
broadcast basic information of airborne drones, such as the operator's registration number, drone
serial number and current position. The EU and USA have new rules that make Remote ID
mandatory for drones over 250 grams weight. The beacon information can be used by general
public, law enforcement and drones to give better situation awareness of the airspace around them.
BlueMark Innovations BV offers Remote ID transponders and receivers. DroneBeacon
db121/db121pcb is an add-on (transponder) for drones that broadcasts Remote ID beacon signals.
We also provide other Remote ID add-ons. DroneScout is a receiver that detects Remote ID signals
of nearby drones up to several km distance (in open space). See https://dronescout.co for more
information about our products..
1.1 Audience
This document is intended for users that want to use the DroneBeacon db121 or db121pcb
transponder as a stand-alone Remote ID add-on for their drone or other UAV product. There is a
separate manual for the DroneBeacon MAVLink db201 transponder (intended for drone
manufacturers). Also, we provide a stand-alone Remote ID add-on with battery: the db120
transponder.
1.2 Specifications
The transponder consists of an embedded system and several radio-interfaces to broadcast Remote
ID signals.
Key specifications:
Compliant with international regulations
EU ASD-STAN DIN EN 4709-002
USA ASTM Remote ID Standard ASTM F3411-22a-RID-B/ F3586-22
Accepted by the FAA
db121 https://uasdoc.faa.gov/listDocs/RID000000088
db121pcb https://uasdoc.faa.gov/listDocs/RID000000089
Supports all Remote ID transmission protocols:
BLE legacy
BLE long range
WLAN NaN 2.4 GHz
WLAN Beacon 2.4 GHz
Long range up to 5 km detection range1
1The detection range depends on several factors such as the receiver antenna gain, transmission protocol,
weather conditions, flying height, receiver height line of sight etc. With professional receivers a range up to 5
km is possible. See the DroneScout manual for more details.

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
7/19
Omni-directional antenna with 0 (db121) or 3 dBi (db121pcb) gain. Note that a higher
theoretical antenna gain does not necessary mean a larger detection range in real life.
Transmit power: +18 dBm (WLAN and Bluetooth)
Power
2-pin power connector (JST-GH 1.25mm 2-pin)
or use the (non-populated) auxiliary 2.54mm 2-pin header (db121pcb only)
Input voltage range: 4.5 to 15 V
Positioning
GPS and BDS: 2.5m positioning precision
Suited for outdoor operation (only db121):
IP43 rating
for operation in rainy conditions, the transponder needs to be protected against water.
Dimensions (l x w x h):
db121: 36 x 38 x 28 mm.
with screw nodes the dimensions are 36 x 55 x 28 mm
db121pcb: 33 x 35 x 5 mm.
Operating temperature
-5°C to +40°C
Weight:
11 g (db121)
5 g (db121pcb, including antennas)
Figure 1 - DroneBeacon db121 (left) and db121pcb (right) transponders
1.3 What's in the Box
The following package contents should be present:
1x db121 or db12pcb transponder
db121: 3x 3M dual-lock stickers (1 extra)
db121pcb: sticker with valid FAA serial number (programmed in the module, but also provided
as sticker.)

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
8/19
1.4 Installation
db121 transponder
Attach the DroneBeacon db121 transponder on the top of your drone for best performance.
Use the 3M dual lock™ stickers (included).
clean the surface and remove the foil of the 3M dual lock sticker, apply firm pressure Use a sticker
for both the db121 and drone. Snap the db121 to the counter part sticker on the drone. The
stickers allow you to easy remove or attach the db121.
Note: for a good adhesion/grip, place the dual-lock sticker and apply firm consistent pressure to
assure good contact with the substrate you are adhering. Also, it needs 1 hour to 72 hours
(preferred) to build a (full) adhesion to the surface. In addition, it is important that the adhesive
base for the tape is free of grease and dry, and that it is not covered with a removable lacquer or
a layer of paper.
Or/and use two M5 screws.
The transponder can be attached to the drone using two M5 screws. The distance between the
two screw noses is 47 mm.
power
the db121 needs to be connected to a power source (from the drone) and has a JST-GH 1.25mm
2-pin power connector. It needs an input voltage between 4.5 V and 14 V. (15 V is the real maximum
input voltage. A higher voltage may damage the transponder.) The current profile is shown in
Chapter 3. Pin 1 needs to be connected to the input voltage and pin 2 to GND.
Figure 2 - Power connector the + signs indicates pin 1 and need to be connected to the input voltage.
db121pcb transponder
installation
The transponder can be attached to the drone chassis using 4x M2 screws or cable ties. Next install
the antenna vertical (+/- 15 degrees) to make sure the antenna pattern is omni-directional and the
Remote ID signals can be received from each direction. Also make sure that the last part of the
antenna (where it gets thicker) is not obstructed by metal objects that could block radio reception
in that direction. Replacing the antenna or not obeying the installation instructions for the
WLAN/BLE antenna will void the FAA DoC status of the db121pcb product. In such a case you
may still use the product, but you need to submit your own DoC to the FAA.
As a last step install the GPS antenna to a location not near metal objects or ground planes (> 2 cm).
Those objects will affect the performance. You can also replace the GPS antenna by your own. The

