At Dronetag, we strive to deliver the most functional and reliable solutions for your Remote ID needs.
Each Scout package is carefully assembled to ensure you have everything required for a smooth and efficient setup.

• Baseline
• 2x Omni and 1x 90° Directional
• 2x Omni and 2x 90° Directional
• 2x Omni and 3x 90° Directional
• 1x Omni and 4x 90° Directional

Scout Baseline​

Once you receive your Scout device with its basic configuration, you should find everything neatly packed in the delivery box. Here’s what to expect when unboxing your new Scout system:

This image illustrates the standard contents included in the Scout baseline package.

3D Model​

• Scout Baseline – compact, omnidirectional setup for general coverage
  👉 View 3D model

PACKAGING SIZE INFO

The Scout package comes in a sturdy box with the following dimensions:

450 mm x 300 mm x 150 mm / 17.7" x 11.8" x 5.9"

This compact size ensures the contents are well-protected during transport while still being easy to handle.

This section describes the requirements for successful deployment of the Scout.

What is required to install and operate the Scout?​

• Appropriate place to mount the Scout
• Pole in the desired place with a diameter of 45 – 110 mm
• Two 10 mm wrenches
• Power outlet or Ethernet available with supported PoE
• Ethernet cable dedicated for outdoor use (CAT5 and higher)
• Ability and equipment to crimp your Ethernet cable
• Safe and dry place for placing the PoE injector
• Local network which will be used to operate the Scout
• Ethernet port configured to 100 Mbit Full Duplex
• Computer to connect to local network to configure Scout

This guide walks you through the full process of deploying your Dronetag Scout device—from unboxing to live drone detection in the field. Each step includes helpful links to relevant documentation, so you can get started quickly and confidently.

1. Unpack Your Scout Device​

Begin by unboxing your Dronetag Scout and verifying that all components are present. Before physical deployment, connect the device to your local network to verify functionality.

2. Connect the PoE Injector to Power​

Use the Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector included with your Scout.

🔌 Connecting to the Scout

4. Access the Management Page​

Open the Scout’s Management Page in your browser (e.g., https://[Scout-IP]).
Here, you can view diagnostics, network info, and configure operational parameters.

📘 Learn how to configure the network correctly

7. Choose an Optimal Installation Location​

Select a location that ensures minimal signal interference and maximum visibility to the sky.

📍 Best practices for site selection

8. Mount the Scout Securely​

Physically install the Scout in your chosen location.
Use the mounting hardware provided or your own reliable outdoor mounting solution.

🔧 Follow the mounting instructions

9. Start Scanning for Drones!​

You're now ready to begin real-time detection of Remote ID signals.

If you use Scout in Cloud Mode, head over to the Dronetag App to monitor live activity from your Scout device.

💡 Need Help?

If you encounter issues at any step, consult our Troubleshooting Guide for solutions to common problems, or contact support for direct assistance.

What is the Right Location​

To get the most out of your Scout, location matters - a lot.

• Choose a suitable and elevated spot for installation.
• The receiver’s performance relies heavily on a clear, unobstructed view of its surroundings.
• A rooftop, ideally the highest one in the area, often proves to be the perfect vantage point for maximum signal coverage.

Factors Influencing Remote ID Signal Reception​

Signal reception isn’t just about hardware - it’s also about the environment. Several key factors can impact how well the Scout picks up Remote ID transmissions.

Ensuring Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)​

• Physical obstacles between the drone and the Scout - like buildings, trees, or terrain - can block or weaken signals.
• When possible, install the Scout in a spot with a clear view in the direction where drone activity is expected.

Signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Frequency Bands​

• The Scout operates in frequency bands that are commonly shared with other technologies.
• Devices such as Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers, or even smart home hubs can cause interference.
• Keep the Scout as far away as possible from these types of devices.

Electromagnetic Noise​

• All electronics generate a certain amount of background noise, which can interfere with sensitive receivers like the Scout.
• Avoid installing the Scout near AC units, inverters, solar power stations, or other large electrical systems.

Transmission Power of the Drone’s Remote ID Signal​

• Not all drones are created equal - the power of the signal they transmit can vary greatly.
• This power level is defined by the drone manufacturer and local regulations, and while you can't control it, it's good to be aware that some drones may simply broadcast farther than others.

Choose the Right Location​

Before installing the Scout receiver, make sure you have the proper location and infrastructure ready. This will save you time and ensure optimal performance from the start.

