Module 2: Operation Search and Rescue: Search and Scan Mission
Mission: Catalina Code Recovery – Phase 1: First Sighting 🎯
The Scenario: Urgent news! A research drone has crashed on an unstable crater wall on Catalina Island. Before its main power failed, its e-ink screen froze, displaying a binary code message – our first vital clue! The section of the crater wall with this first code is in a known zone, and you can see the general area from your launch point.
Your Objective:
- From your designated launch area, pilot your drone towards the crater wall where the first binary code is displayed.
- Even though you might see the target with your own eyes, your primary goal is to practice steady flight and clear visual acquisition through your drone’s camera.
- Use the live video feed in the TSpeed7 app to get a stable, readable view of the binary code. You can either write down the code or capture a clear photo/screenshot through the app.
- Practice smooth maneuvers and controlled hovering to ensure the code is legible in your video feed.
- Safely return your drone to the launch point.
Challenge Advisory: Remember, that crater wall is fragile! Unsteady flight or prolonged hovering too close could kick up dust or disturb the area, making the code difficult to read on your screen. Focus on precise control and interpreting your drone’s video feed.
Need a refresher on binary? Check out the resource video provided!
Mission: Catalina Code Recovery – Phase 2: Blind Data Retrieval 🕶️
The Scenario: Excellent work on deciphering the first code, pilots! Intel now indicates a second, even more critical binary code has been discovered on a different, remote section of the Catalina crater wall. This time, the target area is not directly visible from your piloting station.
Your Objective:
- Your drone must launch from a starting location where you cannot see the target wall with your own eyes (e.g., operate from an adjacent room, with a screen blocking your view, or with your back turned to the target area).
- This is a First-Person View (FPV) only challenge! You must rely entirely on your drone’s live video feed through the Echo app for navigation and spotting. No peeking allowed!
- Using only the drone’s camera, navigate to find the new binary code on the designated crater wall section.
- Once located, capture a clear screenshot or a short, stable video of this second code.
- Safely navigate your drone back to its launch point using FPV only.
Critical Challenge: The crater surface remains unstable. Flying “blind” using only your drone’s camera demands significant patience, smooth control, and clear communication with your team (if you have a co-pilot or spotter managing the video feed). Trust your drone’s perspective!
Precision maneuvering, teamwork, and trusting your FPV skills are your best tools for this advanced challenge. Good luck, pilots!
Post your discovery: Once you’ve successfully captured images of both binary codes, use the website below to decode them. Upload the final message using the QR code provided. In the “Subject” area, include your first name and/or your team members’ names.
