UniFi UNVR Gen 2 and UNVR Gen 2 Pro: What Has Actually Changed?

UniFi’s UNVR range has always occupied a fairly clear role in the Protect ecosystem: a dedicated rackmount recorder for users who have outgrown smaller gateway-based recording, or who want their surveillance storage separated from the rest of their network hardware. With the new UNVR Gen 2 and UNVR Gen 2 Pro, Ubiquiti is shifting that role further. These are still network video recorders first, but the hardware and software changes point toward a more active surveillance appliance, with higher camera support, local AI processing, HDMI output for live viewing, and closer integration with the newer direction of UniFi Protect. The issue is that this also comes with a much higher price than the previous UNVR and UNVR Pro, so the question is not simply whether the Gen 2 models are better, but whether the added hardware and features are relevant enough to justify the increase for different types of deployments.

UNVR G.2 and UNVR G.2 Pro – Specifications

The UNVR Gen 2 is the 1U model in the new range and keeps the same general rackmount class as the original UNVR, with 4 2.5/3.5″ HDD or SSD bays. Its camera support is rated at up to 50 HD cameras, 35 2K cameras, or 25 4K cameras, with support for 150+ Access Hubs. Networking is handled by 1 10G SFP+ port and 1 2.5GbE RJ45 port, while the chassis measures 442.4 x 43.7 x 325 mm.

Internally, it moves to a Qualcomm Kryo CPU built on Arm Cortex technology using a 4 nm process, with 1 Prime core at 3.2 GHz, 4 Performance cores at 2.8 GHz, and 3 Efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz. Memory is increased to 8 GB, drive power budget remains 75W, and maximum system power consumption is listed at 100W.

The UNVR Gen 2 Pro is the larger 2U model and increases the drive count to 8 2.5/3.5″ HDD or SSD bays, compared with 7 bays on the previous UNVR Pro. Its camera support is rated at up to 100 HD cameras, 70 2K cameras, or 50 4K cameras, again with support for 150+ Access Hubs. The Pro model uses the same Qualcomm Kryo CPU arrangement as the smaller Gen 2 model, but increases memory to 16 GB. Networking consists of 1 10G SFP+ port and 1 2.5GbE RJ45 port, with a listed chassis size of 442.4 x 87.4 x 325 mm. The drive power budget rises to 155W, while maximum power consumption is listed at 200W.

Both Gen 2 models also include HDMI output for the built-in ViewPort function, which allows a Protect multi-view to be assigned directly to a connected display rather than requiring a separate ViewPort device.

Specification	UniFi UNVR Gen 2	UniFi UNVR Gen 2 Pro
Price	$699	$999
Form factor	Rackmount 1U	Rackmount 2U
Dimensions	442.4 x 43.7 x 325 mm	442.4 x 87.4 x 325 mm
Drive bays	4 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD	8 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD
Managed cameras	50 HD / 35 2K / 25 4K	100 HD / 70 2K / 50 4K
Managed Access Hubs	150+	150+
Networking	1 x 10G SFP+ / 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45	1 x 10G SFP+ / 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
HDMI output	Yes, built-in ViewPort	Yes, built-in ViewPort
ViewPort stream limit	Up to 16 streams	Up to 16 streams
Processor	Qualcomm Kryo CPU built on Arm Cortex technology, 4 nm	Qualcomm Kryo CPU built on Arm Cortex technology, 4 nm
CPU configuration	1 Prime core at 3.2 GHz, 4 Performance cores at 2.8 GHz, 3 Efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz	1 Prime core at 3.2 GHz, 4 Performance cores at 2.8 GHz, 3 Efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz
Memory	8 GB	16 GB
Integrated Edge AI	Yes	Yes
AI detections	Up to 1,000 per hour	Up to 1,000 per hour
Edge AI features	Natural Language Search, Object Indexing in Find Anything, Person ReID, Search by Image	Natural Language Search, Object Indexing in Find Anything, Person ReID, Search by Image
Max. drive power budget	75W	155W
Max. power consumption	100W	200W
Power method	Universal AC input, 100 to 240V AC, 50/60 Hz	Universal AC input, 100 to 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power supply	Internal PSU, 100W	Internal PSU, 200W
Minimum NVR version	Not specified in supplied notes	5.1.10
Minimum Protect version	7.1.46	7.1.46

