How To Dissable Potensic Atom 2 Drone Remote Id

Disabling Remote ID is illegal in many countries, including the United States, under FAA regulations. Remote ID is designed to enhance public safety, airspace management, and accountability. Tampering with or disabling Remote ID hardware/software can lead to:



Hefty fines
Confiscation of your drone
Criminal prosecution
Revocation of FAA Part 107 licenses

This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not recommend or condone illegal modification of drone firmware or hardware. If you're facing issues with Remote ID, we’ll also outline legal alternatives below.

What is Remote ID and Why Does It Matter?

Remote ID acts like a digital license plate for drones. Mandated by the FAA and other aviation authorities worldwide, it broadcasts:

Drone serial number or session ID
Current location and altitude
Speed and heading
Takeoff location

This info can be picked up by law enforcement, airports, and the public via apps.

Remote ID became mandatory for most drones over 250g in the U.S. starting September 2023.

The Potensic Atom 2 and Remote ID: What You Need to Know

The Potensic Atom 2 is a lightweight, GPS-enabled drone that has gained popularity for its price-performance balance. It supports:

• 4K camera
• GPS-assisted flight
• Smart modes like follow-me, orbit, and return-to-home

As of recent firmware versions, the Atom 2 comes with built-in Remote ID compliance, making it legal to fly under FAA rules without any third-party broadcast module.

However, some pilots are looking to disable Remote ID—primarily for privacy concerns, off-grid flying, or use in private, shielded test zones.

Can You Disable Remote ID on the Atom 2

Short answer: Not easily, and not legally.

Remote ID is often built into the firmware and sometimes the hardware. The Potensic Atom 2 is no exception—it comes preloaded with firmware that includes the Remote ID broadcast feature, usually via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Here are the key barriers:

1. Locked firmware: Potensic does not release firmware source code or bootloader access.
2. Encrypted partitions: Even if you access the drone via UART or USB debug ports, the firmware may be encrypted.
3. Secure boot: Modifying the firmware may cause the drone to fail boot-up.
4. Broadcast chip hardwiring: Some drones have dedicated Remote ID chips soldered to the main board.

Attempts that might work (but are risky and likely illegal):

• Firmware downgrading: Rolling back to pre-Remote ID firmware (if available) might remove the function. This usually requires bypassing security checks.
• Disabling Bluetooth modules: Blocking or disabling BLE transmission might stop the Remote ID beacon. This could be done through:
• Disabling internal antennas
• Using electromagnetic shielding (illegal if done with intent to deceive)
• Software spoofing: Some try to redirect location data or spoof Remote ID output via middle-layer apps. This is complex and rarely reliable.

Again: None of these methods are recommended unless you're working in a sandboxed development lab with regulatory approval.

Why Some Pilots Want to Disable It

1. Privacy Concerns: Broadcasting your exact location (pilot + drone) in real-time is a red flag for some.
2. Rural or Private Use: Some hobbyists operate on private land and feel Remote ID is unnecessary.
3. Security Researchers: Ethical hackers and researchers may want to test vulnerabilities in Remote ID systems.
4. Signal Interference: Broadcasting Remote ID may increase power drain or interfere with other RF equipment.

 Legal Alternatives to Disabling Remote ID

If you're determined to avoid Remote ID but want to stay on the right side of the law, consider these:

1. Fly in FRIA Zones

FAA-designated FAA-Recognized Identification Areas allow Remote ID-exempt flights. These are typically managed by schools, clubs, or training areas. Check the FAA’s website for a map.

2. Use Sub-250g Drones

If you’re flying recreationally, drones under 250 grams (like the DJI Mini 2 SE or BetaFPV Cetus) don’t require Remote ID. Check the final takeoff weight (including battery).

3. Contact the Manufacturer

Potensic may offer firmware variations for academic or defense contracts. If you’re a researcher or government entity, it’s worth reaching out directly.

4. RF Shielding in Controlled Environments

In a certified Faraday cage or RF-shielded indoor test lab, you may legally block signals for development purposes—but only under strict guidelines.

5. Build Your Own Drone

DIY drones that weigh under 250g and are not intended for commercial use may be exempt. This gives you more control over telemetry and broadcast behavior.

Remote ID Workarounds That Might Be Possible (Again: Not Recommended)

For informational purposes, here are theoretical methods being discussed on drone forums (e.g., FPVLab, GitHub):

• Using a proxy control system to intercept and alter outbound data
• Rooting the Android controller app (if using a smartphone-based controller)
• Flashing third-party firmware (which does not exist yet for the Atom 2)
• Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks on the BLE layer

These require deep knowledge of embedded Linux, drone SDKs, RF protocols, and firmware decompilation. Proceed at your own risk—preferably not at all.

The Future of Remote ID and What It Means

Remote ID is just the beginning of broader regulation for low-altitude airspace. Think of it as the first step toward:

• Urban air mobility (UAM) integration
• Drone traffic control (UTM)
• Geofencing enforcement
• Automated flight auditing

Rather than fighting the system, consider how you can work within it, or contribute to better privacy-first designs in future drones.

Final Thoughts

While it's technically possible in some cases to disable or spoof Remote ID, doing so:

• Poses legal risks
• Threatens public safety
• Undermines the reputation of drone operators worldwide

If you're genuinely concerned about privacy or control, explore legal workarounds like flying sub-250g drones, applying for FRIA access, or developing in shielded zones.

Remote ID might feel intrusive, but it’s also opening doors to broader drone access, beyond line-of-sight, and into shared skies.

 Got Questions or Comments?

Are you a developer, engineer, or pilot with insights into Remote ID systems? Join the conversation—share your thoughts, questions, or tips in the comments.

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