DroneBeacon ext power
Remote ID transponder

The DroneBeacon db121 is a so-called direct or broadcast Remote ID long-range transponder, equipped with its own GPS receiver and needs to be powered by the drone. A transponder is also called add-on, tracker, tag or (wireless) number plate.  The db121 has two flavors: a transponder with enclosure or a PCB only. It is compliant with the (upcoming) standards in the EU and USA. The FAA has approved the db121/db121pcb for usage in the USA. Furthermore, the transponder is optimized for long range due to its transmit power and antenna design. It also supports all transmission protocols for maximum flexibility.

 

DroneBeacon db121 can be attached to a drone by using the included M3 dual-lock stickers or use the M5 screw noses. On the other hand the db121pcb has 4x M2 holes. There is a status LED to show the status. The transponder can be configured easy using any device, by pressing the configuration button and connect to the dronebeacon Access Point.

 

Users (in the USA) need to register their drone at the FAA website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone  In the EU you need to enter the operator ID in the configuration settings.

video upgrade firmware

video configure operatorID

June 2024: see this product notification. We advise all users to upgrade to the latest firmware in order to be fully compliant.

If you need a transponder with battery, the db120 is a better choice. If you want to use an external GPS receiver, the db122fpv will be a better fit.

Applications for the DroneBeacon Remote ID transponder

The db121/db121pcb transponder is the perfect Remote ID add-on for drones that fly within visual line of sight (VLOS).  Do you need a transponder with battery?  The DroneBeacon db120 will be a better choice. For customers that also want to use an external GPS, the db122fpv is a better fit. Do you want to integrate the transponder with your drone? The DroneBeacon db201 MAVLink will be a better choice.
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Specifications db121

FAA approval

RID000000088

NDAA compliant

components are not on the NDAA blacklist

Short-range radio

Bluetooth and WiFi 2.4GHz, output power (ERP): + 20 dBm (100 mW)

Positioning

GPS, GLONASS, 2.5m positioning precision

Antennas

0 dBi WLAN/BLE antenna (internal omni-directional high-performance PCB antenna)

0 dBi GLS antenna

Power

2-pin JST-GH 1.25mm connector 5 – 14 V

LED lights

status, configuration mode

Enclosure

plastic (nylon)

Fastening mechanism

3M dual-lock or M5 screws using the screw noses

IP rating

IP43

Operating temperature

-5°C to +40°C

Dimensions

36 x 38 x 28 mm. With screw nodes the dimensions are 36 x 55 x 28 mm

Weight

11 grams

Specifications db121pcb

FAA approval

RID000000089

NDAA compliant

components are not on the NDAA blacklist

Short-range radio

Bluetooth and WiFi 2.4GHz, output power (ERP): + 20 dBm (100 mW)

Positioning

GPS, GLONASS, 2.5m positioning precision

Antennas

3 dBi WLAN/BLE antenna (IPEX connector)

0 dBi GPS antenna (IPEX connector)

Power

2-pin JST-GH 1.25mm connector 5 – 14 V

auxiliary unpopulated 2.54mm 2-pin header 5 – 14 V

LED lights

status, configuration mode

Fastening mechanism

4x M2 screws

Operating temperature

-5°C to +40°C

Dimensions

33 x 35 x 5 mm

Weight

5 grams (including antennas)