DJI AeroScope Mobile Vs DJI AeroScope G8 Portable

• A comparison between the DJI AeroScope G8 Portable and the now end-of-line AeroScope Mobile drone defence systems; 

• G8 Portable has expanded capabilities over the AeroScope Mobile;

• Advantages of G8 Portable include custom geofencing, large detection radius, remote monitoring/alerts, dedicated alarm app via API, and advanced analytics.

• Integrate the G8 with other sensors for a layered drone defence solution. heliguy™ can advise and supply on alternative mitigation technologies;

• G8 Portable ideal for rapid deployment, temporary use-cases and for trialing the technology for proof of concept. The G8 can also be used as a static, fixed solution;

• Drone defence specialist heliguy™ is DJI's exclusive global AeroScope partner and offers consultancy, site visits, installation, and long-term technical support through in-house AeroScope engineers and account managers.  

Portable drone detection solutions are perfect for rapid deployment, temporary use-cases, emergency situations and trialing a specific counter-uas technology.

The industry-leading DJI AeroScope radio frequency detector has traditionally had two primary portable options available: An in-the-box system - known as AeroScope Mobile - and a tripod-mounted G8.

However, the Mobile version has recently become end-of-line and remaining units are in scant supply globally. This unit can be rented from heliguy™ for rapid surge support. 

This leaves the G8 as the principal portable AeroScope solution (the larger G16 can also be deployed as a mobile option, but heliguy™ advises the G8 for portable deployments). But as this blog will explain, the G8 offers a more substantial and complete drone defence system compared to the original Mobile unit.

This expanded capacity includes a longer detection range as standard, deeper analytics, tailored geofencing; remote monitoring and alert notifications; and the ability to integrate with other systems to build a more robust defence strategy. 

This article will explain the key differences between the two systems and why the G8 is an effective portable drone defence solution.  

AeroScope Mobile Vs AeroScope G8 Portable - At A Glance

Before we go into the systems in more detail, the below table provides a quick overview of the two drone defence solutions.

Design 

The AeroScope Mobile and AeroScope G8 Portable are very different in their design.

The AeroScope Mobile is enclosed in a single carrying case.

Ideal for super-quick deployment, this all-in-one solution features a DJI CrystalSky monitor displaying the AeroScope detection screen.

It also has two passive antennas, as well as two active ones.

Due to its design, the Mobile unit is weather-restricted.

The G8 takes on a different configuration. Still a quickly-deployable solution, the Portable version is tripod-mounted, featuring a stationary unit and a four-panel antenna array. This is connected via a backend server, which can be located on or off premises. More on this later. 

The G8 Portable's outdoor, all-weather industrial-level design makes it a more robust option than the in-the-case Mobile unit. Indeed, the G8 Portable is IP65-rated, making it waterproof, dustproof and lightning protected. 

Performance, Including Detection Range

Both the Mobile unit and G8 Portable are reliable drone defence solutions, picking up 100% of DJI drones within their reach.

AeroScope Mobile has a 5km range, although this can be extended to 30km by swapping the standard antennas with high-gain ones. In comparison, the G8 has a 30km reach as standard. 

Both offer 365°, autonomous drone detection and provide users with real-time telemetry data of the drone, such as height, speed, Remote ID, and home location of the aircraft and pilot (if pilot is using a GPS device).

The Mobile unit can be powered by onboard TB50 Intelligent batteries, which yield around two hours of run time. Needless to say, this can limit operational capacity, or requires additional batteries for longer monitoring time. The Mobile unit can also be connected to an available power source.

The G8 requires mains power, with no capacity for batteries. This essentially provides an unlimited run time, but can be hindered if no such power supply is available.  

Monitoring

The G8 Portable has some major advantages over the AeroScope Mobile when it comes to monitoring drones in your airspace.

The G8 enables remote monitoring, meaning that it does not need to be manned.

The system can be accessed remotely via a smart device or computer and it has the ability to push out real-time notifications via email. This remote monitoring/notification means that the G8 can continuously look out for drones, while security personnel can be away from the unit and only need to react when there is a live and developing situation.

As an added bonus, a dedicated alarming app can be set up for the G8 using API - further empowering remote monitoring and alarm proliferation.

The G8 also enables teams to establish specific monitoring rules through its Advanced Monitoring functionality - which is not available with the Mobile unit.

