Parrot Disco over 4G/LTE (softmod)

Disco4G is a software modification (softmod) for the Parrot Disco drone. Instead of the built-in regular Wi-Fi, it allows to use a 4G/LTE cellular/mobile network connection to link Skycontroller 2 to the Disco. Control/telemetry and live video stream are routed through the 4G/LTE connection. In other words, range limit becomes your imagination! Ok, to be fair, it's still limited by the battery capacity 😜
Check it out: uavpal.com

[@jonallsop7502]

The ingenuity of people never ceases to amaze me. Great job!

[@TheKoki68]

I did the test flight yesterday. Perfet and straightforward. Thank you so much...a dream came true.

[@leewixx]

It works fine the Return To Home with 4G?

[@FirstAmericaFirst]

@@leewixx yep

[@ricardopr54]

I need help converting my Disco into a 4G aircraft. I have all the components but the SIM Card. I tried to get one from Verizon (My carrier), but they supposedly doesn't support the Hawei modem. I'm planning to get one of their mobile hotspots and remove the SIMcard from it in order to use it with the Hawei modem. Thing is that I'm not a computer guru, and that's what's making it really hard for me to get this software install in my disco. Was it hard to get it done! Any advices! I would appreciate any help on this. Thanks!

[@alanstewart8216]

Possibly the best Disco mod EVER!

[@tuttoto]

Thank you for your amazing work... I have been following all your instructions, and it works really great... you added a final piece of art to this marvel of engineering called Disco... Your solutions are elegant, robust, and extremely well documented, many professionals should get inspired by this level of quality. You anticipated most issues and explained everything while remaining accessible... impressive indeed. Then, I use two 80GB data sims from the same provider/apn and obtain direct connections with 40-50ms only latency... messages from Glympse are extremely useful also... thanks for all that. I would like to warn people, though, that the Disco is a flying computer, and as such it WILL bug someday (with or without your mod)... I managed to jam the chuck already (on my desk, without your mod... had to reboot), and I will add a gps tracker to secure my experiments as much as possible. This bird with your added work and Auriga’s headtracking is one of the best and most rewarding experience of the freedom of flying people can have. Thank you again for that... I’m sure you have an interesting job somewhere, but if someday you would like to change, I certainly should recommend you to a few people... ;)

[@MarcBuehler]

Thanks so much for your positive feedback! Feel free to join us on uavpal.com/slack we have an active community around Parrot mods with 1000+ members. Most of the explanations in the instructions and FAQs came a long way together with the community, who helped me to bring it closer to perfection :)

[@JesusCruz-uq7jd]

I'm interested on doing this mod, and I have meny questions, one very important and I can't find, how much data will use this in a single flight?

[@JDLiu-se8dx]

What a great leap for your brilliant project !! Many thanks for your unselfish contribution .

[@glenesis]

Thanks for the demonstration. I have the USB 4g modem. I have not tried the soft-mod yet because 4g service is terrible in the place that I live 😭 It's ok. I am forced to be conservative with my Bebop 2 😉 Thanks very much for sharing. I'm pleased to meet you. Happy flying!

[@bostjanerjavec4146]

Totaly amazing! Great, great job. Another who works in this issue (and some more) are Flytbase, but they are a startup. You are a GENIUS.

[@seafood459]

You sir, are a legend!!! Thank you for the amazing work!

[@TheKKnut]

This is a very significant development for personal UAV, well done Marc & thanks to you.

[@tkeeg]

Congratulations on some OUTSTANDING work! Thanks so much for sharing it with the rest of us!

[@SM-cf7kv]

I saw your video in 2017 your the 1st man 💪🏽 genius keep going 🙂

[@cmik2119]

you are a Genius man I have sucessfully done it its amazing

[@bundysparrotdisco8095]

Danke für das Video. Bin auch dabei meine Disco bald auf LTE zu rüsten. Warte noch auf das Modem.

[@faltermann3437]

Great idea and perfect realisation, thank You very much!!! I use it since a week but without glympse and pushbullet, i track my Disco direct with a pet tracker and a second mobile connection over this tracker. I love the way to fly with LTE, even not to go far away, but everywhere with an stable connection, other than WiFi. Thank You ver much, i can‘t repeat it often enough ;-) !!!

[@MarcBuehler]

most welcome, glad you enjoy it. I would still recommend to set-up Glympse in addition, as it also shows you the 4G signal strength of the Disco among with some telemetry information the pet tracker would not have. Make sure you join us on uavpal.com/slack, our Disco/Bebop modding community is quite big and active :)

[@faltermann3437]

@@MarcBuehler realtime telemetry and signal strength would be fine, i will try it with glympse additionally, thank You for the tip. One question: i have only a dataSIM in the Disco, there is a phonenumber, but without SMS and phonecalls possible. Is a normal SMS/phone/data SIM nessecary or can i use the data only SIM with glympse?

[@MarcBuehler]

@@faltermann3437 You can use the data only SIM with Glympse. Just configure PushBullet to receive a Push Notification with the Glympse link (instead of SMS).

[@faltermann3437]

@@MarcBuehler 😃👍🏻

[@faltermann3437]

@@MarcBuehler Danke Marc, the update vor glympse and pushbullet to the disco was very easy, i tested outdoor yesterday, very good to see all the data live! Now i have read all the FAQs on github.com/uavpal/disco4g/wiki/FAQ, a little bit to late, i know, sorry ;-). Next step will be the reducing of the datastream.

