Dedrone RF-310 Installation Manual

Legal Provisions

The information contained in these documents is the property of Dedrone Holdings, Inc. Any publication, whether in whole or in part, requires prior written approval by Dedrone Holdings, Inc. Internal reproduction used solely for the purpose of product evaluation or other proper use is allowed and does not require prior approval.

The declaration of conformity is available on request at support@dedrone.com.

Copyright

This manual is the intellectual property of Dedrone Holdings, Inc. and is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Dedrone Holdings, Inc.
45662 Terminal Dr.
Sterling, VA 20166
USA
Phone: +1 703 2608051
Email: info@dedrone.com

©2023 Dedrone Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

The RF-310

The RF-310 is a passive, network-attached sensor for the detection and direction finding of radio frequencies (RF) and Wi-Fi signals. It detects targeted radio signals, classifies them, and identifies their direction. When combined with two or more Dedrone RF sensors, it can determine the position of a drone and its remote controls via RF signals. The RF-310 sends data and alerts via LAN connection to the DedroneTracker System.

The RF-310 is intended for civil, commercial, and private use in conjunction with a DedroneTracker System and is suitable for outdoor use. Use this product only in accordance with the provided documentation and applicable legal standards. Any other application may cause personal injury or property damage.

RF-310 Components

The RF-310 unit features the following labeled components:

• A: Antenna cover
• B: Universal mount
• C: Activation button
• D: RF-310 unit
• E: Network socket
• F: Antenna cover

The device scans a wide frequency band for radio frequencies and classifies them. The data is recorded and available on the DedroneTracker UI.

Unpacking

This equipment should be unpacked and handled with care. Check the exterior of the packaging for visible damage. If an item appears to have been damaged in shipment, notify the shipper immediately.

Scope of Delivery

Verify that all parts listed in the scope of delivery are included. If any items are missing, notify your Dedrone Partner. Do not use this product if any component appears to be damaged. Please contact Dedrone in the event of damaged goods.

• 1x RF-310
• 1x RF pole mount (preassembled)
• 4x Strap
• 1x Outdoor ethernet cable, 32 ft (10 m)
• 1x Bag with 5 parts for outdoor housing, prewired RJ45 cordset, and quick manual
• 1x Installation manual
• 1x Safety information
• 1x Product registration document

The original packing carton is the safest container for transport and must be used if returning the unit for service.

Select the Mounting Place

Mounting Location

The position of the RF-310 significantly impacts its detection range. The RF-310 is intended for installation on top of a pole with a diameter from 1.5" (38 mm). Detection is a prerequisite for direction finding.

Detection Conditions

For ideal results, the location should fulfill the following conditions:

• Clear view over the area.
• Exposed, elevated position: 10 ft (3 m) minimum, 33 ft (10 m) recommended.

Do not install the device near the following objects:

• Metal surfaces or coated glass: Disturbs detection and prevents localization.
• Walls: Shade the detection area and prevent classification of signals behind them.
• Base stations and other strong signal sources: Detected signals can be interfered with.
• Excessive heat sources.
• Overhead power lines, power circuits, high-voltage lines, or electrical lights: Electrical discharge can damage the device.

Select a secure installation location and mounting position where the device cannot be interfered with, either intentionally or accidentally.

Note: Properties of each RF-310 are needed for correct configuration and service. Record the Serial Number, GPS position (longitude and latitude), and Horizontal angle in the appendix table.

Direction Finding and Localization Conditions

For accurate localization, follow these guidelines in addition to the Detection Conditions. Position is determined by the intersection of at least two bearings. Minimum two RF-310 sensors are required for localization, but at least three are recommended to reduce localization errors. For best results, all RF-310 sensors should be installed at the same height.

Sensor Placement Scenarios:

• Good Localization: A drone is localized by the intersection of bearings from at least two sensors.
• No Localization (Aligned Sensors): Localization is not possible if two RF-310s are aligned, creating a blind area for both sensors.
• Indeterminate Position (Left Alignment): If both RF-310s detect a direction aligned to the left, the overlapping area covers the bearing of the other RF-310, making the position indeterminate.
• Indeterminate Position (Right Alignment): If both RF-310s detect a direction aligned to the right, the overlapping area covers the bearing of the other RF-310, making the position indeterminate.
• No Exact Position (Opposing Bearings): If both RF-310s detect a direction against each other, no exact position can be determined.
• Accurate Localization (Three Sensors): With three RF-310s, there is no blind area, and the third sensor can verify the area of intersection.

