frequently asked questions
FAQ
Welcome to the FAQs section for Cyon Drone. Here, we aim to address any questions you may have about our commercial drone solutions. Whether you’re a prospective buyer, a current user, or just curious about what Cyon Drone has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve compiled answers to commonly asked questions to provide you with all the information you need to understand, utilize, and make the most of Mapper and Dual.
company information
WHAT IS Cyon Drone?
Cyon Drone is an American owned and operated commercial drone manufacturer with its headquarters in Austin, Texas. After more than a year of negotiations and development, Cyon Drone launched its first platforms, the Mapper and Dual, in April of 2024. Cyon Drone differentiates its products not only through software innovation in conjunction with its development partner Aloft, but offering world-leading drone technology manufactured in Malaysia while maintaining attainable pricing. We focus heavily on the security of our user’s data, and encourage you to visit our security page for more details.
WHERE ARE Cyon Drone PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED?
Nearly all of the components and final assembly of our drones is done in Malaysia. The completed drone hardware is sent to Cyon Drone in the United States and firmware is then installed and quality control measures are conducted.
HOW DID THE NAME CYON COME ABOUT?
Like any creative part of a business, the name Cyon was selected over several sessions discussing names that are unique, symbolic, and easy to remember. Cyon is a mythological lion-headed storm eagle.
HOW IS Cyon Drone FUNDED?
Cyon Drone is owned by a small group of Americans that value the impact aerial Drone bring to humanity. The opportunity to license technology and manufacture quality products in a short time was of mutual interest, and the necessary investment to secure our agreements, set up our organization, and purchase inventory is sourced from the ownership group. Other than the CEO of Cyon Drone, the other members of the ownership group are running their own business and have chosen to be away from day-to-day operations of Cyon Drone.
WHY ARE Cyon Drone PRODUCTS GREEN?
This color has become part of our identity as a company. It is very recognizable and different when it comes to drone manufacturing and has certainly grown on us. It kind of just happened when we considered different options.
I LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES, CAN I BUY AN Cyon Drone PRODUCT?
At the time of our initial launch in early 2024 we will be focusing on the US and Canadian markets. As we grow, we have every intention to explore opportunities internationally and have conducted the necessary certifications to do so quickly when the time is right. For current information, contact sales@CyonDrone.com.
HOW CAN I BUY A MAPPER-SERIES DRONE?
All sales of Cyon Drone drones is done through our dealer network. If you already purchase drone technology from a source, reach out to them to see if they carry our drones. If not, feel free to reach out to sales@CyonDrone.com and we will direct you to one of our dealers who is best-suited to support your needs.
HOW MUCH ARE THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
At time of launch the Mapper is $5,099 and the Dual is $7,699.
WHERE CAN I SEE Cyon Drone DRONES IN PERSON?
Cyon Drone and our dealer partners are active at events around the country. We also host regional demonstrations frequently. If you would like the opportunity to see the Mapper-series drones in person, reach out to info@CyonDrone.com.
DOES Cyon Drone HAVE TIES TO CHINA?
No. We are an entirely American-owned company. We operate independently, and all strategic collaborations with other companies to strengthen the capabilties, security, and outputs from our drones are not located in China.
WHAT IS THE ONGOING INVOLVEMENT OF THE LICENSING ORGANIZATION (DJI)?
Licensing technology is a normal business practice. Our agreement in licensing the technology associated with the Mapper-series drones gave Cyon Drone the rights to modify and manufacture this technology at will. There are no royalties shared with the licensing organization, no joint or shared ownership of Cyon Drone, and no reporting on customer data. There may be additional products developed through similar agreements, but our work at Cyon Drone is independent of any other party aside from the transfer of this technology.
WHERE CAN I SEE Cyon Drone DRONES IN PERSON?
Cyon Drone and our dealer partners are active at events around the country. We also host regional demonstrations frequently. If you would like the opportunity to see the Mapper-series drones in person, reach out to info@CyonDrone.com.
Hardware
WHAT IS THE FLIGHT TIME OF THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
The Mapper-series drones are rated at 45 minutes per fully charged battery. With that said, the flight time of any drone can vary given environmental parameters and other factors. Altitude, wind speed, temperature, and the way you fly the drone can impact the number of minutes you can operate on a single charge. It is a best practice to return your drone to a safe landing position before 20% charge to ensure safe recovery every time.