[@gavinlu1035]

You’re a genius! Thank you so very much!

[@r00t3d]

hat down, one knew on the ground, let me call you sir by now!! well done marc!

[@aerofpv2109]

Nothing more to add to all your great comments but ... Thank You - Aero

[@DavidHarry]

Excellent video and guide. Cheers, Dave.

[@user-ev7qw8oi7e]

I finally got my Disco modded to fly over 4g/LTE through T-Mobile. Here are some tips. 1. Create a 2.4ghz Hotspot on your phone with identical SSID and Password to the 2.4ghz network at your home. This way you can save on data usage and you'll be able to fly in the comfort of your bedroom. When it's time to head out to the field, just reconnect it to your cellular hotspot. 2. Create a simple mission plan that lands successfully in an open field. When it's time to take your Disco down, just execute the mission and it'll go home and land without stress. 3. If you're flying near mountains, make sure you take the drone to an altitude that can clear the peaks at least once. The Disco will remember your highest altitude flown and sets this as your RTH altitude. 4. Have fun.

[@MarcBuehler]

Hey Tim, that's some really great feedback, thanks! Can I ask you to join the community on uavpal.com/slack

[@jonbj6878]

Your achievment with this i truely awesome Marc...Thanks buddy !!

[@Mazby2]

Great video!!!all the best from Poland!!!!!

[@_Sisyphus]

This is brilliant work!

[@libobby9780]

hey Marc ,I am your big fans in China, thank you your share,I can throw my Rspi3 now

[@MarcBuehler]

Hi Bobby! How is your setup coming along? Join us on Slack, we just got it to work for one of your fellow countrymen! He got 50ms delay :)

[@hozermd]

This is great an idea and solution. Thanks man.

[@esuohdica]

This is Great! I'm in!

[@uksewingmachineservice7030]

Really Nice flying ther great review on it mate DON 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@AnasSuhaimi]

Big thanks, man!!! Love ya!

[@thesummitofcourse]

Awesome - Saw this on Dustin Dunhill's channel.

[@apocaly2855]

Nice mod bro. best mod out there! Can you use one modem for bebop 2 and Disco or does each drone need its own??

[@MarcBuehler]

You can share one modem 👍🏻🌲

[@apocaly2855]

Thank you Marc :)

[@TurboShandy98754]

Good video mate. You should put up some flying videos

[@MarcBuehler]

Thanks :) I spend most of my time hacking instead of flying - a new version with lots of improvements should be out soon. I compiled a playlist of #Disco4G flights here: kzbin.info/aero/PL6lbmqX3QSUJww333NhXtpGMyMpRG4jeL

[@TurboShandy98754]

@@MarcBuehler amazing, cheers mate! I'm the second tbh, messing with my electric boat and electric bikes! Search for Andy Kirby, you'll enjoy mate :)

[@gerwheelz3154]

You need to start building your own drones this is amazing work . I have a disco myself i will defo have to do this .

[@MarcBuehler]

Ger Wheelz thanks! :) Go for it, gives the Disco a whole new purpose :) Adding 4G to a self-built drone, e.g. Pixhawk is quite straight-forward. It was actually more challenging to add it to an existing product where one has to work around the limitations without access to the source code.

[@gerwheelz3154]

Marc Bühler I will probably be back with some questions to help set mine up . Yes this has so much potential now could be used for searching for missing persons etc . What i had planned to do with mine was aerial photos for people you know like they use to do years ago out the window of a plane with a camera and sell them . This hack means i could stay home launch the disco and sit down on the couch haha . With the upgrade battery pack this is going to be very interesting . Subscribed and ill make a donation once i have it modded. Thank you 👍

[@MarcBuehler]

Fully agree, supporting search and rescue operations could be a potential application. There are battery mods for the Disco which can keep it in the air for 2 hours+ If you require help in setting up, do join us on Slack, see github.com/uavpal/disco4g/blob/master/README.md#contactcontribute

[@MrSnebar]

I have subscribed! Have you done any type of altitude test to see how high you can go and still stay connected to 4g?

[@MarcBuehler]

Depends on the topology and the 4G coverage. In Switzerland for example, you get full signal from below the valley (500 meters above sealevel), all the way up to 4000 meters high mountains. In low lands, you can expect good 4G coverage up to 200-300 meters.

[@Ahmad100]

Great flight guys! Keep it so

[@mreza84]

Great JOB, really great.

[@johnmanco845]

I have no idea why Parrot discontinued the Disco. With this mod having so mich range and battery life, it beats the hell out of anthing DJI. A fantastic flying machine. Unless anyone knows something better?

[@Landrew0]

Someone can create a foam body drone similar to the Disco and sell it online,

[@user-vc7ep7xj7s]

I think this mod is one of the reasons they discontinued it

[@tuttoto]

Tim why? Only because it gaves it military grade specs?

[@JakeBullit123]

This mod is awesome. Cheers Marc.

[@jetmartin9501]

AMAZING! THANKS for sharing...I just bought a Disco...after I get a few flights under my belt I'm going to make the 4G mod. Any guidance on how much 4G data is used per normal flight or any guidance you might have on the amount of 4G data that is used from your own personal experience? I need to factor that in to understand the cost of flying it in 4G mode. Currently I don't have Unlimited Data. If you were to run out of Data mid flight I'm assuming that you would lose your FPV much like when you turned off your hotspot? And of course at that point you could always switch back into WiFi control via double press of settings button? PS: Are you still flying the Disco?

