Here, you’ll be informed on the best path for your nested drone deployment, integrating critical power and network infrastructure, and addressing all necessary coordination and permitting requirements for seamless operation with AlphaSight.

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Establishing an autonomous hub

This guide covers the physical setup, connectivity, optional enhancements, and crucial regulatory steps needed for

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Site assessment & preparation

Before any hardware arrives, thorough site planning is paramount.

  • Location selection
    • Clear Airspace: Unobstructed flight path for drone takeoff/landing and mission areas.
    • Line of Sight: Optimal signal strength to command & control station (AlphaSight).
    • Accessibility: Ease of access for maintenance and security.
    • Environmental Factors: Protection from extreme weather, strong winds, and potential flooding.
  • Civil & infrastructure work
    • Foundation: A reinforced concrete pad (min. 150mm thickness recommended) that is level, stable, and appropriately sized for the specific Dock model. Ensure proper drainage away from the pad.
    • Conduit & Trenching: Installation of sealed, underground conduits for power and network cables from the main utility points to the Dock location, protecting against environmental damage and tampering.
    • Security: Installation of physical security measures around the Dock through electric fences. We’ve seen how this reduces vandalism.
  • Power Requirements:
    • Dedicated Circuit: A stable, dedicated AC power supply (e.g., 220-240V AC, 50/60Hz, with sufficient amperage at 15A or 20A).
    • Surge Protection: Installation of industrial-grade surge protectors and Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) for equipment protection.
    • Grounding: Proper electrical grounding as per local safety codes to prevent electrical hazards and interference.
  • Network Requirements:
    • Primary Connectivity: A stable, high-bandwidth Ethernet connection (min. 100 Mbps recommended) as the primary backhaul for data transmission and command & control. Fiber optic is highly recommended for long distances or high interference environments.
    • IP Addressing: Dedicated static IP addresses or reliable DHCP for the Dock and any integrated devices.
    • Cellular Backup: Consideration for a robust 4G/5G cellular modem for failover connectivity, ensuring continuous operation even if primary wired network fails.

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Hardware installation & connectivity

Our on-site teams will coordinate and execute the physical setup.

  • DJI Dock Installation:

    • Physical Mounting: Securely bolt the specific DJI Dock (1, 2, or 3) to the prepared concrete foundation, ensuring precise leveling for optimal drone landing.
    • Power Connection: Connect the dedicated power supply to the Dock’s input terminal.
    • Primary Network Connection: Route the primary Ethernet cable through the conduit and connect it to the Dock’s network port.

    Optional Infrastructure Integration:

    • Starlink Integration:
      • Mounting: Securely mount the Starlink dish in a location with clear sky view, ideally near the Dock.
      • Power & Network Passthrough: Connect the Starlink router’s Ethernet output to an auxiliary port on the Dock’s network switch or directly to a dedicated port on the client’s network equipment, providing robust satellite internet backhaul, especially for remote regions.
    • CCTV Integration (e.g., Hikvision):
      • Placement & Power: Strategically position and power IP CCTV cameras (often PoE) to cover the Dock area or other critical zones.
      • Network Connection: Integrate cameras into the client’s network, ensuring AlphaSight can access their streams via RTSP or WebRTC for unified situational awareness.
      • Aiming & Calibration: Precisely aim cameras to optimize coverage and calibrate their feeds within the AlphaSight platform.
    • Redundant Ethernet Backhaul: Deploy a secondary, separate Ethernet connection to the Dock for network redundancy, enhancing operational resilience.

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System configuration & testing

Post-physical setup, our team configures and validates the entire system.

  • Initial Power-Up & Firmware: Power on the Dock, perform initial setup, and ensure all Dock and drone firmware are updated to the latest stable versions.
  • Network & Connectivity Configuration: Configure network settings within the Dock and ensure successful communication with the AlphaSight cloud platform or on-premises server.
  • Platform Integration: Link the specific Dock unit to your AlphaSight account, allowing for remote management and mission deployment.
  • End-to-End Connectivity Test: Validate secure and stable data flow from the Dock (including drone telemetry, images, and video) and any integrated CCTV systems to the AlphaSight platform.
  • Drone Calibration & Initial Launch: Conduct necessary drone calibrations (e.g., compass, IMU), followed by controlled test flights from the Dock to confirm autonomous operations, precision landing, and data capture integrity.

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Coordination & regulatory permitting

Critical administrative steps for compliant operation.

Client Coordination:

  • IT Department: Collaborate for network access, IP allocation, firewall rules, and security policies.
  • Facilities/Electrical Teams: Coordinate for civil works, power supply, and conduit installation.
  • Security Teams: Align on physical security of the Dock and integration of security protocols.

Regulatory Permits & Approvals

Navigating airspaces

Learn more about SORA permits for BVLOS operations