Distances between RF-310s

The distance between RF-310 sensors should typically be between 650 ft to 3,200 ft (200 m to 1,000 m). For optimal results, Dedrone recommends a distance of 1,650 ft to 2,600 ft (500 m to 800 m). Increasing the distance between sensors enhances accuracy at further distances. Localization accuracy increases as the drone gets closer to the sensors. For installations with sensor distances exceeding 3,200 ft (1,000 m), special sensor configuration in the DedroneTracker user interface is necessary; contact Dedrone Support.

Mounting Location

Mounting Surface

Ensure the selected mounting surface can support the combined weight of the RF-310 (12.4 lb / 5.6 kg) and the pole under all expected conditions of load, vibration, and temperature.

Mounting Orientation

Vertical alignment of the device is important for good results. Do not tilt the device.

Installation

Overvoltage Protection

For safe mounting in exposed positions, overvoltage protection must be observed. Ensure the mast is connected to the building's lightning conductor and has metallic contact with the mast mount. The lightning conductor must be installed at least 1.5 m above the RF-310. Ensure appropriate clearance from power and lightning conductors according to relevant electrical codes (NEC725, NEC800, CEC Rule 16-224, CEC Section 60, Section 810, ANSI/NFPA No.70).

Power Supply

The RF-310 does not require an additional power supply connection. Power is supplied by the connected switch with active PoE IEEE 802.3bt (60 W). Ensure your network has active PoE+ (802.3bt) enabled. Data transfer is only possible with a suitable PoE switch.

Required Tools

• Socket wrench: 7 mm (9/32")
• Screwdriver Torx TX20
• Crimping tool (for weather-resistant connection)
• Ladder or lift truck (depending on mounting location)
• For wall mount: Drilling machine, screwdriver, suitable screws, and washers
• Recommendation: GPS device

Cable Requirements

Cable Preparation

For a weather-resistant connection, crimp the supplied environmentally sealed Ethernet connector to the patch cable.

1. Cut the RJ45 plug off the laid cable. Keep the cut-off plug for wiring standard verification.
2. Unscrew the gland from the connector body.
3. Thread the gland nut and connector body onto the cable.
4. Carefully remove the cable jacket, avoiding damage to the braid and foil. Fold back the braid and foil over the cable jacket. Note: 25 mm (1") of free conductors are needed.
5. Unravel the conductors, sort them according to the required wiring standard (568-A or 568-B), and push them all the way into the plug. The required wiring standard can be checked on the previous cut-off RJ45 plug.
6. Crimp the RJ45 plug with the crimping tool.
7. Push down the latching clip of the plug and press the connector body fully over the RJ45 plug.
8. Place the gland nut over the connector body and screw it down.

Mount sensor

The RF-310 can be mounted on poles from 1.5" (38 mm) thick or on walls. Mounting procedures vary based on pole thickness and wall mounting.

Mount sensor on a thin pole (1.5" to 3")

Requirements:

• Mounting place fulfills requirements (see Section 5).
• Pole diameter: 1.5" to 3" (38 mm to 75 mm).

Procedure:

1. Unscrew the six lower screws (TX20) on both sides and unhook the sensor from the mount.
2. Lay a strap around the pole and close it to a loose ring. Place the strap in the slash under the screw and tighten with a 7 mm (9/32") socket wrench. The strap-ring should hang loosely on the pole.
3. Hook the T-lash of the mount into the strap.
4. Alignment: Accurate sensor alignment is crucial for direction finding. Configuration of GPS position and horizontal angle is most critical. Divergence can occur if alignment is inaccurate.
5. Align by Landmark: Choose a prominent, visible landmark (e.g., building corner). Look over the pole and RF-310, aligning the sensor to the landmark. This sets the correct orientation for the DedroneTracker UI sitemap.
6. Align with GPS/Compass: Place a GPS device or compass on the RF-310 to check orientation. Read the GPS position in degrees (e.g., "52.516295", "13.377653") and find the horizontal angle (azimuth: 0=north, 90=east, 180=south, 270=west). Note these values in the appendix table.
7. Tighten the strap to fix the mount.
8. Lay a second strap around the pole below the sensor and close it to a loose ring, tightening with the 7 mm socket wrench. The strap-ring should hang loosely.
9. Hook the strap into the lower T-lash and tighten accordingly.
10. Hook the sensor into the lower position of the mount and fix it with the six screws in the lower position.
11. Ensure the pole is grounded (see Section 5.3 Overvoltage Protection).
12. Connect the patch cable to the RF-310 and turn the connector gland until locked (refer to Cable Preparation).
13. Status Check: If the patch cable is connected and the RF-310 boots automatically (blue button illuminates within ~10 seconds), the hardware is ready. If it does not boot automatically after ~15 seconds, briefly press the blue button and wait for it to illuminate. Ensure active PoE+ (802.3bt) is activated in your network.