[@MarcBuehler]

For data usage, have a look here: uavpal.com/disco/faq#datausage If you run out of data, the Disco will RTH, same behavior when you loose the stock Wi-Fi connection. And yes, you can switch back to Wi-Fi (once it's back in range). Of course, I'm still flying my Disco :) Feel free to join the community at uavpal.com/slack lots of discussions going on around Disco modding.

[@urosbajec1358]

YOU ARE GREAT! THANKS FOR SHARING!

[@Cielboreal]

Hello. Thanks for your great tutorial. If I understood correctly, you need a SIM on the phone and one on the drone. What is the data consumption to be expected for the sim on the drone. I'm going to take a dedicated subscription and I want to know what to choose.

[@MarcBuehler]

Thanks man! The data consumption arises on both SIM cards equally. More details here: uavpal.com/disco/faq#datausage

[@Bistogu]

Interesting, will try this on my Disco. Thanks

[@drossi2002]

Marc. Congrats. Fantastic job! I was wondering what are de cables going out from the back of the body next to the servos. Thxs!

[@MarcBuehler]

drossi2002 LED below the wings for night flights :)

[@MrSnebar]

Which color and type LED do you use? Do you drive LED from separate battery? I use these ..... www.amazon.com/Flexible-Ultra-Scanner-Knight-Interior/dp/B00GMAM3YS/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1527539253&sr=1-3&keywords=12%22+Red+3528+32+SMD+Mini+LED&dpID=51I1F6Jlp3L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

[@MarcBuehler]

I used 2835 SMD, plugged into the battery's balancer cable. I simply used the other two pins to get 12V. Used a mix of colors on the wings (blue/green) and white (brightest) around the nose and below. www.aliexpress.com/item/5M-or-10M-Pack-2835-SMD-More-Brighter-Than-3528-5050-SMD-LED-Strip-light-DC/32372028378.html

[@MrSnebar]

How many, and how long are the LED strips? Do you see a drop in flight time using the same battery that is driving your Disco? I drive my 4 12" strips from a dedicated 450MA (35g in weight) Lipo in The Disco, and that only gives me about 30 minutes of LED run time.

[@MarcBuehler]

Weird. I once tested 1 meter of these LEDs on a 500 MAh battery (lasted for more than 24 hours). I use less than 2 meters on the Disco. With the stock Parrot battery that will last for days. So no significant impact on flight time.

[@easylivingsherpa]

Thank you Marc, I am going to try this but I have a question. Sim card for the usb modem? You mean we do not use our sin card from our cell phone and if not how does buying a sim card and data work? Is it expensive if this is the case?

[@MarcBuehler]

You need two SIM cards, one in your phone (or mobile hotspot) and one in your Disco (inside the USB modem). Whether that's expensive or not depends mainly in which part of the world you live and the offerings of your carrier of choice. I can't really comment on that.

[@Strages_Powers]

@@MarcBuehler I use my phone to fly normally, can I use the phone to be both the hotspot and my fpv as well?

[@MarcBuehler]

Yes you can, just make sure the phone is powerful enough

[@Strages_Powers]

@@MarcBuehler thanks for the quick reply!

[@tests185]

Hi Marc thanks for the fb message and would like to say Bravo...awesome..!!!!!!!!!!!!.

[@grattsmark]

Hi what antenna are you using on the disco plane as sometimes I have trouble picking a good 4g signal up from the plane i live in a crap 4g area great mod had some decent long flights from my back garden if you could help would be much appreciated.. I have a solid blue light on the Sky controller but the Disco plane sometimes flashes Green to blue as it's trying to pick up a signal that is why I was thinking of getting some decent antenna for it 👍👍

[@MarcBuehler]

Hi Mark. I'm actually no longer using any antennas. The modem performs just fine without.

[@DutchFPVguy]

You are the man bro. 🙏 This is really amazing next level

[@MarcBuehler]

Thank you 🙌

[@DutchFPVguy]

@@MarcBuehler is you have time, check out my flights with this setup 👍🏻

[@furiousangels6222]

So that Tablet you are using is just outputting the video/telemetry direct from the Controller? Running a version of RealFlight? Which Tablet are you using plus does it handle outside light/sunshine well? I'm about to buy the Disco to do this, so wanting to ensure I understand the full process. 👍😎

[@MarcBuehler]

Furious Angels I am using an iPad with a sunshade as you can see at the beginning of the video. Other are using Android tablets. It is required for FreeFlight Pro (not RealFlight!) for the video stream and telemetry data. The tablet received the data from the Disco via Skycontroller 2 (via USB cable). Do join us on Slack if you have more questions: uavpal.com/slack

[@neilfisher3183]

Thanks for this - how many MB of 4G data do you use in a normal 30-40 minute flight?

[@MarcBuehler]

See github.com/uavpal/disco4g/wiki/FAQ Around 2.2 GB an hour for 1080p.

[@elbartnox]

2.2GB for Disco Modem + 2.2GB for Mobile Device in Hotspot?

[@MarcBuehler]

Yes, if you fly one full hour. It's half if you use lower res (which is the default setting).