These customisable tools include tailored geofencing, triggering an alarm when a drone breaches a predefined area or altitude. This geofenced area can be drawn by the user to really customise the parameters. Specific time and date monitoring can also be set up.

On top of this, G8 monitoring data can be integrated with users' existing security systems to efficiently provide an integrated monitoring system.

In contrast, the Mobile unit does not facilitate remote notifications/monitoring. Instead, it has to be manned, meaning that personnel need to actively watch the screen to monitor the situation and wait for an alert.

Analytics

The G8 Portable is a powerful tool for gaining deep analytics. 

For instance, it can be used to generate statistical reports for specific time periods showing details such as number of flights detected, the average flight altitude and average flight time.

Heat maps displaying the detection frequency and location distribution in the AeroScope's range can be viewed...

...while flight logs can be viewed on server or exported, and replays of specific flights can also be conducted - ideal for using as evidence to prosecute offenders.

These deep analytical tools help build a picture of your airspace: Useful for detecting patterns or areas of behaviour. This information can be used to shape and strengthen defence strategies, allowing security teams to target hotspots or conduct gap analysis.  

The AeroScope Mobile is significantly limited in this department, only providing on-device flight replays and flight logs.

Cloud Access And Server Options

The AeroScope Mobile is an offline solution.

The G8 Portable requires a server (off-site or on-site) and network connectivity.

G8 deployment includes:

• Public cloud

• Private server

• The AeroScope G8 can be connected via Ethernet or via 3G/4G wireless network.

This does mean that the Mobile unit is a simplified deployment option, by the fact that it bypasses the server/network combination.

But the server/network requirement does add to the power of the AeroScope G8 system, enabling its remote monitoring capabilities. 

For assets such as yachts, the G8 data can be stored on a data secure, on-premise internal server, accessed via any device using the onboard WiFi, with no external network required.   

Versatility 

The AeroScope Mobile and G8 Portable are highly versatile: Their portability ensures they can be deployed in a variety of locations and for a range of use cases. 

However, the G8 Portable takes versatility to another level, in that it can also be deployed as a static unit. 

This means that operators can get all the benefits of the G8, but have it as a fixed detection solution. 

Its small footprint makes the G8 - portable or static - ideal for discrete mounting at stadiums, or on the top of roofs, for example.

It can also be covered by a dome to enhance the aesthetics and further improve its weatherproofing, particularly important for superyachts.

Such versatility also makes the G8 a great option for trials and rentals. The unit can be hired from heliguy™ - giving people the chance to deploy it on demand or test it before committing to a portable solution full-time or opting for a G8 in a static format.

The ability to test the G8 on a tripod means that you can utilise a powerful drone detection solution without needing to invest in the infrastructure to fix it permanently during the trial phase. 

Layered Solution

Another advantage of the G8 Portable (and Stationary) is that it can be integrated with additional sensors or mitigation strategies in a phased approach, depending on your requirements and future drone defence strategy.

This multi-tiered layered solution is the most comprehensive form of drone defence, with complementary technologies working together, integrated via a middle-layer software with full automation, remote monitoring and alerts.

For instance, this picture shows the G8 Portable deployed with others sensors.

The AeroScope Mobile can be set up to work alongside other sensors, but integration is not possible.

heliguy™: Your DJI AeroScope Drone Defence Partner

As an industry-leading drone defence specialist, heliguy™ is DJI's exclusive global AeroScope partner, based on track record, industry experience and understanding of the system.

heliguy™ has installed and supplied DJI AeroScope to major clients, including Gatwick Airport, the MET Police, MOD, and Airbus.

heliguy™ offers on-demand, lifetime support, including training, installation plans, health checks, and replacement parts and repairs.

As well as AeroScope, heliguy™ can consult and provide other drone defence solutions to be used in isolation or as part of a layered drone defence strategy.

Summary

The tripod-mounted DJI AeroScope G8 offers the perfect blend of power, portability and price.

In what has become the leading mobile AeroScope solution - in part because of the in-box solution being discontinued - the G8 is a robust airspace protection system.

Its long detection range, coupled with remote monitoring, integrated alarming and deep analytics, presents a reliable, tailored and sophisticated piece of counter-uas technology. 

Speak to heliguy™ to discuss drone defence, including DJI AeroScope.