Smart Communication Drone for Signal Propagation
Smart Pigeon 2020 is a modern day throwback to the pigeons used for sending messages back in the old days. This will serve as a better, more affordable alternative device to mainly our telecommunication industry which is found to be lacking in terms of reach and portability considering the massive d
2025-06-28 16:35:09 - Adil Khan
Smart Communication Drone for Signal Propagation
Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject SummarySmart Pigeon 2020 is a modern day throwback to the pigeons used for sending messages back in the old days. This will serve as a better, more affordable alternative device to mainly our telecommunication industry which is found to be lacking in terms of reach and portability considering the massive development in this department internationally. The main purpose of this project is to design a UHF Jammer and a Wireless Internet Access Point all combined and attached to a drone with maximum effective reach and final weight in mind. Then, controlled by an app on a smartphone to define waypoints or select an object to be followed through Artificial Intelligence Technology. A microcontroller sits at the heart of the project which when prompted will switch between the two functionalities of a Jammer or Access Point, again with an app on the smartphone. Hence, keeping manual operation to a minimum.
Project ObjectivesThe main objectives of this project are as follows:
- Fill the gap of Femto-cell technology in Pakistan telecommunication industry.
- Design a cost-effective prototype with components available locally.
- Easily be placed in areas of low connectivity and provide accessibility to the user.
- To be able to provide maximum range and reach of signals.
- To not be compromised on durability and reliability.
- To maintain quality standards.
The project is divided into phases, phases are in terms of functionality of hardware/software. Hence, work has been broken down and assigned to each member in their field of proficiency for the best results.
Functionalities are as follows:
Drone:
The project uses an aftermarket drone to increase project reliability as well as its durability. The drone would be used in conjunction with a 3rd party application on a smartphone to set parameters of flight and waypoints, with other modes of function. It has a base that would be ideal to support and attach our device and detachable when required for repair. The selected drone also has a camera attached that can be used for added functionality if interfaced correctly for object monitoring and following. Since it’s required to lift up a load of our device this will be limited to 100m of altitude and theoretically not cause interference with flight radar systems.
UHF Signal Jammer:
The jammer will have basics of electronics used internally to be functioning to provide denial of service to the users underneath the drone by adding plush amounts of noise in the downlink frequency range of GSM and DCS with the help of an antenna designed specifically for its function to increase the range and consume less power. The jammer uses a mixture of triangular wave and wideband noise which then is passed on to the oscillators for targeting downlink frequency range. Finally, being transferred to the power amplifiers and then the antenna.
WIFI Access Point:
The access point is a module of its own that requires knowledge of coding and network interfacing, is normally used for projects based on the internet of things. But, this project is designed to function as a Wireless Internet Access Point for the users underneath the drone. The module is fitted with a micro stripe antenna to reduce its overall size and weight.
MicroController:
The microcontroller is fitted with a small WIFI module which is designed to switch between different functions of the device, Jammer, or an Access point. The WIFI module helps the user control the device using a handheld smartphone. Hence, minimizing the use of physical switches which would’ve led to landing the drone every time in order to change its function.
The key benefits of this project are:
- Serve as an Alternate to Jammer fitted cars, which are costly to buy and maintain.
- Increase the reach of network signals to the people up north or tribal areas.
- Eliminate the need for switching off services all over the country for religious occasions/events.
- Minimize the need to build huge base stations for network coverage and unwanted land use.
- Easily be deployed for additional support of internet in the area or as a Jammer to VIP convoy.
- User-friendly interface and easy operation modes.
The technical details of the final deliverable are as follows:
- The drone is limited to be at or below 500ft of altitude with approximately covering 15km of distance in one charge.
- The Access-point module is limited to 3000kbps of bandwidth speed and a line of sight range of 350ft.
- The project has two modes that are selected to function by the user. Initially, with an app on the smartphone.
- UHF Jammer would send a denial of service to the users underneath till approximately 180 ft of distance and will be targetting both GSM - 800 and DCS - 1800 downlink of mobile networks.
| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 79850 | |||
| Arduino Uno | Equipment | 1 | 650 | 650 |
| VCO chips | Equipment | 2 | 4000 | 8000 |
| Power Amplifier | Equipment | 2 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Lipo battery | Equipment | 1 | 3500 | 3500 |
| Node MCU 12-E | Equipment | 2 | 700 | 1400 |
| ESP-01 | Equipment | 1 | 300 | 300 |
| Wave generator Circuit | Equipment | 1 | 500 | 500 |
| Noise generator Circuit | Equipment | 1 | 500 | 500 |
| Soldering Kit | Miscellaneous | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Shipping and Customs | Miscellaneous | 1 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Wires and tapes | Miscellaneous | 1 | 500 | 500 |
| PCB printing | Miscellaneous | 1 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Fuel cost | Miscellaneous | 1 | 1500 | 1500 |
| DJI Phantom 3 Drone | Equipment | 1 | 45000 | 45000 |
| Smartphone App License | Equipment | 1 | 6000 | 6000 |