Encrypted controls

[Jack Sheet]

Hi. I have no experience with copters but am looking to get one and gain some. Hence the question that follows may be stupid, so sorry in advance.

I don't see any discussion about any standard methods of encrypting the signal between the transmitter and the copter, such as the WPA encryption that I currently enjoy over my home WiFi.

I tried searching on various spellings of the term in these forums and got no hits. None at all.

Perhaps all these systems are encrypted so confirmation is futile? Even so, a one-liner to confirm the position would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Mike]

There is security built into the communication of most of the newer tx/rx protocols, but it's not due to encryption. Instead, the protocols use different algorithms to shift through channels within the 2.4Ghz spectrum rapidly, only staying on a channel for a very brief period of time (sub-second) before moving to the next. This does provide security, but it's main function is to allow many pilots to fly in the same area without interfering with each other's communication between their tx/rx.

Spektrum's DSMX and FrSKY's ACCST protocols are examples of good protocols with a good product base that rely on this technique.

Spektrum's Claim:

WORLD’S MOST SECURE RADIO LINKS

For the highest security levels of radio communications, NASA, the U.S. military and government agencies like the CIA and FBI rely on Spread Spectrum technology. Whether guiding unmanned reconnaissance aircraft over enemy territory, controlling satellites in space or communicating critical mission orders to the battlefield, the impenetrable secure link that Spread Spectrum coding provides makes it ideal for these decisive security applications.

And now Spektrum offers this technology for your RC car’s radio system.

FrSKY ACCST:

New FrSKY ACCST (Advanced Continuous Channel Shifting Technology) gives you secure radio communicatios in 2.4Ghz band. ACCST 2.4GHz system shifts 80 channels around hundred times per second in the 2.4GHz band. This means that the system is completely resistant to interference in that band.

 

[holtneil]

Hi mate this may help with what MM is saying

 

[Jack Sheet]

Thanks for the response, both.

Being an ignoramus, instinctively this solution seems more complicated than just encrypting the signal. But I guess the engineers know what they are doing. Is this as effective protection against someone maliciously hacking the system and deliberately taking control of the copter as it is at protecting against accidental interference? I remember seeing an episode of the new series of Hawaii Five-0 where someone took control of someone else's plane, but of course that is just fiction. Also, is the video feed from the camera protected capturing by others?

 

[GJH105775]

If someone wants to capture your video feed then there is currently very little to stop them. You could get a 5ghz Wifi router for video, and a wifi module for Pi or Arduino, with little modification you could make a secure video link. IF someone were to want to "jam" your signal, then you are probably screwed. What are you doing to need this type of security? Sometimes higher security makes you a more interesting target.

 

[holtneil]

Hi mate well you can use a DX9 as a buddy box and take over a flight but you need to be bind them first , and if the control signal gets jammed the fail safe will take over so return home should kick in if you have it , this video is funny show the dx9 in buddy mode