[@johnliu2328]

Wonderful work! What was the longest distance it flew from you? Thanks!

[@MarcBuehler]

Thanks man! You can find videos on KZbin of people flying their Disco4G over 100km with upgraded batteries.

[@B10KPlaysGames]

This is the main reason why the parrot disco is still somewhat relevant today.

[@tuttoto]

B10K PlaysGames yep... especially when used with fpv VR headtracking...

[@chriswhiteman5817]

A dude in Germany called FPV Brain has done a cool NiMH battery back that gives you 2 hours flight! I have spoken to him, it is cheap only 70 Euros. This would go well with your mod

[@aprice4905]

You mad ! NiMH pack !? so what lipos are for ? lighter , more powerful and yet here is blast from the past . Was he hibernating for 20 years ? 4A Multistar Turnigy battery gives you 2h flight yet its light . Forget THE IDIOT who uses NiMH batteries , he needs to get his brain checked .

[@wuzihuzi]

Li-ion seem to be the future for long flight times.

[@RCRoss]

A Price Lipo's are short range heavy bricks. Lithium Ion are the way to go now. They replaced the lipo for long range.

[@huynhd6197]

Hi Marc, after I Enabled tethering on your mobile device (iOS: "Personal Hotspot") Double press the Settings button on Skycontroller 2 Skycontroller 2's LED is NOT flashing blue (not connect to hotspot or register in ZeroTier website) I verified the Network Name (SSID) and Passphrase (WPA Key) match the configuration files. Please advise. Thanks - Daniel

[@ndudman8]

Just wondering how much 4g data might be used on an average flight ? Our mobile data is very expensive here. Thanks looks great.

[@MarcBuehler]

Thanks :) have a look here: uavpal.com/disco/faq#datausage

[@wdarlidwdarlid5027]

Congratulations for your work, it's a big step for the future 😀 . Yesterday a purchase my disco and your mod i want test it , but when I connected it the first time on freeflight the app ask me to update to 1.7.0 because my firmware disco is under 1.4.1 And the question how can I update just the 1.4.1 ?? Sorry for my school English 😀

[@MarcBuehler]

Hi. You can run the same manual steps as downgrading from 1.7.0 to 1.4.1, see here: github.com/uavpal/disco4g/wiki/Downgrade-Parrot-Disco-Firmware-1.7.0-to-1.4.1 Or wait a few days. I have the changes ready for 1.7.0, but I want to 1. club with a few more features and fixes 2. wait for Parrot to tell us what's new in 1.7.0...

[@wdarlidwdarlid5027]

Marc Bühler thanks for the reply 😁 .I Will Wait your 1.7.0 mod , I think it's easier for me.

[@MarcBuehler]

softmod runs on Disco firmware 1.4.1 and 1.7.0 now

[@wdarlidwdarlid5027]

Marc Bühler thanks Marc I will test it soon and will reply here or on rcgroup.

[@MortenHolck]

I think it´s a WONDERFUL project, and I have prepared everything and have the hardware in the mail.. but..........Is it safe, can I revert the installation if I can´t get it to work ??

[@MarcBuehler]

Thanks Morten! Yes, you can always follow these steps to remove the softmod completely: uavpal.com/disco/wiki/Removing-the-softmod However! :) I suggest you join our softmod community at uavpal.com/slack, feel free to take part in the discussion and ask questions, the guys are very helpful in case you are facing issues.

[@MortenHolck]

Hi Marc! Tnx. for a super speedy answer...I will join the comunity, thank you. Sounds good to have a level of "security", i´m looking foreward to trying this....:-D

[@Musicoextreme2012]

excellent the softmod, I already installed it on my disk, however when I receive the glympse sms the tracking link does not arrive, only the link arrives at www.glympse.com and I cannot track the disk

[@MarcBuehler]

Juan Luis check the Glympse API key, that’s usually the root cause for this issue

[@Moneymenowww]

Make me one and send it me 🤣🤣

[@pierstaylor7780]

Sadly here in NI we hardly get a 3G signal!

[@vgfcshows2490]

😄🤩🙌🙌bien gracias

[@aerostudio360com4]

Marc what an excellent job you've done, is there any chance to deactivate video feedback in order to get only map location so we can save data in case our data plan starts to die? thank you ;)

[@MarcBuehler]

One of the #Disco4G community members found a neat trick: you can simply open the "drone memory" in ffpro during a flight and the video stream will stop (not just displaying, the transmission as well). That's safe for flightplans at least. Keep in mind, not seeing what's ahead can be dangerous!

[@aerostudio360com4]

thank you for such a quick response Marc, Im sure this will help a lot of people who could have the same question. With the suggestion you give me here, is it possible to regain video stream again over 4G after opening the drone memory in ffpro during flight?

[@MarcBuehler]

Yes! It defeats a bit the purpose of the softmod, but seems to be a frequent request.

[@aerostudio360com4]

Another alternative -if possible, im not sure if we can configure that option on the modem because i havent purchased it yet- is to set the modem to 3g network, maybe it could decrease mb rate consuption right?

