BlueMark Innovations DroneBeacon db154

The DroneBeacon db154 from BlueMark Innovations is a third-generation Remote ID transponder built for long endurance: its 1,300 mAh battery runs it for more than 22 hours according to the manufacturer. It works on its own with a GPS receiver and needs no data from the flight controller. At 32.5 g it is heavier than the small boards of the range and meant for aircraft that can carry such an extra load.

It transmits over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz at +20 dBm ERP, that is 100 mW. Position and altitude come from the built-in GNSS receiver. The long run time is the defining figure here: it allows the unit to be used over many flights without recharging, and it lowers the risk of a flat transmitter between flights, because the identification has to be sent for the whole flight.

An FAA declaration of conformity is named. For the EU a module must transmit to ASD-STAN EN 4709-002 and carry an EU declaration of conformity; the FAA declaration alone is not enough. Direct remote identification is mandatory on drones of classes C1, C2, C3, C5 and C6 and, in the specific category, since 01.01.2024; the module has to accept the operator registration number.

When choosing, check whether the extra mass fits the take-off weight and where the module is fixed: 32.5 g at the tail visibly shifts the centre of gravity of a small drone. The 1,300 mAh battery ages with cycles and with storage fully charged; after long storage, check the run time before the first use. The transmitter belongs on the aircraft with a clear view upwards, not under carbon fibre.