WHAT IS THE WEIGHT OF THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
The weight of the Cyon Drone Mapper and Dual are both essentially two pounds (915g and 920g respectively).
WHAT IS THE WIND RESISTANCE OF THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
The Mapper and Dual are rated with wind resistance at 26mph.
WHAT IS THE RESOLUTION OF THE MAPPER-T THERMAL SENSOR?
The Dual has a high resolution 640×512 LWIR sensor built-in.
IS THE Dual RADIOMETRIC?
Yes. You are able to measure the temperature of every pixel of the thermal image when capturing in radiometric file types.
WHAT IS THE UPWARD RANGE OF THE GIMBAL ON THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
The controllable range of the tilt on the gimbal is from -90° to 35°.
WHAT IS THE IP RATING OF MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
Currently the Cyon Drone Mapper and Dual do no have an IP rating.
DOES THE CONTROLLER FOR THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES HAVE AN HDMI OUT?
Yes. You are able to connect your RC to a larger monitor via the HDMI port to allow for viewing from a larger audience.
ARE THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES REMOTE ID COMPLIANT?
Yes, both the Mapper and Dual have remote ID and are fully compliant.
ARE THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES NDAA COMPLIANT?
We want to be upfront about our sourcing practices and assure you that we prioritize security and compliance with regulations like the NDAA. Currently, we source the Cyon Drone Mapper-T thermal sensor from China. While we acknowledge concerns regarding the origin of this component, we genuinely believe it doesn’t pose a significant security risk. However, we understand that it may fall outside the parameters of the NDAA.
At the core of our operations is a commitment to manufacturing excellence and stringent security practices that align with the principles of the NDAA. Nevertheless, we also recognize the complexity of the global supply chain and the practical challenges involved in sourcing alternatives for certain components.
Rest assured, we continuously evaluate our practices and remain open to exploring alternative sourcing options that meet both our mission and the expectations of our customers and regulators. Our goal is to ensure the integrity and compliance of our products while delivering the best possible solutions to meet your needs.
ARE THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES BLUE OR GREEN UAS CERTIFIED?
Currently, our Mapper-series drones are crafted in Southeast Asia, which prevents their eligibility for inclusion in the Blue UAS program. While we have no immediate plans to pursue participation in the Green UAS program, our focus remains on delivering top-notch drone solutions with data security as a paramount consideration in our manufacturing processes.
Our aim is to provide exceptional support to all customers, regardless of whether they require Blue or Green distinction.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WHEN I BUY A MAPPER-SERIES DRONE?
When you purchase a new Mapper-series drone you will receive: the airframe with applicable payload, the controller with built-in screen, a battery for powering the drone, the charging station, propellers, and applicable manuals all in a hard case with custom foam inserts.
WHAT ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
You can enhance your Mapper-series drone with two accessories: the RTK module and loudspeaker. The RTK module, mounted atop the Mapper or Dual, enhances positioning for precise data acquisition. The loudspeaker, also mounted at the top, allows operators to convey messages from the drone for improved awareness, critical messaging, and search and rescue operations.
DOES Cyon Drone INTEND OF INTRODUCING DIFFERENT MODELS BEYOND THE CURRENT MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
We have created a blueprint for offering world-class technology while maintaining affordability. Our roadmap is full of possibilities, and once our theories are proven, we will look to expand our product line.
software
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CYON AND ALOFT?
Cyon Drone and Aloft, formerly known as Kittyhawk, have forged a strategic partnership to bring to market quality and secure drone solutions. Cyon Drone is responsible for each of its customers and their experience using the Mapper-series and any future Cyon Drone products, however Cyon leverages Aloft’s development of their Air Control app for operation of the drone, storage of the data, and advanced features available in the enterprise version of the app.
ARE THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES SUBJECT TO GEOFENCING?
No, we do not impose airspace restrictions like geofencing. We firmly believe that compliance with regulations and responsible drone usage lies with the user. Prior to flying, it is essential for all users to confirm their awareness and adherence to pertinent laws. Our Air Control app actively promotes compliance by aiding users in obtaining airspace approvals and maintaining records of all active approvals.