Mount sensor on a thick pole (from 3")

Requirements:

• Mounting place fulfills requirements (see Section 5).
• Pole diameter: 3" (75 mm) and thicker.

Procedure:

1. Unscrew the six lower screws (TX20) on both sides and unhook the sensor from the mount.
2. Hold the mount to the pole and bend the inner lashes to it, so they lie flat on it.
3. Run straps through both slashes of the mount and around the pole. Do not tighten straps too much to allow alignment.
4. Alignment: Accurate sensor alignment is crucial for direction finding. Configuration of GPS position and horizontal angle is most critical. Divergence can occur if alignment is inaccurate.
5. Align by Landmark: Choose a prominent, visible landmark (e.g., building corner). Look over the pole and RF-310, aligning the sensor to the landmark. This sets the correct orientation for the DedroneTracker UI sitemap.
6. Align with GPS/Compass: Place a GPS device or compass on the RF-310 to check orientation. Read the GPS position in degrees (e.g., "52.516295", "13.377653") and find the horizontal angle (azimuth: 0=north, 90=east, 180=south, 270=west). Note these values in the appendix table.
7. Tighten the strap accordingly to fix it to the mount.
8. Hook the sensor in the higher position of the mount and fix it with the six screws in the lower position.
9. Ensure the pole is grounded (see Section 5.3 Overvoltage Protection).
10. Connect the patch cable to the RF-310 and turn the connector gland until locked (refer to Cable Preparation).
11. Status Check: If the patch cable is connected and the RF-310 boots automatically (blue button illuminates within ~10 seconds), the hardware is ready. If it does not boot automatically after ~15 seconds, briefly press the blue button and wait for it to illuminate. Ensure active PoE+ (802.3bt) is activated in your network.

Mount sensor on a wall

Additionally required tools and mounting material (not included):

• Drilling machine
• Screwdriver
• GPS device
• 4 screws (suitable for support surface and sensor weight, min. 6 mm diameter)
• 4 washers (suitable for screws, min. 18 mm outer diameter)
• 4 screw anchors (if necessary, suitable for support surface and screws)

Precondition: Desired mounting place fulfills requirements (see Section 5).

Procedure:

1. Align the sensor with the mount horizontally on the wall and mark the position of the 4 drill holes. Ensure the antenna cover extends over the wall; otherwise, the sensor will be shielded by the wall.
2. Set the sensor aside and drill the marked holes.
3. Secure the sensor horizontally using screws and washers.
4. Alignment: Accurate sensor alignment is crucial for direction finding. Configuration of GPS position and horizontal angle is most critical. Divergence can occur if alignment is inaccurate.
5. Align with GPS/Compass: Place a GPS device or compass on the RF-310 to check orientation. Read the GPS position in degrees (e.g., "52.516295", "13.377653") and find the horizontal angle (azimuth: 0=north, 90=east, 180=south, 270=west). Note these values in the appendix table.
6. Connect the patch cable to the RF-310 and turn the connector gland until locked (refer to Cable Preparation).
7. Status Check: If the patch cable is connected and the RF-310 boots automatically (blue button illuminates within ~1 second), the hardware is ready. If it does not boot automatically after ~1 second, briefly press the blue button and wait for it to illuminate. Ensure active PoE+ (802.3bt) is activated in your network.

Integrate the RF-310 in your DedroneTracker

The integration procedure of the RF-310 in your DedroneTracker depends on the system type:

• On-premises installations using your local DedroneTracker Server (see Section 7.1).
• Dedrone Cloud installations connect directly to the Dedrone Cloud (see Section 7.2).