[@MarcBuehler]

My experience with 3G is not too good, as the SC2/FreeFlight Pro expect a Wi-Fi connection, they are configured to be sensitive for high latency and low bitrates. In other words, SC2 disconnects and reconnects at times. I only recommend 2G/3G if you want to use the softmod as GPS tracker only (using the Glympse App), which is also possible without having the video/controls/telemetry routed through the 4G connection. If you just want to save data or if your 4G connection cannot offer the bandwidth required, there is another way, but requires some Linux knowledge/manual steps. The max. bitrate can be configured on the Disco via command line, some of the #Disco4G and #BebopTwo4G softmodders are doing this actually. Feel free to join the more technical discussions at uavpal.com/slack

[@yhsif02]

Just seen this ,awesome,will be buying parts as soon as i can great mod.

[@MarcBuehler]

ray gearing great, let me know how it goes! Pop by uavpal.com/slack We have a very active community around this and other mods.

[@JoseMMGM]

Great Mods Mark. I have some questions. I saw in the configuration that options are 480 and 720p. Its not posible to choose fly 4g lte in 1080p? Also, its posible to change resolution on the fly? For example, if i wanna save data, and i want to go to a nice place to explore, i can put low res in the way to go and put full resolution in the place i wanna really visit. another doubt is, how good is the quality? Because i saw in thsoe videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqnNaX2tmbZqgs0 a big diference between the 1080p recorded and the Fpv original view while flying. Its posible to see a perfect 1080p view while flying if have good 4g lte coberture? The last. I dont understand very good how sims works. The sim card who will make the whole Gigas spend is the card you put inside the drone in the modem? I suppouse this is the card sending all the video stream data. So then, i should put my main phone data inside my drone (i have 25 Gb and unlimited calls monthly). The second card i put in the phone is also spending gigas? This is a bit confused to me. Sorry. Another last thing. In this video i put the link before, he uses Li-Ion titan Batteries, who are more light than Lipo. Maybe is a idea for you to test. By the way. Its the Bebop 2 Power version compatible with all those mods? I am thinking in it for the extra speed. But dont know if this extra speed i can get also in normal Bebop 2 just choosing 11,4 V instead 11,1 v.. Then the over spend in bebop 2 power would be a waste.. While even i will not use the original batteries with the battery mod, and power version brings two original batteries.. I dont know if motors are same power and just have this extra Volts feeding. Thank you very much for all!!

[@MarcBuehler]

The options 480 and 720 are restrictions set by Parrot, switching betweens these two can be done during a flight. While technically, a 1080p stream is possible over 4G, the FreeFlight Pro App does not support it. You will see data charges on both SIM cards: the one on the Disco for sending the data and the one on your tethering device/mobile hotspot (i.e. phone) for receiving the data. Details here: uavpal.com/disco/faq#datausage The Bebop 2 Power is compatible, yes. 4G long-range flights are more enjoyable on a Disco, as you can get 1-2 hours on a battery-modded Disco. With a Bebop 2, you can't fly as fast and you need to turn around earlier due to low battery.

[@summitridge5767]

Awesome work! I've read through your guide uavpal.com (very well done) and currently installing the mod but have run into an issue with the E3372 modem not supporting 4G 700mhz (band 28) anymore in my area. Do you think E8372 will work with softmod?

[@MarcBuehler]

It might, I don't have the hardware to test it myself.

[@summitridge5767]

Marc Bühler Thanks for your reply. I have bought the hardware now so will test if it works. Will let you know the outcome. Do you see any obvious issues?

[@MarcBuehler]

It might work out of the box. If not, it should only require minimal changes to the code. The issue is, if you can't make these changes by yourself, it won't be easy to help you as nobody in the #Disco4G community has this modem currently (to be able to test/debug)

[@summitridge5767]

Marc Bühler Ok cheers. Hopefully it works as is. If not, it would be good to get it working as I imagine others might encounter the same situation (Australia 700mhz etc). Either way I'll let you know. 👍

[@MarcBuehler]

There are a few Aussies using the E3372 (with Optus for example). Suggest you join the community on Slack: uavpal.com/slack

[@remylebourgeois2273]

Great job. Is softmod compatible with the application ’auriga’ ?

[@MarcBuehler]

Rémy Le BOURGEOIS yep 🙂

[@samialsalam4434]

hi marc do you have break connection sometimes during flights or is it very rarely?

[@MarcBuehler]

brulux-31 ontheflux yes it happened when I flew into areas with poor 4G network coverage. It will reconnect after a short while. If the connection doesn’t get better, the Disco will turn around (just like a disconnection on Wi-Fi)

[@samialsalam4434]

the Disco will turn around or come back in RTH mode?

[@MarcBuehler]

brulux-31 ontheflux can I suggest you read through uavpal.com and github.com/uavpal/disco4g/wiki/FAQ Most of your questions are already answered there...

[@atw98]

You did a bench test of this about a year ago I think didnt you? We spoke then and it wasnt ready yet. Bur I see its now on Ardupilot. Is it hard for someone with no programimg to set up? Also does the modem model matter or does it have to be this model? Also I hear it only works on 4g not 3g so if it switches over in flight what happens? I had a mate put mavlink on a RPI for my pix4 but this is what Id love as I love my disco and would love some helpful hints if possible as Im a NOOB at this. Thanks in advance.

