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Drone/RF Detection: The TinySA Ultra (Part 1)

Drone warfare is here. Learn why tools like the TinySA Ultra are becoming essential for detecting RF emissions and staying ahead in an age of low-cost battlefield technology.

Drone/RF Detection: The TinySA Ultra (Part 1)

Key Terms

馃摗
Direction finding: a way to figure out where a radio signal is coming from by using special antennas and tools to measure the direction of the signal.
馃摱
Radio emission source: anything that sends out invisible radio waves, like a radio tower, a cell phone, a Wi-Fi router, or even a walkie-talkie.
馃搻
Triangulation is a method used to determine the location of a radio signal's source by measuring its direction from at least two (preferably more) different points.

Introduction

Your death will be witnessed through the cold, clinical eyes of an FPV operator sitting in the basement of an abandoned building.

But you might stand a chance if you have drone detection equipment and learn to spot drone radio emissions fast. Most of the preparedness community is not yet prepared for this type of warfare.

Russian FPV drone team - Father Abraham
Russian FPV drone team.

The TinySA Ultra

My Introduction to the TinySA Ultra

I was first introduced to the TinySA Ultra ($160) during the Brushbeater SIGINT course (Read course review) in early 2024. Over three days, we learned how to use a TinySA Ultra and a Yagi antenna in direction-finding exercises.

The exercises were straightforward but taught me an important lesson. If a device transmits, it can be found.

During the last exercise of the course, we were told to hunt down a fictional enemy patrol operating in the woods. It took us several tries to locate their signal, but soon, we had a general idea of their direction and, eventually, the location of the enemy patrol.

Students in the Brushbeater SIGINT course. Source

What Exactly is a TinySA Ultra?

The TinySA Ultra is a spectrum analyzer that scans for radio frequencies around you, from 100KHz to 7.3GHZ. When it detects a radio emission, a spike appears on the screen, indicating that something is transmitting around you.

TinySA Ultra - Wifi Signal - Father Abraham
The 4" touchscreen of the TinySA Ultra displaying an emission spike.

This tiny spectrum analyzer packs a serious punch. The latest ZS-407 model scans frequencies from 100kHz to 7.3GHz. A drone's most common operating frequencies are 280-720MHz, 720MHz-1020GHz, 2.4GHz, and 5.8GHz.

Aside from the technical specifications鈥攚hich, let's be honest, make our eyes glaze over鈥攚hy do both Ukrainians and Russians use this device on the battlefield?

  1. It's cheap. It costs between $160-$200.
  2. Able to scan (slowly) the wide range of frequencies that drones use.
  3. The software can be updated to add specific drone frequency signals to help the operator determine what drones are operating around them.
  4. It can be easily accessorized with 3D printing modules. For example, EW units have added audio modules to the TinySA Ultra to emit a tone when it detects a radio emission.
  5. Did I mention it's cheap? Radio hardware and software products are overpriced, and when something this cost-effective is on the market, people jump on it.
  6. Portability. The TinySA Ultra weighs as much as a loaded 9mm magazine.
Ukrainian TinySA Ultra - Drone Direction Finding - Father Abraham
Heavily modified Ukrainian TinySA Ultra with 3D printed accessories.

Is It Time to Buy a Drone Detection Starter Kit?

Here's the deal: if you have an AR-15, a plate carrier or chest rig, an assault belt, and a handgun. You have your primary and secondary weapons squared away. If you also have a day pack and helmet, you are doing better than 85% of the population. Now is the time to start thinking about buying drone detection and direction-finding tools.

Look, I understand that EW sounds complicated. Tracking drones sounds boring鈥揵ut your life may depend on it in the future.

Now, you need to incorporate a new technology called drones. As an American citizen, we cheered on drone strikes in faraway countries. Now, we look up in the skies to see whether the U.S. government, foreign adversaries, or organized crime is flying a drone in our backyard.

Starter Drone Detection Kit

In the Father Abraham store we offer several products that can help you get started with drone detection and ultimately direction finding.

Drone Detection Starter Kit

Take your first step into drone detection with this Drone Detection Starter Kit, a carefully curated bundle perfect for enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals looking to enhance their signal intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities.

VIEW PRODUCT

Tactical Drone Detector

Clip-On Drone Detector

This drone detector has been used extensively in the Ukraine war and is battle-tested. 

VIEW PRODUCT

Conclusion

I would encourage you to start thinking how to augment your gear with drone detection equipment. At this point you've been consuming thousands of videos watching Ukrainian and Russian soldiers dying by the hand of a drone operator.

You may say to yourself, I'll never face something like that living in America. Friend, the future may surprise you. Be prepared and be two steps ahead.

Stay well, brothers.

~ FA

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