DroneScout Bridge Review: A Pocket-Sized Drone Detector

Since early 2024, Remote ID activation has been mandatory for many drones. This system broadcasts data such as the operator’s registration number and the drone’s position. In theory, this information can be received by anyone with a smartphone, but most smartphones lack the ability to interpret Remote ID signals. The DroneScout Bridge offers a solution: when paired with an app, this small device acts as a mini drone detector.

What is Remote ID?

Remote ID is a technology that enables the identification of drones during flight. It transmits details such as the drone’s location, the pilot’s position, and a unique identification number. This allows authorities to trace a drone’s origin. In the future, Remote ID may also serve as a tool to prevent collisions between drones and other aircraft.

Since early 2024, drone pilots in the Open category flying C1-, C2-, or C3-class drones are required to enable Remote ID. This requirement also applies to pilots in the Specific category. Many drones natively support Remote ID transmission. For those without this capability, add-ons like the DroneBeacon can provide the necessary functionality.

Receiving Remote ID

In theory, anyone can capture Remote ID signals from nearby drones using a smartphone. Free apps like OpenDroneID (Android) and Drone Scanner (iOS and Android) display information such as the drone operator’s ID, the take-off location, the current position, and the flight path. It works similarly to platforms like FlightRadar24.

The goal is to make these signals accessible not just to authorities, but also to individuals and businesses. This can increase transparency and public acceptance of drone flights while also enhancing safety.

DroneScout Bridge: Wireless Relay

In practice, Remote ID apps often fail to function correctly because most smartphones – both iOS and Android – do not support the WLAN Beacon signals used for Remote ID. As a result, drones transmitting these signals remain invisible to apps, defeating their intended purpose.

Dutch company BlueMark Innovations solves this problem with the DroneScout Bridge. This compact device captures Remote ID signals and relays them via a Bluetooth protocol to smartphones. Paired with a Remote ID app, the DroneScout Bridge effectively functions as a mini drone detector. Beyond this relay functionality, the device can also be used as a Remote ID receiver for other systems.

Hands-On Review

For this review, the DroneScout Bridge ds101 (€69 excl. VAT) with a built-in antenna was tested. (A version with an external antenna, the ds100, is also available.) The module consists of a small circuit board with a USB-C port, a button, and an antenna module. Setup is remarkably simple: connect the device to a USB power source, and a blue LED lights up to indicate it’s operational.

Using the DroneScout Bridge, my DJI Mavic 3 Pro, previously invisible in the Drone Scanner app on my iPhone 14, became immediately detectable. The app displayed detailed information, including the drone’s altitude, location, make, model, serial number, operator position, and Operator ID (registration number). It also mapped the drone’s flight path. During testing, Remote ID signals were reliably received up to several hundred meters away.

Applications

The DroneScout Bridge has several practical uses:
1. As a mini drone detector: Ideal for individuals or businesses looking for an affordable, portable detection solution. Pair the Bridge with a smartphone app to monitor nearby drones and display their locations on a map.
2. For law enforcement: Authorities can use the Bridge as a low-cost tool to identify drone operators and their locations.
3. As a Remote ID signal tester: Useful for verifying that a drone or Remote ID add-on transmits accurate data, especially for operators in the Specific category.
4. To enhance flight safety: Operators can use the Bridge to detect nearby drones and adjust their operations to prevent conflicts.

Limitations

The DroneScout Bridge does not detect all drones. Legacy drones (those released before 2024) and models under 250 grams (e.g., C0-class drones) are not required to transmit Remote ID signals and will remain undetectable. Additionally, the current version only supports 2.4 GHz signals, leaving drones using 5 GHz (e.g., some Skydio and DJI models) out of reach. However, BlueMark plans to release a dual-band version in early 2025.

Detection range is another limitation, particularly for the ds101 with its internal antenna. Under ideal conditions, signals can be detected up to approximately 800 meters, but obstacles such as trees or buildings can significantly reduce this range.

Conclusion

The DroneScout Bridge is an innovative and user-friendly tool for gaining insights into local drone activity. Its ability to bridge the gap where standard smartphones fail makes it an excellent choice for hobbyists, professionals, and authorities alike. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of 5 GHz support and limited range, the planned dual-band version promises to address these issues.

For now, the DroneScout Bridge provides a reliable, affordable, and portable way to detect nearby drones and monitor their activity.