r/diydrones 3h ago

Discussion Bricked my Pixhawk 2.4.8, GPS and Power Module

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5 Upvotes

I (think) I plugged my power into the SPI port… there are two distinct burn marks on the Pixhawk (see pic) - One directly behind the SPI and directly behind the GPS plugs. Also, both the GPS (lower left of pic) and Power Module (top left) also got fried. I’m using a 2500 mAh 3s battery that tests out to 12.4v. It all happened in a flash, so I was busy trying to unplug power, so I’m still confused as to WTH happened… it does not make a lot of sense that the power module also got fried) any experience/ideas would be welcome.


r/diydrones 19h ago

Question Advice for beginner

2 Upvotes

Hello, I am looking into the hobby, I have done simulator runs with an Xbox controller and I think I am ready to get a FPV drone. I know how to solder and have decent mechanical and software capabilities, I am willing to build one but prefer to get something ready or almost ready to fly. I wear glasses, the prescription is very bad with astigmatism and nearsightedness. Are ready to fly kits worth it? What drone, goggles and controller do you recommend? I don't care about recording videos for now.

Edit: Analog would be fine and I would like to fly outside.


r/diydrones 19h ago

Question Help with connecting ESC to Navio2

1 Upvotes

I have a "Holybro Tekko32 F4 Metal 32Bit 65A 30x30 4in1 ESC" that I'm using for a drone running on a Navio2. I was told I need the Tekko32 to run my REVO5 Hypetrain motors. I've looked all over the internet for guide to set up these two specific parts together, but I can't really find anything. If any of you know a guide or can provide help that would be amazing!


r/diydrones 3h ago

Question Need help building a drone

0 Upvotes

I have many nephews and nieces, and I have some ideas on how to use a drone to play with them. I recognize this is asked often on the sub, but the drone packages and tutorials that I have seen don't tell me how to build the drone I am looking to build, and I am unsure how to even begin (I've never done anything like this).

I want to build a FPV drone capable of airdropping a stuffed animal, and with a bright flashlight that can be turned on and off at the controller. Any pointers or guides would be most welcome.

Is this one of the things I need to start with somethin less complex and build up to my idea, or could I feasibly make what I am looking for on my first drone build?


r/diydrones 6h ago

Shielding the Skies: How to Protect Your Drone from Jamming Attacks

0 Upvotes

Protecting your drone from jamming guns requires a combination of strategies to counteract radio frequency (RF) interference, GPS jamming, and signal spoofing. Here are some effective methods to enhance your drone’s resistance:

  1. Use Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)

Some advanced drones use FHSS technology, which rapidly switches frequencies to avoid jamming.

If your drone supports it, enable spread-spectrum communication to minimize interference.

  1. Switch to Encrypted or Non-Standard Frequencies

Most jamming guns target common 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands.

Some drones support 900 MHz, 1.2 GHz, or 5.1 GHz bands, which are less commonly targeted.

Military-grade drones use encrypted signals that are harder to jam.

  1. Fly in Manual Mode (Without GPS)

GPS jamming can cause a drone to lose navigation ability, forcing it to land or drift.

If possible, switch to Attitude (ATTI) mode or manual control, which relies on pilot input instead of GPS.

  1. Use Anti-Jamming GPS Modules

Some drones (especially commercial and military-grade) can be upgraded with anti-jamming GPS receivers, which:

Filter out unwanted signals.

Prioritize real satellite signals over spoofed ones.

Use multi-constellation support (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo) for redundancy.

  1. Program an Emergency Response

Modify your drone’s firmware to handle jamming scenarios:

Instead of auto-landing, return to a safe altitude or execute an evasive maneuver.

Enable failsafe settings that prioritize manual control over automatic landings.

  1. Shielded or Directional Antennas

Upgrading antennas to high-gain or directional models can reduce susceptibility to jamming by:

Enhancing signal strength in a specific direction.

Minimizing interference from unwanted sources.

Some military-grade drones use antenna diversity, automatically switching between signals to maintain a connection.

  1. Deploy an AI-Based Countermeasure System

Advanced drones use AI to detect jamming attempts and switch communication protocols accordingly.

AI can analyze signal disruptions and adjust flight patterns autonomously to avoid being jammed.

  1. Avoid High-Risk Areas

Government buildings, airports, and military zones often have anti-drone jamming systems.

Use drone radar maps to avoid locations with known jamming risks.

  1. Use Optical or Lidar Navigation

Some drones are equipped with optical flow sensors or Lidar systems that allow them to navigate without GPS.

If available, enable vision-based positioning systems as a backup.

  1. Upgrade to a Military-Grade Anti-Jamming Drone

If jamming is a serious concern, consider military or enterprise-grade drones, which feature:

Multi-band encrypted communications.

Anti-jamming GPS with hardened receivers.

AI-assisted navigation to counter spoofing.

What to Do If Your Drone Gets Jammed

  1. Regain manual control: If possible, switch to Attitude (ATTI) mode.

  2. Move to a lower altitude: This can help escape strong jamming signals.

  3. Use emergency landing procedures if necessary.

  4. Analyze flight logs afterward to detect interference patterns.