UNVR Gen 2 vs Original UNVR: Where the Price Increase Comes From

The clearest difference between the original UNVR and the UNVR Gen 2 is the change in hardware platform. The older UNVR uses a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor at 1.7 GHz with 4 GB of memory, while the UNVR Gen 2 moves to the newer Qualcomm Kryo ARM-based CPU platform and 8 GB of memory. The network layout has also changed, with the older model using 1 GbE RJ45 alongside 10G SFP+, while the Gen 2 model upgrades the RJ45 connection to 2.5GbE. Storage bay count remains the same at 4 bays, but camera capacity changes from 60 HD, 30 2K, or 18 4K cameras on the original UNVR to 50 HD, 35 2K, or 25 4K cameras on the Gen 2 model. That means the newer system is not a straight increase across every camera category, but it does raise support for higher-resolution 2K and 4K deployments.

The pricing difference is more substantial than the specification changes would suggest if this were only a conventional recorder update. The original UNVR is positioned at $299, while the UNVR Gen 2 is positioned at $699. The explanation appears to be that UniFi is treating the Gen 2 model as a more complete Protect appliance rather than just a higher-performance version of the old 4-bay recorder.

The HDMI output effectively integrates ViewPort-style live display support, while the built-in Edge AI features shift part of the workload that would otherwise require additional hardware such as an AI Key. This does not make the older UNVR obsolete for simpler recording tasks, but it does change the buying decision. The Gen 2 model is aimed more clearly at deployments that need local AI search, image-based search, person re-identification, and direct live monitoring from the recorder itself.

Specification	Older UNVR / UNVR Pro	New UNVR Gen 2 / UNVR Gen 2 Pro
Models compared	UNVR / UNVR Pro	UNVR Gen 2 / UNVR Gen 2 Pro
Price	$299 / $499	$699 / $999
Form factor	1U / 2U	1U / 2U
Dimensions	442 x 325 x 44 mm / 442 x 325 x 87 mm	442.4 x 43.7 x 325 mm / 442.4 x 87.4 x 325 mm
Drive bays	4 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD / 7 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD	4 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD / 8 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD
Managed HD cameras	60 / 70	50 / 100
Managed 2K cameras	30 / 35	35 / 70
Managed 4K cameras	18 / 24	25 / 50
Managed Access Hubs	150 / 150	150+ / 150+
Networking	1 x 10G SFP+ and 1 x GbE RJ45	1 x 10G SFP+ and 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
HDMI output	No integrated ViewPort	Yes, integrated ViewPort via HDMI
ViewPort stream limit	Requires separate ViewPort device	Up to 16 streams
Processor	Quad ARM Cortex-A57 cores at 1.7 GHz	Qualcomm Kryo CPU built on Arm Cortex technology, 4 nm
CPU configuration	4 cores	1 Prime core at 3.2 GHz, 4 Performance cores at 2.8 GHz, 3 Efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz
Memory	4 GB / 8 GB	8 GB / 16 GB
Integrated Edge AI	No	Yes
AI features	Requires additional UniFi AI hardware for expanded AI functionality	Natural Language Search, Object Indexing in Find Anything, Person ReID, Search by Image
AI detections	Not specified	Up to 1,000 per hour
Max. drive power budget	75W / 135W	75W / 155W
Max. power consumption	100W / 160W	100W / 200W
Power supply	Internal AC/DC, 120W / 200W	Internal PSU, 100W / 200W
Power redundancy	USP-RPS DC input supported	USP-RPS DC input supported
Main practical difference	Dedicated UniFi Protect recording and storage appliances	Higher-resolution camera scaling, integrated display output, and local AI search features

Protect 7.1 and the Shift Toward Local AI Surveillance

UniFi Protect 7.1 is an important part of the UNVR Gen 2 release, because several of the headline hardware features depend on the newer Protect software stack. The Gen 2 recorders include built-in Edge AI functionality, with support for Natural Language Search, Object Indexing in Find Anything, Person ReID, and Search by Image. In practical terms, this changes how recorded footage can be searched. Instead of relying only on a timeline, motion events, or predefined smart detections, the system is designed to help users locate more specific events across stored footage using more descriptive search methods. The built-in AI functionality is local and license-free, but for larger or busier deployments, UniFi still recommends adding 1 or more AI Keys to expand processing capacity, reduce Edge AI latency, and lower the chance of missed events.

