Which frequencies FPV drones use and what a detector sees

A radio-controlled FPV drone uses several frequencies at once: one for control and another for video. To defend against such drones, it is important to know which signal a detector can actually catch. Below we explain which bands FPV drones use, what the Ptashka drone detector sees and where the limits of radio detection lie.

Which signals an FPV drone has

• Control. Commands from the controller to the drone. Common bands are 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz, including ELRS systems.
• Video. The picture from the drone's camera to the operator. The video transmitter works continuously in flight and usually has higher power.

The video signal gives a detector the best chance to notice a drone early. The Ptashka detector is designed to find analog video.

Common FPV bands

Band	Usually used for	Feature
900 MHz	Control	Lower frequency travels further and passes obstacles more easily
1.2–1.3 GHz	Video	Longer range, but larger antennas
2.4 GHz	Control	Compact antennas, shorter range than 900 MHz
3.3 GHz	Video	A middle ground between 1.2 and 5.8 GHz
5.8 GHz	Video	The most common FPV band, very compact antennas

These are typical values, not a rule. Transmitters can also use non-standard frequencies, so wide operating bands matter for a detector, not just popular channels.

What the Ptashka detector sees

The Ptashka drone detector scans three bands:

• 820–1820 MHz;
• 2300–3990 MHz;
• 4850–6185 MHz.

The scanning step is 5 MHz. The device recognises a signal by its parameters, not only by RSSI level. Put simply, it looks for the signs of analog video rather than any strong signal on air.

When a signal is found, the detector alerts, shows the frequency on the information display and can show the received video on the main screen. If the source is a drone camera, the user sees its view.

What the detector will not see

Situation	Does the detector see it	Why
Analog video in the operating bands	Yes	This is the device's main purpose
DJI	No	The device detects analog radio signals only
Digital video	No	Same limitation: analog signals only
Fibre-optic drone	No	The signal travels over a cable and is not emitted on air
Transmitter off or outside the bands	No	There is no signal to receive

No alert does not mean there is no drone. A detector complements observation and physical protection but does not replace them. More on the device's limits in what an RF drone detector can and cannot do, and on cable drones in fibre-optic FPV drone in an ambush.

What to look for when choosing a detector

1. Operating bands. Do they cover the bands used in your area.
2. Signal type. Analog or digital: the manufacturer should say so plainly.
3. Video view. A screen helps you understand what the device is receiving.
4. Battery life. The Ptashka has a 10,000 mAh battery.
5. Updates. The Ptashka detector's firmware is updated over Wi-Fi from a smartphone.

A full list of questions for the manufacturer is in how to choose a portable drone detector. How to combine detection with physical protection is covered in RF detector, EW and physical protection against FPV.

Frequently asked questions

Which frequencies do FPV drones use?

Control usually runs at 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz and video at 1.2–1.3 GHz, 3.3 GHz or 5.8 GHz. Non-standard frequencies are possible.

Which bands does the Ptashka detector scan?

820–1820 MHz, 2300–3990 MHz and 4850–6185 MHz in 5 MHz steps.

Does the Ptashka detector see DJI drones?

No. The device detects analog radio signals only.

Can an RF detector find a fibre-optic drone?

No. A fibre-optic drone sends its signal over a cable and does not emit it on air.

Need a detector for your unit? Contact us and we will answer your questions about the device.