Below are general answers on how to choose onboard storage drones from the list of GAO Tek’s drones.  

 

  • Understand Data Types and Workload Requirements

Understanding the type of data your drone will collect is crucial for selecting the right onboard storage. Drones are used for various purposes, such as capturing high-resolution images or videos, gathering sensor data from LiDAR or infrared systems, and logging telemetry information. Each of these data types requires different storage capabilities. For instance, drones used for mapping and surveying generate large datasets from geospatial sensors, while drones for media production need to store vast amounts of high-resolution video. The key is to estimate the data volume produced during each flight and choose a storage solution that can accommodate this load efficiently.

  • Storage Capacity

Storage capacity must be sufficient to hold all the data generated during the drone’s flight without requiring frequent offloading. The longer the flight duration and the higher the data capture rate, the larger the storage capacity required. For drones capturing high-definition video, storage needs can range from 32GB to 1TB or more. In professional scenarios such as aerial surveys or film production, where large volumes of data are gathered over extended periods, storage capacities may need to be significantly higher, up to 2TB or beyond, to avoid the risk of running out of space mid-flight.

  • Read/Write Speeds

The speed of the onboard storage, especially its write speed, is essential to handle the data flow from cameras and sensors in real time. If the storage cannot keep up with the rate of data being generated, issues like dropped video frames or incomplete sensor logs can occur. For drones capturing high-resolution video, sustained write speeds of 100–200 MB/s are often required, and for 8K video or large sensor arrays, write speeds over 300 MB/s might be necessary. Fast read speeds are also important when offloading data, allowing for quick transfers to post-processing systems.

  • Durability and Environmental Resistance

Drones operate in a variety of challenging environments, making durability a critical factor for onboard storage. Storage devices must be able to withstand extremes of temperature, moisture, and shock. For instance, drones flying at high altitudes or in extreme heat or cold require storage that functions reliably within a wide temperature range. Solid-state drives (SSDs) and ruggedized microSD cards are ideal for drone storage as they are resistant to vibration and shock, a common occurrence during takeoff, landing, and mid-flight operations. Additionally, drones operating in dusty or wet conditions should use storage with adequate water and dust resistance, such as devices rated IP67 or higher.

  • Weight and Size

Weight and size constraints are critical in drones because they directly impact the drone’s flight time and maneuverability. Drones must optimize every gram to maximize efficiency, and this includes the storage medium. Common onboard storage options include microSD cards, which are extremely compact and lightweight, making them ideal for smaller drones. Larger drones may use NVMe SSDs, which offer high capacities and fast speeds but at the cost of increased size and weight. The storage device should not add excessive weight, as it can shorten the drone’s flight duration and reduce performance.

  • Reliability and Data Redundancy

Reliability is paramount for drones, especially those used in critical missions such as industrial inspections or disaster response. Onboard storage must be able to handle frequent write cycles without degradation, which is why high-endurance storage solutions like UHS-II or UHS-III SD cards or enterprise-grade SSDs are preferred. In high-stakes applications, it’s also wise to incorporate redundancy by using dual storage devices to mirror data in real time. This ensures that if one storage medium fails, the data is still preserved, reducing the risk of losing valuable mission data.

  • Compatibility with Drone Systems

The onboard storage must be fully compatible with the drone’s hardware and software. Drones typically support specific file systems like FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, so it’s important to choose storage that aligns with these formats. Additionally, the storage device should interface seamlessly with the drone’s onboard systems, whether through micro SD slots, USB connections, or PCIe NVMe interfaces for SSDs. It’s also important to consider how data will be offloaded after the flight. Some drones allow for wireless transmission, but most rely on physical offloading methods, meaning the storage format should allow for easy and quick data retrieval.

  • Cost and Scalability

Cost is an important consideration when choosing onboard storage, especially for large-scale drone operations. High-performance storage solutions, such as NVMe SSDs or ruggedized microSD cards, can be expensive, so the cost per gigabyte should be evaluated carefully to meet both budget and performance needs. Additionally, it’s important to plan for future scalability, as the drone’s data storage requirements may increase over time. Choosing a drone with expandable storage options, such as modular SSD bays or multiple microSD slots, ensures that storage can be upgraded easily as data capture requirements grow, without needing to replace the entire drone system.

 

This resource page is for the onboard storage drones.

Below are other resource pages containing useful information on onboard storage drones:

FAQs on Onboard Storage Drones on GAOTek.com

Components of Onboard Storage Drones

Operation, Maintenance & Calibration of Onboard Storage Drones

Customers in the U.S. and Canada of onboard storage drones

Applications of Onboard Storage Drones in Retail Industry

We have onboard storage drones in stock and can ship overnight to most places in the U.S. and Canada.

If you have any questions about our products or want to place an order, our technical experts can help you. Please fill out this form or email us.