Protect 7.1 also expands the broader surveillance feature set beyond the Gen 2 recorders themselves. Custom Video Walls are now available in Site Manager, dashboard widgets have deeper customization, and live camera views can be configured with webhook shortcuts for triggering automations from the camera interface. Smart detections have been retrained for improved accuracy across UniFi cameras, PTZ tracking has been expanded to include vehicles, and 360 cameras now support native immersive downloads. ONVIF support is also more developed, with audio and motion detection support for third-party cameras, which is significant for sites migrating gradually from existing surveillance hardware into UniFi Protect. The update also introduces U.S.-only Noonlight dispatch services for sensor and video monitoring at $199 per year, DC-09 support for third-party monitoring integrations, and SuperLink Remote Control support for customizable site control. Below is a full breakdown of the feaures of UniFi Protect, and which require AI assistance (either edge based on the camera/AI-port, or local using an AI assisted server or AI-Key):

Bottom Line: A More Capable NVR, but Not a Like-for-Like Replacement

The UNVR Gen 2 and UNVR Gen 2 Pro make more sense when viewed as expanded Protect appliances rather than direct replacements for the older UNVR and UNVR Pro. The new models add faster processing, more memory, 2.5GbE RJ45 networking, HDMI output for built-in ViewPort use, higher 2K and 4K camera ceilings, and local Edge AI features that change how recorded footage can be searched and reviewed. The Pro model also gains an 8th drive bay, which makes it a cleaner fit for larger retention requirements than the older 7-bay UNVR Pro. For sites already planning to use AI search, Person ReID, image-based search, or a direct HDMI monitoring display, the higher price is easier to explain because those functions would otherwise involve additional hardware or a less integrated setup.

That does not mean the price increase will make sense for every Protect installation. The original UNVR and UNVR Pro remain better aligned with users who mainly need reliable recording, centralized Protect storage, and conventional camera management without paying for a broader AI-enabled appliance. The Gen 2 models are therefore best judged by deployment requirements rather than by bay count alone. For new or expanding surveillance environments with higher-resolution cameras, active monitoring, ONVIF migration plans, and a need to search footage more intelligently, the UNVR Gen 2 range has a clearer role. For simpler sites where AI features and HDMI ViewPort output are not a priority, the older UNVR models still have a practical argument, provided UniFi continues to keep them available.

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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Si vous croisez un robot-chien Unitree dans un hall d'HLM, sur un parking, un chantier, ou en train de patrouiller dans votre ville, faut que vous sachiez 2 trucs quand même :

Un, n'importe qui peut le rooter en moins d'une minute avec son téléphone. Et de deux, le robot lui-même envoie en continu un flux chiffré vers un tunnel cloud opéré depuis la Chine. C'est en tout cas ce que Benn Jordan, musicien indépendant et chercheur amateur, vient de démontrer hier dans une enquête de 24 minutes qui fait, comme il le dit lui-même, un meilleur boulot que toute l'infrastructure cybersécurité du gouvernement américain.

Pour le hacker, suffit donc de se connecter au robot en Bluetooth, puis d'injecter une commande curl à la fin du mot de passe Wi-Fi, on éteint le toutou, on le rallume, et au reboot le robot exécute votre commande quand il active le Wi-Fi. C'est tout et c'est vraiment magique !! Pas besoin d'accès root physique donc mais juste un bon vieux téléphone et un Bluetooth pourri !

Le boss !

Alors vous pensez peut-être que ce n'est pas très grave parce que ces robots sont des gadgets mais c'est faux puisque les robots-chiens Unitree sont actuellement utilisés par les services de police de Pullman (Washington), Port St. Lucie (Floride) et Topeka (Kansas) et un peu partout ailleurs dans le monde.

Les Marines américains les déploient en test, certains armés de lance-roquettes, les forces chinoises leur sanglent diverses armes sur le dos depuis un moment et l'Ukraine s'en sert pour repérer des munitions non-explosées. Et dans le civil, ces robots circulent même dans des HLM d'Atlanta pour le compte de sociétés de surveillance privée...

En France, le tableau est un peu différent. Pas de déploiement confirmé par les forces de l'ordre ou l'armée pour l'instant. Chez nous, c'est Boston Dynamics Spot et l' E-Doggy d'Evotech (robot 100% français, utilisé au déminage pendant les JO 2024) qui tiennent ces marchés-là. Les Unitree restent encore dans les labos tels que l' INRIA Paris et le labo HUCEBOT de Nancy qui utilisent le Go2 pour leurs recherches en locomotion robotique.