[@MarcBuehler]

Hi Angus, yes I remember. Where do you see it is on Ardupilot? (because it it not...). Have a look at the instructions on uavpal.com and decide for yourself it it's too hard. There is no programming knowledge required. The other questions you asked are answered in the FAQ: uavpal.com/wiki/FAQ

[@atw98]

Marc Bühler thanks Mark. Just a quick one the issue with the versions. 21 .22 on the 4g dongle are is there still some concern? We can only get the H version here in Australia and so its what I got. I am on the same service provider as my phone both are pre paid, its very popular here. And especially with the modems due to usally only used when traveling. Yep saw you on Ardu, fun I have or had been looking out to see if you where going to keep going as at the time you thought it was to difficult and unreliable. I am so glad when someone follows through and does something this good its fantastic. I am pissed that it was sold as ardupilot ready but I cant complain they are only $400AU here now which is what I paid. Im thinking might try get 1 or 2 more. Shame the same thing doesnt work with the pixhawk, but I have seen a CHUCK fly in an x5 and an Opterra, which I have. Anyway long enough ramble well done mate really happy for you. I will do the install, well trg not to screw it up, and wait to hear about the moden firmware b4 flying. If it works would you mind if I did a video walk through? I think video walkthroughs lets the masses of dills like me do things we couldnt do otherwise. By the way I was using, am using, ANDRUAV for the pix4 works great but got a mate to program the RPI to see which is better. Cheers and happy flying

[@MarcBuehler]

Thanks Angus! I suggest you join us on Slack: uavpal.com/slack there are a few more Aussies who got it to work. Most of them got a Hi-Link modem but re-flashed it with the 21.x firmware. I leave the video walk-through to the community :)

[@Chuck74420]

where did you find the cable that connects the modem to the C.H.U.C.K? I cant seem to find one with the right angle..

[@MarcBuehler]

www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&SearchText=USB+OTG+cable+angle+up choose direction "up"

[@ottodjerf3786]

Hi! Did you need to reprogram the reciver or anything? Or is it just to dubble press tje settingbutton right stock and it will connect to the phone wifi!? Tinking of buying one just for the reason that this gives unlimited range!!

[@MarcBuehler]

Otto Djerf the softmod reprograms the disco and the skycontroller. None of the functionality is stock...

[@ottodjerf3786]

Marc Bühler okay, so how do i reprogramm the disco and controller?

[@MarcBuehler]

Otto Djerf by following the instructions

[@voldelurubu619]

Very impressive !

[@thelongranger55]

So you prefer 4g lte over 5.8ghz video and 2.4ghz controller ? How is the lag or latency?

[@MarcBuehler]

Hunter Mclaughlin yes definitely for long range. For acro maybe not, but the disco is not an acro plane anyways. Lag is less than 50ms

[@Fpvfreaky]

Marc Bühler does it cost you money if your streaming over 4G and in 1080p. As you won’t be streaming over WiFi.? Sorry if this is a stupid question.

[@MarcBuehler]

Hi FPV Freaky, it will consume a certain amount of mobile data per hour. Usually mobile network operators do charge for that. You need to check if your plan includes a certain amount of free data per month. Some plans are unlimited. If you're lucky, your operator might not charge for internal connections SIM-to-SIM. Please also see the FAQ for more information: github.com/uavpal/disco4g/wiki/FAQ

[@Fpvfreaky]

Marc Bühler oh ok thanks for the link. Good mod to by the way great idea. I was thinking. Can the internal memory be expanded by the usb aswel do you know where you connect to laptop.

[@MarcBuehler]

Yes, it's possible to add additional storage, e.g. USB flash drive. BUT: it requires software changes to CHUCK, it will not work out of the box. Do you really have such a requirement? The 32 GB are usually more than enough for me: I move the videos over to my laptop by the end of the day, to 1. make space 2. have them in a safe location, as there is always a small chance that the Disco will not return from the next flight ;)

[@Fpvfreaky]

Marc Bühler no its just nice to know that it can be done that’s all. If I have a day of flying. Plus if I do a long flight plan that I do a couple of hour flights ect. 😊👍🏽

[@thefortressishere]

Marc Bühler Hi Marc, I was wondering if the mobile device ie phone or tablet has to be 4g compatible? Also if you disconnect from 4g to WiFi mode, what would happen if the disco was at a great distance beyond its WiFi range?

[@mim5able]

Awesome work! Any idea what would have to be done to make this work on the Bebop 2?

[@MarcBuehler]

current status: github.com/uavpal/disco4g/issues/7 pending: cross compilation of kernel mods for bebop2. It's not a big deal, but I don'y have a BB2 to test

[@mim5able]

Thanks, I can't wait!

[@intro-version]

Did you use a drill to make the holes for the antennas? Is the parrot still stable during the flight? Any other body modifies?

[@MarcBuehler]

Yes, I drilled two holes. No negative impact on stability. However, some people achieve good results with just the 4G modem but without the extra antennas. The other (body) modifications I did are not 4G related (LEDs, belly protector, ...)

[@intro-version]

Marc Bühler what are the altitude limit for internet connection?

[@MarcBuehler]

Depends on the topology and the coverage. If you take off in a valley where 4G antennas are usually available all the way up to the mountains, you could go 3000-4000m high. In flat countries, 200-300m high is not a problem, we have also seen 1km altitude in lowlands too.

[@intro-version]

Marc Bühler thank you very much marc! I live in germany for few months and haven't seen prepaid SIM (not contract) with flat internet.. hope that the amount of internet usage is not so much...

