Ukraine Develops D·Vision SDR RF Analyzer That Intercepts Drone Video

Ukrainian company CODE380 has developed the portable D·Vision SDR radio frequency analyzer, which scans the airwaves for drone signals and lets users view video transmitted over analog communication channels.

The device’s developers told DOU about the system.

According to the manufacturer’s technical documentation, the device can detect PAL and NTSC analog video signals, as well as compatible digital signals from DJI Mavic drones.

The analyzer uses software-defined radio (SDR) technology, which lets software process and analyze radio signals.

Unlike conventional analog video receivers, D·Vision SDR uses software to search for and identify characteristic drone signals across a wide frequency range.

However, the device can play back footage only from analog video channels. The device cannot decode DJI digital video but can detect the corresponding radio signals.

According to the manufacturer, analog video reception and viewing range at frequencies of 540–6,000 MHz can reach 10 km, while above 6,000 MHz it ranges from 3.5 to 5 km. The analyzer can detect compatible digital video signals from DJI Mavic drones at distances of up to 2.5 km.

The analyzer has two SMA antenna inputs, supports data recording to a microSD card, and includes a built-in screen to display scan results.

Additional features include a waterfall display of radio spectrum activity, EW system testing, and USB remote control.

Depending on the version, the device offers up to three or six hours of battery life. It weighs approximately 290 grams without antennas and measures 130 × 80 × 22 mm.

According to DOU, developing the analyzer’s software and hardware took more than a year, while the entire process, from the start of development to the finished product, took approximately a year and a half.

The developers said the device underwent field testing with the participation of Ukrainian service members, particularly during combat missions.

Ukrainian drone detectors

Ukraine is actively developing portable electronic intelligence systems designed to detect enemy drones promptly.

In March, Militarnyi reported on the development of the Vydun 7.5 detector by Ukrainian company BABAI, which can intercept analog video signals from drones at frequencies of up to 7.5 GHz.

Contra-drone has also introduced the portable SENSE-4 detector, which can identify analog video signals at frequencies of up to 8.2 GHz.

In August, BlueBird Tech also began upgrading its Chuyka 3.0 detectors to expand their capabilities by adding a frequency band from 6 to 8.8 GHz.