En dehors de la recherche, le cas le plus avancé est celui d'Orano, qui a testé fin 2025 le G1 humanoïde d'Unitree sur son site nucléaire de Marcoule en partenariat avec Capgemini (c'est un humanoïde, pas un quadrupède, mais même fabricant, même firmware, mêmes questions). Côté distribution, INNOV8 Power est également partenaire officiel Unitree depuis VivaTech 2025 et INGEN Geosciences distribue la marque depuis 2020. Le réseau pour vendre ces robots à des boîtes de sécurité privées françaises est donc déjà bien en place.

Du coup quand un mec démontre qu'on peut en prendre le contrôle complet rapidement, ça mérite qu'on regarde ça d'un peu plus près...

Et quand je dis contrôle complet, c'est pas un excès de langage. Avec cet accès root, Benn Jordan a réussi à enregistrer, télécharger et live streamer l'audio et la vidéo captés par le robot. Sans authentification donc ni même sans passer par l'app officielle. C'est assez dingue... On peut même contrôler les mouvements du robot. Une belle merde donc !

Cette faille n'est d'ailleurs pas une nouveauté absolue puisque j'avais déjà couvert le hack BLE des humanoïdes Unitree en décembre dernier. Et ensuite rebelote en mars dernier avec deux nouvelles CVE sur le Go2, partiellement patchées. La répétition des conneries devient un peu lourdingue chez Unitree...

La deuxième partie de l'enquête, elle, atteint un autre niveau puisque Benn Jordan a entendu parler de rapports affirmant que d'autres robots Unitree contenaient une backdoor envoyant des données à des serveurs étrangers. Il a donc voulu vérifier ça lui-même.

Il a donc transformé un Raspberry Pi sous Linux en routeur avec le mode moniteur activé, et lancé BetterCap pour analyser chaque paquet sortant.

Synology Cameras Now Need a License for Surveillance Station

Synology has changed the licensing position for selected cameras in its 2026 surveillance camera range, with the newly listed BC510, TC510, and BC800Z now requiring a Surveillance Device License when used with Synology Surveillance Station. This marks a notable shift from the previous value proposition of Synology-branded cameras, which had been positioned as tightly integrated first-party devices that did not require an additional camera license. The new BC510 and TC510 have been introduced as AI-enabled bullet and turret cameras with 5MP resolution, 30 FPS recording, 110° horizontal field of view, IP66/IP67 protection, 30 m night vision, edge AI analytics, ONVIF support, and compatibility with Synology’s wider surveillance ecosystem, including its upcoming cloud-based surveillance platform. But why has Synology changed it’s stance on camera license requirements with this new series?

What Changed in Synology Cameras and the License Requirements?

Synology’s camera licensing policy has changed for part of its 2026 camera generation. The BC510, TC510, and BC800Z are now listed by Synology as requiring a Surveillance Device License, with Synology’s license documentation stating that these models require 1 license per camera. This means these Synology-branded cameras are now treated in the same basic licensing structure as regular IP cameras, where each camera consumes 1 available Surveillance Station camera license.

This is a significant change because Synology’s own cameras previously had a clear licensing advantage inside Surveillance Station. Earlier Synology camera models were positioned as first-party devices that worked directly with the platform without the need to buy an additional camera license. For users building a Synology-based surveillance setup, that made the cameras easier to justify even when comparable third-party ONVIF cameras were available at lower prices. The camera, platform integration, AI features, and license position were effectively part of the same value proposition.

With the 2026 generation, that arrangement has changed for the BC510, TC510, and BC800Z. Users will now need to account for the cost of a Surveillance Device License when deploying these cameras beyond the default licenses included with their Synology NAS, NVR, or DVA system. Synology NAS systems generally include 2 default licenses, Network Video Recorder systems include 4, and Deep Learning NVR systems include 8. Any deployment that exceeds the available default license count will require additional license packs, just as it would when adding third-party IP cameras or other supported surveillance devices.