What You’ll Need for Installation​

To install the Scout, make sure you have the following:

• A tall structure or mast/pole - the higher, the better.
  Ideally on the highest rooftop in the area, with a clear line of sight in all directions.
  The Scout cannot receive signals through buildings or large obstacles.

• A stable power source:

  • Either a standard indoor power outlet near the Ethernet cable entry point, or
  • A PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector if direct power access is not available.
    The Scout has a low power consumption (under 10 W), so both options are easy to accommodate.

• An outdoor-rated Ethernet cable (CAT5 or higher) with the ability to crimp RJ-45 connectors.

• Minimal radio interference: Avoid placing the Scout close to Wi-Fi transmitters or other antennas operating at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

Recommended Conditions​

For best performance:

• Choose a high, unobstructed position — the higher, the larger the detection range.
• Avoid areas with dense urban obstacles, metallic surfaces, or sources of RF noise.
• Ensure the Scout has a clear line of sight toward open space — it will not detect signals behind walls or buildings.
• If you are unsure about the right location, contact our support.
  Send us the address of the intended installation site or photos from the rooftop view, and we’ll help you verify signal conditions using satellite data (e.g., Google Earth) and identify any potential interference sources.

Step-by-Step Guide​

Now that your location is ready, the power and network connection are prepared, and you’ve confirmed optimal conditions, follow these steps to mount and connect the Scout properly.
Carefully go through each step to ensure the best performance and long-term reliability of your installation.

Mount the Device​

• To ensure optimal performance, the receiver should be mounted on an elevated structure like an existing pole, bracket, or mast.
• If no such structure is available, a tripod can be used.

Mount the device to the desired place. Remember that the higher the place is, the better Scout will receive the Remote ID signal coming from the drones. While mounting the Scout, stick with the mounting manual and strictly follow the local regulations for electrical installation and surge and lightning protection.

1. Fix a Cross Bracket to Scout​

Fix the included cross bracket on the bottom of the enclosure with four (4) M6*12 bolts.

2. Mount the Pole Clamp​

Place two (2) pieces of the clamp around the pole and tighten them with the included M6*110 bolts, washers, and nuts.

3. Connect the pole clamp and Scout​

The pole clamp works for 45 – 110 mm diameter of pole and the cross bracket by securing the last piece of the mounting kit in place using M6*30 bolts, washers, and nuts.

caution

The Scout must be fixed so that antennas point perpendicular to the horizontal line.

Connect and Insulate the Cables​

6. Connect the Ethernet cable using the PoE injector​

After the PoE cable is connected, insulate it with the included PVC tape:

Insulate the Ethernet Cable Connector​

• Clean the surface area of the connector that will be wrapped. Wrap a layer of PVC tape with a 50% overlap according to the rotation direction of the connector. Continue wrapping the PVC tape to about 10 mm below the end of the connector.

• Wrap three additional layers with PVC tape with natural uncoiling force and a 50% overlap. Make sure to cover the head and the tail of the connector.

This guide explains how to install the directional antenna mount for Dronetag Scout.
Follow the steps carefully to ensure a secure installation and reliable antenna performance.

Antenna Connector Layout​

• Scout Baseline - 2x Omnidirectional Antennas

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• Scout with 2x Omnidirectional Antennas + 1x Sector (Directional) Antenna

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• Scout with 2x Omnidirectional Antennas + 2x Sector (Directional) Antennas

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• Scout with 2x Omnidirectional Antennas + 3x Sector (Directional) Antennas

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• Scout with 1x Omnidirectional Antenna + 4x Sector (Directional) Antennas

• Omnidirectional Antennas
• Holder for Four Directional Antennas
• Holder for Two Directional Antennas
• Directional Antennas with No Holder

Omnidirectional Antennas on Scout Baseline​

3D Model​

👉 View 3D model

Mount the 2.4 GHz Antenna​

Screw the antenna marked with the "1" sticker on its box to the connector marked with the same sticker

tip

In case you lost the sticker with the number or forgot what the number of the antenna was: the longer antenna has to be mounted on the left side of the device from the front view.

Mount the Dual-Band Antenna​

Screw the antenna marked with the "4" sticker on its box to the connector marked with the same sticker (the shorter antenna has to be mounted on the right side of the device from the front view)

tip

In case you lost the sticker with the number or forgot what the number of the antenna was: the shorter antenna has to be mounted on the right side of the device from the front view.