[@MarcBuehler]

Join the community on https;//uavpal.com/slack there are a few German guys and they've been talking about current prepaid/postpaid offers which they use for their #Disco4G

[@cobratraxxas]

It's a shame that Parrot doesn't make the Disco anymore! You should ask Parrot to bring back the Disco with your mod enabled right out of the box. Maybe you could collect a licensing fee on each modded-Disco sold!

[@MarcBuehler]

Even though it's discontinued, it's on sale at around USD 350.- in most countries :)

[@halorx9863]

The design of that plane is complete failure

[@tuttoto]

Halorx marketing was a complete failure... the design and architecture of the system was crazy brilliant...

[@tuttoto]

You can have a Delair UX11 with this mod out of the box, with similar features and performance as the modded Discos. (It is a military surveillance drone... 15000$...)

[@Ibabthekebab]

WOW! does the huewei thing come with the antenna's??? thnx

[@MarcBuehler]

IBAB FPV some do if you order from Amazon or Aliexpress, most don’t. You can order the antennas separately. However, the antennas don’t make a big difference, quite a lot #Disco4G pilots fly without any antennas

[@vyn92]

Hi Marc thank you so much for your tuto I started today and everything works pretty well or almost ... I maybe changing the 4G modem operator should I only change the conf files in the 4G master folder or there are other changes to carry out ?

[@MarcBuehler]

you only need to change the apn config file, see also here uavpal.com/faq#confchange

[@vyn92]

Marc Bühler don't need To change Phone number for glympse / pushbullet ?? I can change it directly in ssh inside disco or i must réinstall softmod with new config ??

[@MarcBuehler]

you can change it directly using telnet and vi. if you're getting a new SIM, you probably want to change the phone number where to receive the SMS, yes. If you use pushbullet, you won't need to change anything (apart from APN conf)

[@vyn92]

Marc Bühler using telnet or filezilla ???

[@MarcBuehler]

either ways. you said ssh, I just corrected that to telnet (as no ssh available on the disco). either a) telnet+vi editor OR b) ftp upload (e.g. filezilla)

[@chriswhiteman5817]

YOU ARE A GENIUS

[@samialsalam4434]

hi marc wie weit bist du Ehrlich jetzt mit dem disco geflogen?

[@MarcBuehler]

So weit wie das Gesetz es erlaubt. Latürnich!

[@markusdevw]

Do you always need to first connect to the disco over wifi? I get the solid blue light on the sky controller. I open the freeflight pro app and connect the usb cable to the controller. The software detects the controller (see battery level) but I never get any video. When I am in range of wifi i do get video. So do I need to connect the sky controller to the disco via WIFI before I connect it via 4G? All seems to connect but I never get any video when I didnt connect via wifi before I switch to 4G. When I connect to wifi first and then switch to 4G, It does work.

[@MarcBuehler]

I don't think it will work if you were not connected to the disco via Wifi first. Also make sure the Wifi on your tablet is not connected to the Disco. I suggest you join our Slack workspace, see github.com/uavpal/disco4g/blob/master/README.md#contactcontribute

[@bools356]

Can this mod be usefull for me in this situation : I want to fly my disco to a friend's house, at 5km away, and i want to land it in his garden. Then my friend grab the disco, and with the help of video I can know when he's ready to throw it in the air, so I press the take off button and my friend launch the disco, for a comeback to my house. could it be possible with that mod ? sorry about my english really !

[@MarcBuehler]

Yes that's possible.

[@bools356]

Nice, thank you !

[@nickn8812]

Wooooo ..I was wondering the same thing 😀

[@markuswormann9744]

So you can transport drugs or Weapons over the boarder?

[@tuttoto]

Markus Wörmann only drugs or chemical/biological warfare, standard weapons are too heavy and not worth it... You won’t need the softmod... flying with gps waypoints would be enough... You won’t need a Disco... cheap rc wings with gps would be enough and able to carry more weight...

[@marcoperches3078]

Which tablet shade is that you are using? Just got a new tablet for my SC2 and looking for a shade.

[@MarcBuehler]

I use this one: www.aliexpress.com/item/New-9-7-inch-FPV-Monitor-Sunshade-Sun-Hood-For-Tablet-iPad/32545532332.html

[@skanderbenabdelkrim6332]

This is madness

[@MarcBuehler]

This... is... Sparta-mod! :)

[@Landrew0]

Invest in a good camera. It's harder to shoot down a drone from high altitude.

[@KalterKrieger]

So fliegt der dann also.... schade nur, dass es hier kaum 4G gibt im Bergland.

[@ricardopr54]

I need help converting my Disco into a 4G aircraft. I have all the components but the SIM Card. I tried to get one from Verizon (My carrier), but they supposedly doesn't support the Hawei modem. I'm planning to get one of their mobile hotspots and remove the SIMcard from it in order to use it with the Hawei modem. Thing is that I'm not a computer guru, and that's what's making it really hard for me to get this software install in my disco. Was it hard to get it done! Any advices! I would appreciate any help on this. Thanks!

[@MarcBuehler]

ricardopr54 join us on uavpal.com/slack We’ll help you there 👍🏻😃

[@ricardopr54]

@@MarcBuehler I contacted one of the guys in the Community, Justin White, and he helped me getting mine ready to go. Here is the maiden flight of mine under the 4G LTE SoftMod. Hope that you like it. Watch "Douglas, AZ from the Sky in 2019" on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYCyZZqGg8Z1ZpI Thank you all in the UAVPAL community for your help!