Device Type		License Units	Example	License required
Synology Cameras		Per camera	BC510, TC510, BC800Z	1
		Per camera	BC500, TC500	0
Synology LiveCam		Per device	Synology LiveCam app	1
Regular IP camera		Per camera	AXIS P1347	1
Panoramic (fisheye)		Per camera	AXIS M3007	1
Multi-lens	Fixed lens	Per camera	ArecontVision AV8185DN	1
	Fixed lenses with independent IP	Per channel	AXIS Q3709-PVE	3
	Removable lens	Per channel	AXIS F44	5
Video server		Per channel	Vivotek VS8801	8
I/O module		Per device	AXIS A9188	1
Intercom		Per device	AXIS A8105-E	1
IP speaker		Per device	AXIS C3003-E	1
Access controller (door)		Per device	AXIS A1001	1
Transaction device (POS)		Per device	–	2

According to Synology’s stated position around the new generation, the decision is connected to broader deployment flexibility. The BC510 and TC510 are being introduced not only as cameras for Surveillance Station, but also as devices designed to work across multiple surveillance environments. Synology states that these cameras support deployment within the native Synology ecosystem, third-party NVR and VMS infrastructures through ONVIF, and its upcoming cloud-based surveillance platform. In that context, Synology appears to be separating the camera hardware from the Surveillance Station license entitlement, rather than treating the license as implicitly bundled with the camera.

The advantage Synology presents is that this approach allows the cameras to be used more flexibly outside Synology-only deployments. In theory, a lower hardware price can reduce the entry cost for users who want to deploy the cameras in third-party systems, where a Synology Surveillance Station license would not be relevant. For mixed environments, installers, managed service providers, or businesses migrating between platforms, the cameras can be positioned as ONVIF-capable AI cameras rather than hardware tied primarily to a Synology NAS or NVR. Synology’s argument is therefore less about removing value from Surveillance Station users, and more about aligning the cameras with wider interoperability, third-party infrastructure support, and future cloud surveillance services.

Which Cameras are Affected, and What About Older Synology Cameras?

The affected 2026 Synology camera models listed as requiring a Surveillance Device License are the BC800Z, BC510, and TC510. The BC800Z is the higher-end 8MP model with PoE connectivity, optical zoom coverage, longer night vision range, IP66/IP67/IK10 protection, a 5-year warranty, and additional analytics such as License Plate Recognition and Smoke Detection. The BC510 and TC510 are 5MP PoE cameras, offered in bullet and turret designs respectively, with 2880×1620 resolution, 30 FPS video, a 110° horizontal field of view, 30 m night vision, people and vehicle detection, intrusion detection, audio detection, tampering detection, motion detection, people and vehicle counting, Instant Search, and people-based auto tracking. The CC400W is not listed as requiring a Surveillance Device License, and remains separate from the licensing change affecting the BC800Z, BC510, and TC510.

At this stage, the licensing change appears to apply to the newer 2026 generation models listed by Synology, rather than being presented as a wider retrospective change across all previous Synology cameras. Older Synology camera models are less prominent on Synology’s current product pages following the arrival of the refreshed range, so the long-term public positioning of those older models is less clear from the current camera comparison material. Based on the available details, there is no indication in the supplied information that previously released Synology cameras are being newly reclassified in the same way, but buyers and existing users should still check the official Synology Camera Support List and license documentation for their exact model before expanding or changing a deployment.

Why Has Synology Made This Decision?

Synology’s stated reasoning appears to centre on making its newer cameras more flexible across different deployment environments. The BC510 and TC510 are being positioned not only as Surveillance Station cameras, but also as cameras for third-party NVR and VMS systems through ONVIF, as well as Synology’s upcoming cloud-based surveillance platform. By separating the camera hardware from the Surveillance Station license entitlement, Synology can sell the cameras into environments where a bundled Surveillance Station license would not be useful, while also lowering the hardware entry price for users who are not deploying them directly with Synology’s own platform. There may also be a wider commercial consideration around Synology’s position as a Taiwanese camera manufacturer. In some government, education, public sector, and official institutional deployments, the country of origin of surveillance hardware can be a factor in procurement, security review, and long-term platform approval.

This may give Synology an advantage over some Chinese-made camera brands, particularly in environments where hardware from certain vendors is harder to approve or deploy. In that context, Synology may see an opportunity to position the BC510, TC510, and BC800Z as more broadly deployable surveillance cameras for institutions that want ONVIF-compatible hardware without relying on brands that may face additional scrutiny. For Synology-only users, however, the practical result is different: the license cost now needs to be considered separately when adding the BC510, TC510, or BC800Z to a deployment that has already used its default license allowance. This does not remove the cameras’ first-party integration benefits, edge AI features, or official support inside the Synology ecosystem, but it does change the overall value calculation compared with older Synology cameras that did not require a separate Surveillance Device License.