Correct Scout Orientation​

The Scout must be mounted perpendicular to the ground.
This ensures the omnidirectional antennas have a clean and even field of view.
If the unit is tilted, one side of the antennas points into the sky and the other into the ground, which reduces performance.

Insulate connectors​

• Cut off about 50 cm of waterproof tape. Stretch it to double the length. Wrap three layers around the connector with a 50% overlap. Hold the tape in place with your hand for a few seconds.

• Wrap three additional layers with PVC tape with natural uncoiling force and a 50% overlap. Make sure to cover the head and the tail of the connector.

To successfully change the SIM card and configure the APN, please follow these steps carefully. Adhere to this guide to ensure the process is completed correctly.

Step-by-Step Guide:​

1. Disconnect the Scout from the Ethernet connection (which also serves as the power source).

2. Unscrew all 12 bolts around the device perimeter.
   Use a screwdriver that fits the bolts correctly to avoid damage.

3. Carefully flip the device over.

4. Remove the cover and disconnect the micro-USB cable inside the device (1).

5. Gently slide the micro-SIM card into the connector (2) — do not press on it or attempt to open the connector.

6. Reconnect the micro-USB cable to the same connector it was disconnected from in step 4.

7. Verify Functionality:

There are two options to verify the SIM card functionality:

• If you use your Scout in Sensor Mode, connect the Scout to your local network and check its LTE status on the network management page.
• If you use your Scout in Cloud Mode, you can view the LTE status in the Dronetag App.

⚙️ LTE Configuration & Setup​

Further configuration of LTE connectivity and APN (if needed) is covered in our Networking Guide:

📘 SIM Card Installation and LTE Setup

✅ Verify LTE Functionality​

To confirm whether the Scout has connected to the mobile network, follow the instructions in the networking section:

🔍 Verify Functionality and LTE

8. Reassemble the Device:

After confirming the device is functioning correctly, reattach the cover, carefully flip the device over, and tighten the 12 bolts (refer back to Step 2).

caution

Pay special attention to assembling the device properly to prevent water ingress and avoid damaging the device.

Take extra care about the correct position of the sealing.

Custom SIM Card Requirements​

Dronetag Scout supports custom LTE SIM cards for independent connectivity. While the hardware is globally compatible, successful operation depends on your carrier’s plan and network policies.

Verified US Carriers​

The following networks have been successfully tested and verified:

• AT&T
• T-Mobile
• Verizon

Critical Connectivity Restrictions​

1. IMEI Whitelisting (Carrier Certification)​

• Some carriers (especially for tablet or hotspot-specific plans) enforce an IMEI lock.
• Dronetag Scout utilizes a Quectel modem that is not certified under specific carrier-proprietary programs (such as Verizon Open Development or AT&T IoT Certification).
• If your plan is restricted to "certified devices only," the carrier will reject the connection based on the Scout's IMEI.

Solution: Use a "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) plan or a generic data/IoT plan that does not enforce hardware whitelisting.

2. FirstNet Incompatibility​

• Dronetag Scout is not compatible with FirstNet SIM cards. The hardware does not support the specific bands or protocols required for this network.

3. Phone Plans vs. Data-Only Plans​

• Avoid using SIM cards from standard smartphone plans. Carriers often detect the modem and block data or throttle it under hotspot/tethering limits.

Solution: Use dedicated data-only, mobile broadband, or IoT/M2M plans.

Network & Performance Tips​

• LTE Only: Ensure your SIM supports 4G/LTE. SIM cards provisioned exclusively for 5G Standalone (SA) networks will not function in the Scout.
• Local vs. Roaming SIMs: Global/roaming SIMs (e.g., Hologram, Emnify) work but may introduce higher latency. For time-critical operations, a local carrier SIM is recommended.
• Coverage: Ensure your carrier provides LTE coverage in your area. Note that some carriers (like T-Mobile) use specific bands (e.g., B71) for rural coverage that may differ from standard phone reception.

Pre-Installation Checklist​

• Disable PIN: Use a smartphone to ensure the SIM card has no PIN code lock enabled.
• Verify Data: Confirm the SIM has an active data balance in another device.
• APN Settings: Obtain the correct APN (Access Point Name) from your provider. You will need to enter this in the Dronetag App during configuration.

Quick Troubleshooting​

If the Scout fails to connect despite a valid SIM:

• Contact your carrier to verify the plan isn't locked to a specific IMEI
• Request the carrier to switch your line to a "Generic/BYOD" data profile