University Project Help

[vocal ginkgo]

I am in a course this semester where the aim is to deliver a single large project for demo and review as the final.

My proposal was to build a quad with something like a pwnagotchi or SDR of some variety and gps on it that would allow the drone to identify other drones in the air (or similar remotely operated radio or WiFi devices) and emulate the necessary signals and take control, if even temporarily enough to just disrupt/disable a specific target.

Now the real kicker … I’m new to just about all of this and it’s just a proposal for my project. I know this is theoretically possible, but any advice on where to start? I’ve not ever built a drone, but I was planning to start a build soon anyways and I’m up to about 40 hours of sim time.

I’ll restate - this is just for my university project. I don’t think this counts as weaponization or any such thing, but I guess let me know/remove this if so.

I’ll also add that this needs to be at least semi-automated for a pass. Either the drone will need to identify and fly towards a target, or the takeover needs to be automated, preferably both.

[nova matrix]

That's a really ambitious project! people here will be able to help with the Drone part but the recognition and taking control of other drones is something that even the military haven't figured out.

[dark estuary]

My pure and honest opinion, do something else for your project. It's not that I don't think you can't do it, it's more of I don't think you understand the full complexity of what you're trying to accomplish.

This would be a challenge even for experienced engineers and months or years of development. There's a reason most try to jam the target instead of controlling it.

I'm not saying don't try, go for it.

[vocal ginkgo]

I really appreciate the advice! I always overshoot lol.

Would it be possible to jam the target without jamming yourself? I think that would be an acceptable variation here and I’m way down for starting off easier. I’ve only got the semester to work on this.

[nova matrix]

I would also check the legalities around jamming signals. In most countries building a signal jammer that could even have the possibility of jamming emergency frequencies could end in jail time.

[dark estuary]

For the UK owning one isn't illegal, using it is

[dark estuary]

Using a directional antenna to shoot so much EMF at the target the receiving signal can't get through.

[vocal ginkgo]

I did check on this and we have permission for these kind of activities through my university program. I won’t be able to do anything with it outside of my own property after I submit the project.