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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Il a zoné au-dessus de votre jardin durant 3 minutes la semaine dernière. Vous l'avez entendu, vous avez levé la tête, mais trop tard ! Encore un putain de drone. Mais lequel ? Et surtout, qui le pilotait ?

Alors voilà un projet qui tente de répondre à ces questions pour le prix d'un week-end entre potes ! DroneAware Node , c'est une station de détection de drones à bricoler soi-même à base de Raspberry Pi. Il vous faut un Pi, 2 dongles USB, une microSD, et vous avez un truc qui écoute les signaux Remote ID autour de chez vous. Son créateur, DroneAwareDan, annonce une portée allant jusqu'à 8 km, mais en conditions idéales, au-dessus de l'eau et avec de grosses antennes. Dans la vraie vie, tablez plutôt sur 1 à 2 km selon le bruit radio du quartier et la qualité des antennes.

Le principe est assez malin. La FAA a imposé le standard Remote ID aux opérateurs américains à partir de septembre 2023 (les constructeurs devaient être prêts un an plus tôt). Et l'EASA a suivi côté européen avec une obligation au 1er janvier 2024. Concrètement, la plupart des drones grand public (au-dessus de 250 g ou classés C1 à C3 en Europe) doivent obligatoirement émettre en continu une sorte de plaque d'immatriculation radio qui balance l'ID de l'appareil, sa position et généralement un point de décollage. Et DroneAware capte ces signaux en Bluetooth Low Energy et en WiFi 2,4 GHz sans rien émettre lui-même, donc du listening purement passif.

Je vois que vous kiffez alors je continue... ^^

Côté matos, faut donc prévoir comme je vous le disais un Raspberry Pi (1 Go de RAM suffit, 2 Go recommandés), un dongle Bluetooth USB un peu costaud (du genre le Sena UD100 avec son chipset CSR qui fait bien le taf), un dongle WiFi qui supporte le mode moniteur en dual-band 2,4 et 5 GHz (comme l'Alfa AWUS036ACM qui coche toutes les cases), une microSD de 16 Go et un chargeur 5V/3A. Les détails exacts des antennes resteront à votre bon vouloir, parce que les "massive antennas" montrées sur les photos du projet font une grosse différence sur la réception. Par exemple une antenne omnidirectionnelle 9 dBi gagne facilement un kilomètre de portée sur install normale.

Concrètement, on flashe d'abord une distrib Raspberry Pi OS Lite sur la microSD, ensuite on branche les deux dongles, et après on lance le script d'install qui configure les interfaces Bluetooth et WiFi en mode moniteur. Et hop, ça tourne. Vos détections remontent alors sur droneaware.io , une plateforme collaborative qui agrège les données des nodes pour former une carte temps réel. Plus il y a de stations, mieux le maillage couvre la zone.

Sauf que... et là c'est le bémol, certains drones plus anciens n'émettent rien du tout tant que leur constructeur n'aura pas poussé une mise à jour Remote ID. Donc votre voisin avec son vieux Mavic Pro de 2016 qui vient vous mater en slip peut très bien rester invisible (à moins qu'il ait collé dessus un module Remote ID... ça coûte dans les 100 balles, et ça rend un drone ancien détectable mais qui fait ça ???). Et si vous partez sur une clé WiFi monobande 2,4 GHz seulement, vous raterez les drones modernes qui émettent en WiFi 5 GHz, raison pour laquelle un adaptateur dual-band évite cet angle mort.

Je trouve que l'approche est assez cool car on n'émet rien, on écoute juste ce que les drones sont déjà obligés de gueuler en clair sur les ondes, et on remet un peu de visibilité du côté du citoyen. Pas mal, non ? D'ailleurs, si vous aimez ce genre de bidouille RF sur Raspberry Pi, j'avais déjà couvert un système de vidéo-surveillance DIY et une caméra de chasse sur Pi qui jouent dans le même registre.

Bref, le code est sur GitHub, et le réseau commence à se densifier. À tester si vous êtes curieux de savoir ce qui survole votre terrain !

Source : Hackster

Disponible sur le Google Play Store, l'application « Nearby Glasses », développée par un amateur, attire l’attention. Elle permet à ses utilisateurs d’être avertis si des personnes à proximité portent des lunettes « intelligentes », comme les lunettes Ray-Ban de Meta.