Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by Smushman 2946 days ago
Can't we jam these signals yet?

DIY method: https://makezine.com/projects/build-wi-fi-drone-disabler-wit...

Pro Method: https://www.droneshield.com/blog-content/2017/1/14/drone-def...

Seems to me with DIY method you aren't breaking any FCC regs (uses a wifi de-auth). Still I would do it out of direct line of sight (hidden/obscured area) in case operator catches you on camera.

When you pick it up just ask them to kindly come by and pick it up.

Being nice works well when people are doing questionable things (and possession is 9/10 of the law if they are not nice in return).

4 comments

>you aren't breaking any FCC regs (uses a wifi de-auth)

Has the FCC's enforcement been successfully challenged in court? Because last I knew their interpretation of 47 USC 333 explicitly considered monkey business at layer 2 or above to be within scope of malicious interference.

And here is a better definition. It appears you are correct by my interpretation of this simple FAQ:

https://transition.fcc.gov/eb/jammerenforcement/jamfaq.pdf

- For example, jammers can: prevent your Wi-Fi enabled device from connecting to the Internet

- A jammer can block all radio communications on any device that operates on radio frequencies within its range (i.e., within a certain radius of the jammer) by emitting radio frequency waves that prevent the targeted device from establishing or maintaining a connection.

And more is in there. Judging by these definitions the FCC believe they have a pretty wide reach:

- Any device that jams or disrupts cell phone calls, text messages, or other wireless communications by emitting an interfering radio frequency signal is illegal

As you stated, the courts would have the final say.

I guess with a 'Monetary Forfeiture' being the punishment I have to retract my suggestion. You are better off breaking it with a rock, spear, or a shot-put!

Sling-shot would be my favorite choice. Buy lead fishing weights for ammo - they're cheap.
Thanks for info - I was thinking strictly of radio interference as the only FCC concern. It is useful information to know about (and to further research).
I have a dji drone, even if you break the wifi connection, it will just return to "home". Unless you can spoof a gps signal, I don't know how you'd capture it.
Spoofing a GPS signal such that it returns home to the local dump would be amusing. Thing just lands atop a mountain of trash.
But wouldn't that reveal who its owner is?
its illegal to jam wifi you cant mess with an aircraft in flight even if it is a drone... super not safe and against the FAA rules as I understand it