Integrate the RF-310 in your on-prem DedroneTracker Server

To connect, DHCP services are required to assign an IP address to the RF-310. If the RF-310 and DedroneTracker Server are on the same Layer2 network, they can be connected directly. For different networks, refer to the Dedrone Planning Manual or consult your network administrator.

Requirements:

• RF-310 is installed.
• Power supply is working and the blue LED on the RF-310 is illuminated.
• RF-310 is connected to the network.
• The IP address of the DedroneTracker Server is known.

Procedure:

1. Start your web browser and enter the address of your DedroneTracker Server (Dedrone recommends Chrome or Firefox for optimal use).
2. Log in to the DedroneTracker UI as an administrator or configurator (default credentials: User: admin, Password: dedrone).
3. Choose OPTIONS > Site Configuration.
4. Choose [Add device] > Discover devices. The Discovered Sensors window appears.
5. Select the desired RF-310 and choose [OK].
6. The RF-310 appears in the Site Explorer. Drag and drop it to the desired position.
7. Choose [Save changes]. The Site Configuration window closes.
8. Choose OPTIONS > Map Editor and select the RF-310.
9. Alignment: Accurate sensor alignment and configuration in DedroneTracker are prerequisites for good direction finding. If aligned via a landmark, drag the sensor symbol to the installed position and move the arrow to the landmark. If aligned via GPS, enter Latitude, Longitude, and Azimuth values on the map.
10. To lock settings, choose the option Lock settings.
11. Choose [Save changes]. The Map Editor closes.

For further information, consult the "First Steps" chapter of the integrated online help in the DedroneTracker UI.

Connect and Configure the RF-310 to your Dedrone Cloud

Requirements:

• RF-310 is installed.
• Power supply is working and the blue LED at the RF-310 illuminates.
• RF-310 is connected to the Dedrone Cloud.
• The address of your Dedrone Cloud access is known (provided by Dedrone).
• The registration key of the sensor is available (provided by Dedrone).

Procedure:

1. Start your web browser and enter the address of your Dedrone Cloud (Dedrone recommends Chrome or Firefox for optimal performance).
2. Log in to the DedroneTracker UI as an administrator or configurator.
3. Choose OPTIONS > Site Configuration.
4. Choose [Add device] > Register device. The Register device window appears.
5. Enter the registration key of your sensor and choose [OK].
6. The RF-310 appears in the Site Explorer. Drag and drop it to the desired position. The RF-310 is placed automatically on the map via GPS but needs alignment.
7. Choose OPTIONS > Map Editor and select the RF-310.
8. Alignment: Accurate sensor alignment and configuration in DedroneTracker are prerequisites for good direction finding. If aligned via a landmark, move the arrow to the chosen landmark. If aligned via GPS, enter the azimuth value in the Azimuth field.
9. To lock settings, choose the option Lock settings.
10. Choose [Save changes]. The Map Editor closes.

Cleaning

NOTICE: Wrong cleaner damages the housing. Never use glass cleaner or other solvents. Use solvent-free cleaner for the RF-310.

Decommissioning

Shut down the RF-310

NOTICE: RF-310 breaks. Disconnecting the power supply without shutting down the RF-310 can cause damage. Always shut down the RF-310 before disconnecting the cable.

You can shut down the RF-310 via the DedroneTracker user interface or directly on the sensor.

Shut down via DedroneTracker user interface:

1. Log in to the DedroneTracker user interface.
2. Choose OPTIONS > Site Configuration.
3. Right-click on the desired RF-310.
4. Choose System > Shutdown device.

Shut down directly at the RF-310:

Briefly press the activation button at the RF-310. The RF-310 shuts down and the blue light goes out.

Dismantling

WARNING: Hot surface due to permanent sunlight. The surface of the RF-310 may become hot from permanent strong sunlight. Wear safety gloves when dismantling the device.

Disposal

[♻️] Disposal: Dispose of the RF-310 at the end of its service life in accordance with local electronic waste disposal regulations. Alternatively, send it back to Dedrone Holdings, Inc. with shipping paid by sender, labeled "ZUR ENTSORGUNG" ("FOR DISPOSAL").

Technical Data

¹ Pole not included.

² No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust tight). Water projected by a nozzle (6.3 mm) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.

Appendix