DFR Remote ID Frequency Choice — White Paper (Web)

Executive Summary

DFR programs depend on fast, reliable situational awareness. The frequency used to broadcast Remote ID (RID) is a foundational choice. Selecting platforms that transmit RID on 2.4 GHz—instead of 5.8 GHz—maximizes range, penetration, and interoperability with the broader ecosystem of RID receivers. Using 5.8 GHz-only RID can reduce visibility or even render aircraft invisible to many receivers in the field, increasing the risk of airspace conflicts during emergency response^[1][2][3][4]. In addition, reliance on 5.8 GHz-only RID introduces a significantly higher liability risk if an incident occurs and detection limitations are found to be a contributing factor.

Why Remote ID Matters for DFR

Remote ID is the digital “license plate” of drones. In a DFR program, reliable visibility is vital for:

Situational awareness — operators and nearby pilots can detect and deconflict quickly.
Safety & compliance — meeting regulatory requirements while modeling best practices.
Community trust — transparent operations that are accountable and auditable.

2.4 GHz vs. 5.8 GHz for Remote ID

Figure 1. 2.4 GHz provides broader effective range/coverage than 5.8 GHz under similar conditions.

References: [1] Come‑Star; [2] RouteThis; [3] DroneBlog; [4] AutelPilot

Receiver Visibility

Figure 2. Many RID receivers do not scan 5.8 GHz, so 5.8‑only RID drones may be invisible.

References: [1] Come‑Star; [2] RouteThis; [3] DroneBlog; [4] AutelPilot

Liability Considerations

Choosing platforms that transmit Remote ID only on 5.8 GHz not only reduces operational visibility but also increases the risk of liability for agencies and operators. In the event of an incident or airspace conflict, the inability of other operators, law enforcement, or regulators to detect a 5.8‑only RID transmission could be cited as a contributing factor. By adopting 2.4 GHz RID‑compliant platforms, organizations demonstrate due diligence in maximizing safety and minimizing legal exposure.

Real‑World Drone Frequency Usage (Condensed View)

Takeaway: The overwhelming majority of professional drones broadcast RID on 2.4 GHz. A small minority use 5.8 GHz‑only—notably DJI Avata (1st gen), Skydio 2+, and Skydio X10E SR47P.

Drone Make & Model	2.4 GHz RID	5.8 GHz RID
DJI Mavic 3 / 3 Pro / 3 Classic	Yes	No
DJI M30 / M30T / M350 RTK	Yes	No
DJI Inspire 3	Yes	No
DJI Air 2S / Air 3 / Air 3S	Yes	No
DJI Phantom 4 Pro / RTK	Yes	No
DJI Agras T30 / T40	Yes	No
Autel EVO II (all versions)	Yes	No
Autel EVO Max / Nano / Lite	Yes	No
Brinc Lemur 2 Pro / Responder	Yes	No
Parrot Anafi USA	Yes	No
Freefly Systems Astro	Yes	No
Percepto AirMax	Yes	No
WingtraOne Gen II	Yes	No
DJI Avata (1st gen)	No	Yes
Skydio 2+	No	Yes
Skydio X10E SR47P	No	Yes

⚠️ Disclaimer: Frequency information was determined via field testing with a UAS Sentry Remote ID receiver. It may not reflect current or future firmware/hardware. Always confirm with the manufacturer before procurement or operations.

Appendix A: Full Drone Frequency Test Results

Drone Make & Model	2.4 GHz RID	5.8 GHz RID
Anzu Robotics Raptor	Yes	No
Autel Alpha	Yes	No
Autel EVO II	Yes	No
Autel Evo II V3	Yes	No
Autel EVO Lit	Yes	No
Autel EVO Lite	Yes	No
Autel EVO Max	Yes	No
Autel Nano	Yes	No
Brinc Lemur 2 Pro	Yes	No
Brinc Responder	Yes	No
DJI 4MT	Yes	No
DJI Agras T30	Yes	No
DJI Agras T40	Yes	No
DJI Air 2S	Yes	No
DJI Air 3	Yes	No
DJI Air 3S	Yes	No
DJI Avata	No	Yes
DJI Avata 2	Yes	No
DJI FPV	Yes	No
DJI Inspire 3	Yes	No
DJI M30	Yes	No
DJI M300 RTK	Yes	No
DJI M30T	Yes	No
DJI M350 RTK	Yes	No
DJI M3D	Yes	No
DJI M3E	Yes	No
DJI M3M	Yes	No
DJI M3T	Yes	No
DJI M3TD	Yes	No
DJI M4TD	Yes	No
DJI Matrice 4E	Yes	No
DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced	Yes	No
DJI Mavic 2 Pro	Yes	No
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom	Yes	No
DJI Mavic 3	Yes	No
DJI Mavic 3 Cine	Yes	No
DJI Mavic 3 Classic	Yes	No
DJI Mavic 3 Pro	Yes	No
DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine	Yes	No
DJI Mavic 4 Pro	Yes	No
DJI Mavic Air 2	Yes	No
DJI Mini 3	Yes	No
DJI Mini 3 Pro	Yes	No
DJI Mini 4 Pro	Yes	No
DJI Phantom 4 Pro	Yes	No
DJI Phantom 4 RTK	Yes	No
Flytrex FTX-M600P	Yes	No
Fotokite Sigma	Yes	No
Freefly Systems Astro	Yes	No
Parrot ANAFI USA	Yes	No
Percepto AirMax	Yes	No
Skydio 2+	No	Yes
Skydio X10E SR47P	No	Yes
Specta Air	Yes	No
SwellPro A-Rid	Yes	No
Wingtra WingtraOne Gen II	Yes	No

⚠️ Disclaimer: Frequency information was determined via field testing with a UAS Sentry Remote ID receiver. It may not reflect current or future firmware/hardware capabilities. Verify with the manufacturer before procurement or operational use.

References

[1] Come‑Star. “2.4GHz vs 5.8GHz.”
[2] RouteThis. “2.4GHz vs 5.8GHz vs 5GHz frequencies — what’s the difference?”
[3] DroneBlog. “2.4 GHz vs 5.8 GHz.”
[4] AutelPilot. “Drone image transmission signal selection.”

About UAS Sentry LLC

UAS Sentry LLC designs and manufactures advanced drone detection and Remote ID monitoring solutions for public safety, critical infrastructure, and enterprise applications. Our field‑proven technology supports law enforcement, corrections, and emergency response operations nationwide.

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