

MTSUAV
Independent drone research → hardware teardowns, firmware analysis, counter-UAS, NDAA compliance, and open-source UAV engineering. Published openly. No paywalls.
Latest Research
- DJI Firmware Mods Explained: Legality, Risks & FCC Mode (Educational)This educational overview explains what DJI firmware mods actually do, from FCC mode force-switching to NFZ removal, and why they carry FAA and FCC compliance risk. It clarifies that Remote ID obligations remain in force regardless of firmware changes.
- UAS Tracking & Remote ID Modules: How They WorkUAS tracking uses Remote ID modules to broadcast a drone’s identity, location, and control station position to other airspace users and authorities. This article examines how standard and add-on broadcast modules work based on bench testing and field flights.
- Remote ID for Drones: 2026 Compliance GuideThis guide breaks down the three FAA-compliant paths to Remote ID compliance in 2026: Standard Remote ID, broadcast modules, and FRIA operation, plus what data gets transmitted and enforcement consequences.
- Complete Guide to PhotogrammetryThis guide covers the full drone photogrammetry pipeline, from mission planning and ground control through point cloud processing and deliverable QA. It explains structure from motion, accuracy control, and when orthomosaics versus full 3D models are needed.
- Drone Mapping Software Compared: DroneDeploy, Pix4D, MetashapeA hands-on comparison of DroneDeploy, Pix4Dmapper, and Agisoft Metashape based on processing the same survey datasets through all three platforms. The results reveal clear tradeoffs between cloud speed and desktop control for drone mapping software users.
- Complete Guide to Drone MappingThis guide covers the complete drone mapping pipeline, from flight planning and image overlap to orthomosaic and DEM generation. It explains how GSD, overlap settings, and ground control affect mapping accuracy and deliverable quality.
- Part 107 Recurrent Training & Renewal: What ChangedPart 107 recurrent training now replaces the proctored recurrent knowledge test with ALC-677, a free FAA online course completed every 24 months. This post explains the current renewal process, who still needs a knowledge test, and how it affects currency for night operations.
- FAA Part 107 Test: Study Guide & Free Resources (2026)This guide compiles the free FAA Part 107 test resources MTS UAV actually uses to pass the initial exam and stay current, including ACS breakdowns, scoring rules, and ALC-677 recurrent training. It covers exam structure, retake policy, and where to find legitimate study materials without affiliate padding.
Popular Categories
- Autonomy & AI (13)
- BVLOS Operations (3)
- Directed Energy Weapons (6)
- Drone Forensics (7)
- Drone Manufacturing & Supply Chain (3)
- Drone Mapping & Surveying (8)
- Drone Swarms (5)
- Drone Warfare (2)
- Drone Warfare & Military (34)
- Electronic Warfare & Counter-UAS (29)
- Firmware Analysis (4)
- GPS-Denied & Autonomous Navigation (5)
- Hardware Repair (7)
- Hardware Reverse Engineering (10)
- Industry & Supply Chain (8)
- Open Source & Software (9)
- Open Source UAV Development (8)
- Photogrammetry (6)
- Regulatory & Compliance (28)
- RF & Detection (12)
- Telemetry & Protocol Decoding (13)
Featured Guides
NDAA Compliance
NDAA Drone Compliance 2026
FCC Covered List, Blue UAS, DJI ban, government procurement — everything operators need in 2026.
Counter-UAS
Complete Counter-UAS Technology Guide
Detection, tracking, and defeat systems — HPM, laser, RF, kinetic. Real 2026 deployments analyzed.
Fiber Optic FPV
Fiber Optic FPV Drone Technology Guide
Wire-guided EW-immune drones — TX/RX modules, G.657.A2 cable, MAVLink over fiber, battlefield production.
Drone Mapping
Drone Mapping & Photogrammetry Guide
UAV survey workflows, orthomosaics, GCPs, software comparison — Pix4D, WebODM, Metashape.
About MTSUAV
Mission
MTSUAV publishes independent technical research on unmanned aerial systems — hardware teardowns, firmware analysis, RF and protocol decoding, counter-UAS engineering, and operational doctrine. All findings released openly. No paywalls, no vendor lock-in.
Hands-On. Never Theoretical.
Every report starts on the bench. Real hardware, real protocols, real RF — documented as the work happens and released to engineers, researchers, public-safety operators, and defense professionals who need ground-truth analysis.