GPS reliability preflight check

[Hayuatma]

I think we should use one more check list before flying in GPS mode:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.solarmonitor
As precautions of GPS interference.
Space Weather and GPS Systems | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
Planetary K-index | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center

 

[rcdancer]

I think we should use one more check list before flying in GPS mode:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.solarmonitor
As precautions of GPS interference.
Space Weather and GPS Systems | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
Planetary K-index | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center

Yup. I believe some fly-aways are in fact caused by a high k-index. The Apple app store as a "Solar Sphere" app that provides the current and forecast k index.

 

[Andre Levite]

UAV Forecast app (or website) is a popular choice because it includes Kp Index, visible satellites, cloud cover, rain chance, visibility and winds aloft. I check it up to 24 hours in advance. Very reliable and highly customizable.

Website-
UAV Forecast

App:
UAV Forecast by Matthew LLOYD

 

[Speedmeister]

Do a hover test and short distance RTH to test GPS. If hover test gives you sideway movements other than normal or your precision landing are way off than normal then it maybe affected by it. Not an expert just my opinion. These are also my pre flight tests that I do on my gps drones.

 

[Asset4air]

There is a lot of useful info on UAV Forecast. I check it before every flight

 

[Eljay]

Do a hover test

Just spending a moment hovering and going forward back side to side before flying off into the sunset is such a good practice. Does it look OK? Does it sound OK? Plus usually it keeps picking up satellites so you're not at a bare minimum.

 

[Speedmeister]

Just spending a moment hovering and going forward back side to side before flying off into the sunset is such a good practice. Does it look OK? Does it sound OK? Plus usually it keeps picking up satellites so you're not at a bare minimum.

I do a hover test beyond 10 meters outside VPS range. I just hover steady and watch for drift. Drifting could mean bad compass or poor GPS signal which means it is probably in atti mode. No auto breaking, it will drift in its original heading without stick inputs. If you are not familiar in flying atti mode, hover at VPS range. It keeps drone steady while acquiring GPS.

 

[Eljay]

That seems sensible. I'll typically kick it up to a lower altitude than that and give it a few seconds for the visual system to record whatever it wants, then play with it a bit so I can really see/hear what's going on, then pop it up to maybe 50 feet and give it a few more seconds while I observe it before going wherever I'm going. By then it should have a really solid lock.