Typical range
The same charger works with both the Base and the Tag
Magnetically attaches to Moto Z
Integrated iPhone cover
Standalone unit
The Android version will work with most Bluetooth-capable Android phones.
Bill Braiser
VP of Engineering at Quartzview | Former VP of Engineering at Plantronics
LoRa, which stands for Long Range radio technology, was originally designed to provide an extended communications range for building Internet of Things (IoT) networks. However, the standard LoRa system requires a centralized network infrastructure.
The Drop optimized the LoRa protocol for peer-to-peer communications. The optimized protocol allows the Drop to operate with much lower processing overheads compared to the standard LoRa system.
In an open area, the radios are capable of communicating over 15 miles. However, in a more challenging environment such as urban jungle and heavily wooded areas, the range is expected to be between 1 mile to 5 miles.
The Drop Base interfaces with the phone via Bluetooth. The Base can work with most Bluetooth-capable phones. However, the base will have custom covers to fit with Moto Z anad iPhone 6/6S/7. A standalone version (without an integrated phone cover) will be offered for Android OS.
In a typical scenario where the GPS is off and the radio is running in low power mode, the tag is expected to last over weeks.
The GPS in the tag can be turned on from the base by clicking on the command. It can also be triggered by the motion sensor to wake to full operation.
The Drop team will match your donation such that the combined amount will be used to purchase recycled phones as well as Drop packages to provide means of communications to people who otherwise do not have ways to connect with their family members or to the outside world. We will carefully review and select the charity organization to work on this initiative.