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
9/19
db121pcb needs a passive GPS antenna. It has an on-board GPS LNA to amplify GPS signals. For
optimal performance install the GPS antenna in the horizontal plane. The data sheet of the provided
GPS antenna can be found here: https://download.bluemark.io/gps_db121pcb.pdf
power
the db121pcb needs to be connected to a power source (from the drone) and has a JST-GH 1.25mm
2-pin power connector. It needs an input voltage between 4.5 V and 14 V. (15 V is the real maximum
input voltage. A higher voltage may damage the transponder.) The current profile is shown in
Chapter 3. Pin 1 needs to be connected to the input voltage and pin 2 to GND. Near the connector
there are markings to explain the pin-layout ( + = pin 1 and - = pin 2). Alternatively, there is an AUX
power input (unpopulated 2.54mm pin header) that can also be used. This is indicated by the PWR
AUX marking on the PCB. Note that this AUX power input has a diode to protect it against reverse
currents. The main JST-GH connector has no diode for reverse currents to allow for lower input
voltages. (Voltages slightly lower as 5V are allowed.)
status led
The status led should be visible by the user. And the user can only take-off if the status LED is
flashing. If it is not visible, it will void the FAA DoC status of the db121pcb product!
1.5 Using the db121/db121pcb
Power on the drone; the db121/db121pcb will be powered too.
Wait for a GPS fix (slowly flashing status LED every 4 seconds). This is typically within 90
seconds if the db121/db121pcb is used outdoor.
You are ready to fly.
Battery/status LED
The status LED can have the following states:
-Ready for take-off: slowly flashing (every 4 s), location acquired.
- Non-compliant config: very slow flashing (every 20s), location acquired
- Acquiring location
Note:
For typical use in the USA no configuration is required. USA: use the db121/db121pcb S/N
number for registering your drone at the FAA.
For the EU, you need to enter your operator ID.
A non-compliant configuration can be caused by selecting a non-compliant transmission
protocol, selecting a lower transmit power (for WLAN modes) or selecting a different channel
for WLAN modes than the default channel 6.
Flying a drone could create risks for people, air traffic and other assets. Before
flying, the drone operator has to make sure to know the local rules regarding
drone flights and obtain the necessary authorization to fly the drone(s).
1.6 EMC test
To verify that the db121/db121pcb does not produce interference to the drone or receives
interference from the drone, it is advised to do a quick EMC test. (Only when attached for the first
time to a drone.)
Power on the drone and remote control. Keep the db121/db121pcbpowered off.
Verify that the drone, remote control and wireless link are functioning properly.
e
e
l
e
e
l
e
e
e
e
l
e
e
l
e
e
e
e
l
e
e
l
e
e

DroneBeacon db121/db121pcb manual - version 1.1 April 2023 - © BlueMark Innovations BV 2023
10/19
Power off the drone and remote control.
Power on the db121/db121pcb (using a different power source). Keep the drone and remote
control powered off.
Verify that the db121/db121pcb is functioning properly. For instance by using the Android in
Section 1.6 or by looking at the status LEDs (ready for take-off state).
Repeat the tests by powering on both the db121/db121pcb, the drone and remote control. If
both the db121/db121pcb and drone, remote control and wireless link are functioning
properly, there is no EMC interference between both systems.
In case there is interference, please move the db121/db121pcbto a different place on the
drone and repeat the tests. Alternatively lower the output power or change the transmission
protocol.
1.7 Android/iOS app
You can use the free OpenDroneID OSM Android app to view the DroneBeacon Remote ID signals:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.opendroneid.android_osm
Or the Drone Scanner Android app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.dronetag.dronescanner
Note: only few Android smartphones support reception of Bluetooth Long Range and/or WLAN NaN
signals. Also, in default Android configuration, WLAN Beacon signals are typically received only
once every few minutes. A list of supported smartphones is presented, in the link below.
https://github.com/opendroneid/receiver-android/blob/master/supported-smartphones.md
iOS
The Drone Scanner app is also available for iOS. Due to limitation of iOS only BT4 reception is
possible.
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/drone-scanner/id1644548782
1.8 Open Drone ID
DroneBeacon uses the Open Drone ID framework to broadcast Remote ID signals. The framework
can be found on this page: https://www.opendroneid.org/