To let you experience the power of your Dronetag RIDER even without cellular connectivity, we've created a special experimental build of the Drone Scanner app, called Drone Scanner RIDER Preview to let you explore its features over Bluetooth and USB.

Why this special version?​

A fully offline-compatible Drone Scanner 2.0 is on the horizon, set to launch in summer 2025. However, we understand that you might want to start using your Dronetag RIDER over Bluetooth or USB now. That’s why we’ve released this modified version—so you can scan and connect without waiting for the full upgrade.

Where can I get this app?​

You can download this special version of the Drone Scanner app from the Downloads Section. Stay tuned for the official release of Drone Scanner 2.0!

How does this differ from the original Drone Scanner?​

The experimental version does not let you scan drones using your phone, but is built to be used exclusively with Dronetag RIDER.

What’s coming in Drone Scanner 2.0?​

Drone Scanner 2.0 will bring a range of powerful features to your Dronetag RIDER, including:

• Scan drones using your phone
• Scan drones via Bluetooth or USB with Dronetag RIDER
• Advanced filtering for better search results
• Tag and label scanned drones
• Store scanned data directly on your phone
• Enhanced maps and customization options
• Full Dronetag RIDER configuration support
• Radar functionality with customizable alert zones and whitelisting
• Drone manufacturer and model recognition
• Export locally collected data with advanced options
• Trust rating system to detect Remote ID spoofing
• Offline maps for seamless navigation

We do not release this preview version to app stores. We distribute this application via APK file for Android, or via TestFlight for iOS. Following are instructions to help you install the application on your device.

• On Android, use this link: drone-scanner-rider-preview-1_21_0-rider.apk
• On iOS, use this link: https://testflight.apple.com/join/J19jwUNT

Older APK versions​

• drone-scanner-rider-preview-1_20_2-rider.apk

Install on Android system (using APK file)​

Follow these steps to install and run it on your device.

Step 1: Enable Installation from Unknown Sources​

Since APK files are not installed via the Play Store, you need to allow your device to install apps from unknown sources. After you finish downloading our app, we recommend switching it back to protect your device from malicious sources.

On Android 8.0 and Newer:​

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Navigate to Apps & notifications (or Apps).
3. Scroll down and select the browser or file manager you will use to download/open the APK (e.g., Chrome, Files, etc.).
4. Tap Install unknown apps.
5. Toggle "Allow from this source" to ON.

On Android 7.0 and Older:​

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Security (or Privacy).
3. Find Unknown sources and enable it.
4. Confirm by tapping OK.

Step 2: Download the APK File​

1. Download the APK file using this link
2. Wait for the download to complete.

Step 3: Install the APK​

1. Open the Files app (or your preferred file manager).
2. Navigate to the Downloads folder.
3. Tap the downloaded APK file.
4. A prompt will appear asking for confirmation—tap Install.
5. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 4: Open the App​

1. Once installed, tap Open to launch the app immediately.
2. Alternatively, find the app on your home screen or in the app drawer.

Install on iOS system (using Apple TestFlight)​

You can download this version by using this TestFlight invitation link: https://testflight.apple.com/join/J19jwUNT

Follow these steps to install and test it on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 1: Install TestFlight​

Before you download our app, you need the TestFlight app installed on your device.

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Search for "TestFlight" (by Apple).
3. Tap Download (or Get, if not installed).
4. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 2: Open the TestFlight Invitation Link​

Once you have TestFlight installed:

1. Open this link
2. The link will automatically open in Safari (or another browser).
3. You will be redirected to a TestFlight preview page.

Step 3: Accept the invitation​

1. On the TestFlight preview page, tap "Start Testing".
2. TestFlight will open and display details about the app.
3. Tap "Accept" to join.

Step 4: Install the App​

1. After accepting the invitation, you will see an "Install" button in TestFlight.
2. Tap "Install", and the beta app will be downloaded to your device.
3. Once installed, you can open the app just like a regular app from your home screen.

This section will guide you through using Dronetag RIDER with the preview app. It covers supported platforms, connection methods, and step-by-step instructions for Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Supported Platforms and Connection Types​

• Android: Supports connection over both Bluetooth and USB.
• iOS: Supports connection over Bluetooth only (USB connection is not supported).

Bluetooth Connection​

Prerequisites​

• Ensure that your Dronetag RIDER is turned on.
• Verify that your RIDER is not connected to any other app or phone.
• Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and functioning correctly.
• Grant the app permission to access Bluetooth.

Steps to Connect​

1. Open the app and navigate to the Settings page.
2. Make sure the 'Use USB for RIDER connection' option is disabled.
3. Switch to the RIDER page.
4. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
5. Verify that the app has Bluetooth permissions:
   • The RIDER screen should indicate whether Bluetooth access is granted.
   • Optionally, tap the refresh icon in the top-right corner to re-request permissions.
6. Tap 'Scan for nearby RIDERs' and wait for your RIDER to appear in the list.
7. Tap on your RIDER in the list and confirm the serial number if multiple devices are available.
8. Once connected, you should see:
   • The RIDER icon
   • Battery charge status
   • Signal strengths
9. If air traffic is detected in your vicinity, it will immediately appear on the Map page.

USB Connection (Android Only)​

Prerequisites​

• Ensure your Android device supports USB host connections.
• Ensure your Dronetag RIDER is turned on.
• Use a USB-C cable or an OTG cable to connect your RIDER to your phone or tablet.

Steps to Connect​

1. Open the app and navigate to the Settings page.
2. Enable the option 'Use USB for RIDER connection'.
3. Restart the app completely (ensure it is closed, not just minimized).
4. Reopen the app and connect the Dronetag RIDER via USB-C or OTG cable.
5. Navigate to the RIDER page.
6. If the RIDER does not appear in the list, tap 'Refresh connected devices'.
7. If the RIDER still does not appear:
   • Ensure your device supports USB host mode.
   • Check the connection and try again.
8. Tap on your RIDER in the list to establish a connection.
9. Once connected, you should see:
   • The RIDER icon
   • Battery charge status
   • Signal strengths
10. If air traffic is detected in your vicinity, it will immediately appear on the Map page.

Troubleshooting​

• RIDER does not appear in the list:
  • Ensure the device is powered on and in range.
  • Restart the app and retry the connection process.
  • Verify that Bluetooth is enabled (for Bluetooth connections).
  • Check if the mobile device supports USB host mode (for USB connections).
• Unable to connect over Bluetooth:
  • Ensure the RIDER is not paired with another phone or app.
  • Grant Bluetooth permissions and retry scanning.
• USB connection issues:
  • Restart the app after enabling USB mode in settings.
  • Ensure the phone supports USB host mode.
  • Try using a different USB or OTG cable.
• Untrusted drones/RID modules
  • This is usually caused by inaccurate Remote ID messages sent from the module, usually timestamp messages, while Drone Scanner can recognise these errors.
  • Contact RID module manufacturer.