[@Blanch443]

Hey Marc I don’t understand how the controller connects to the 4g and how it connects to the disco

[@MarcBuehler]

Henry Blanchard have a look at uavpal.com where the details are explained

[@markusdevw]

Sweet!

[@elianleal7980]

How much would a set up like this cost excluding the iPad

[@MarcBuehler]

Elian Leal USD 400-500 and some data charges

[@carlosnascimento1934]

Good morning, I'm watching your videos, I bought today in Aliexpress the modem and cable OTG. In the configuration part of the app did not understand much.. It would be possible to help

[@MarcBuehler]

Join the #Disco4G community on Slack: uavpal.com/disco/sub#contactcontribute

[@austntexan]

When/if you loose the 4G connection, does the system simply treat that like a normal failsafe event and initiate a RTL on it own, or do you need to reconnect via wifi with the Skycontroller and manually trigger the RTL?

[@MarcBuehler]

bauhaus it will automatically initiate RTH.

[@austntexan]

Fantastic! Thank you for your work on this. It's really giving new life to this excellent platform!

[@wellingtonsilvajaquelineba5769]

hello I need your help, I messed up something but I can not figure it out, it connects on the zerotier shows online but does not connect blue light continues on Sky controll 2 from me a tip thanks

[@MarcBuehler]

Hi there, join us on uavpal.com/slack for help

[@ellokohohypnose5068]

Hi Marc ! How are you ? I Have a question, i Follow your tutorial, and i did everything. It worked at home one time. I tried outside but i Have a problem, after the blue led stop flishing, i Have no vidéo return... And after some second the led start To flashing red... Do you know What can be the problem ? Thanks. Best regarde !

[@MarcBuehler]

I suggest you join the community at uavpal.com/slack

[@nicfpv9969]

I have a question, in witch sim card i need to have hd streaming enable? On the aircraft or on my cell? Im a bit confuse, who sent the video streaming to the tablet? The aircraft sim, or my cell hotspot?

[@MarcBuehler]

The video is *sent* by the SIM of the aircraft and *received* by the SIM in your hotspot/cell phone. so technically both need to have as much bandwidth available as possible. See also uavpal.com/disco/faq#datausage

[@nicfpv9969]

I see thanks

[@digitalizations]

Maybe a stupid question forgive me in Advance... How much data per hour the drone use ?

[@MarcBuehler]

digitalizations see here github.com/uavpal/disco4g/wiki/faq#datausage

[@cameltoeinspector6015]

I need help with the softmod software portion I'm having a hard time comprehending it I NEED HELP!!!!

[@MarcBuehler]

You have already joined Slack. Just state exactly which step you are struggling with and you will be helped.

[@cmik2119]

I have a big problem, when I all installed the first day it worked very well. today I turn it on disco connects well on zero but skycontroeller blinks blue then fixed then flashes red and impossible to establish the connection I do not understand, can you help me please.

[@MarcBuehler]

see uavpal.com/disco/faq#blueflashing suggest you join us on uavpal.com/slack we'll help you there

[@cmik2119]

@@MarcBuehler hello thanks for your answer. I already check this I can see skycontroller and disco on the zero and 2 are checked and I removed and reinstalled the program yesterday always the same. I use the phone that shares the connection as a screen. is it possible that it is because of that? Ok i am in slack how i can find you ?

[@MarcBuehler]

@@cmik2119 I'm softice on Slack. Just write in the channel #disco4g. There are lots of helpful guys online

[@jjseandxcefree]

dumb question but can the parrot do 4k video?

[@MarcBuehler]

if you mean the Disco by "the parrot", the answer is no, it's 1080p only. Parrot also has newer drones, like the Anafi which can do 4k.

[@Larsonaut]

Where is this? Which city? looks nice but not at all western European

[@MarcBuehler]

Singapore 🍻

[@Swimfinz]

Is there another Parrot Disco group meet up location? When I've downloaded SLACK, nothing to click on.

[@MarcBuehler]

you need to login to the UAVPAL workspace or use the link uavpal.com/slack alternatively, there is an active Disco community on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/173527569745090/

[@Swimfinz]

@@MarcBuehler Thank you Marc. Yes, I bought a Huawei 4G modem and my new/used Parrot arrived yesterday. I have much prep ahead of me.

[@user-ev7qw8oi7e]

I just bought a Parrot Disco and all the necessary components. My firmware is currently 1.7.0. Should I upgrade it to the newer firmware?

[@MarcBuehler]

Hey Tim. Yes you should. The 4G softmod is compatible with 1.7.0 too, but there are known issues with that particular firmware, unrelated to the softmod (i.e. flight data not being transferred in particular). I would go to 1.7.1. I suggest you join the 4G community on Slack: uavpal.com/slack

[@user-ev7qw8oi7e]

Thank you for the very quick response. I'm so excited to go out to the field today to do my first flight of my Parrot Disco. I haven't made the mods yet because I want to learn how to fly the bird first. I'll join the 4G community on Slack right now

[@misterT9412]

Hello, this is awesome. Can you Tell me how much 4G data it takes during one flight ?

[@MarcBuehler]

Hi Jordan, please have a look here: github.com/uavpal/disco4g/wiki/FAQ#datausage