WHAT DOES THE FLIGHT APP FOR THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES LOOK LIKE?
The Mapper-series flight app has been developed with our strategic software partner Aloft. The Air Control app has additional features lending itself to safety and compliance, but the flight experience and menus are very similar to leading flight apps.
CAN THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES BE USED FOR PHOTOGRAMMETRY?
The payloads on the Mapper-series drones are great for photogrammetry missions. We are currently in development on advanced flight planning to make image capture easier for photogrammetry, and expect this development to be part of an app update sometime in June. We are also working with a leading third-party photogrammetry software company to add more capabilities.
IS THERE A SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED FOR USING THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
No. The only optional additional cost would be to enable enterprise features of Air Control like fleet management, live streaming, etc. If interested in more details on this, reach out to sales@cyondrone.com.
WHAT ADVANCED FEATURES ARE AVAILABLE ON THE ENTERPRISE VERSION OF THE AIR CONTROL APP?
There are powerful features available through upgrading your subscription on the Air Control app. Team management is one significant element which allows Mapper-series users to coordinate flights between users within a given organization. This includes team instructions on waivers, COAs, workflow tools, tagging, and reporting tools. The authenticated version also allows you to live stream your flights over the web to allow for stakeholders to weigh in and make decisions with real-time information captured by the drone. For more information, reach out to sales@cyondrone.com.
CAN I STREAM VIDEO FROM MY MAPPER-SERIES DRONE?
Yes. This feature is built into the authenticated version of the Air Control app for the Mapper-series drones. For more information reach out to us at sales@cyondrone.com.
DO I HAVE TO REGISTER TO ENABLE LAANC AUTHORIZATION THROUGH THE ENTERPRISE AIR CONTROL APP?
Yes. In order to associate a pilot with any flight permissions, you must register and provide personal data to get these authorizations.
WHERE DOES THE FIRMWARE ON THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES COME FROM?
When we finalized the licensing agreement we were provided a version of custom firmware as a snapshot in time. That firmware was then housed on Aloft’s servers for development and can’t be accessed or modified by anyone else. The flight dynamics of our drones were not redeveloped, so you’re getting world-class performance benefitting from more than a decade of aerial Drone R&D. We have taken the necessary measures to ensure that anything on our drones is void of data security vulnerabilities.
HOW ARE FIRMWARE UPDATES DONE ON THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
We do not anticipate forcing firmware updates unless they are absolutely critical for safety. We anticipate any firmware updates to be seldom, and would be done over the air from your controller. Additionally, no third-parties are able to force firmware updates through our system.
DO Cyon Drone PRODUCTS HAVE A SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT (SDK) AVAILABLE?
We are interested in collaboration and building an ecosystem of meaningful and complimentary software capabilities with partner organizations. If you are interested in working with Cyon Drone on an integration project, reach out to info@cyondrone.com to get this conversation started.
WILL THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES BE COMPATIBLE WITH DRONE DEPLOY?
We are working with a well-known app developer to be the first to build on our SDK. We want to ensure a quality experience during development, for our users, and to ensure there are no additional cyber security concerns when releasing these developments before we build out a larger ecosystem with third-party partners.
I JUST BOUGHT AN CYON DRONE BUT THE AIR CONTROL APP KEEPS CRASHING, WHAT CAN I DO?
This is likely caused by a timezone setting programmed into the device built into the controller. As a best practice, follow this start up guide: https://help.aloft.ai/en/articles/10714708-Cyon-Mapper-startup. If problems persist, please contact repairs@cyondrone.com.
Repair and warranty
WHAT IS THE CYON CARE PROGRAM?
All new Cyon Drone drones include one year of Cyon Care protection.The Cyon Care program is a comprehensive protection plan. This program provides peace of mind to drone owners by offering coverage for accidental damage to their Cyon Drone drone. With Cyon Care, customers can enjoy fast and convenient repair services, replacement units, and expert technical support to maximize the up time of your drone. This program is designed to ensure that our customers can continue flying with confidence, knowing that their investment is protected against unexpected mishaps.
WHAT IS COVERED IN THE CYON CARE PROGRAM?
The Cyon Care program offers coverage for accidental damage to Cyon Drone drones, including collisions, water damage, and other unforeseen incidents. This included first year of coverage provides peace of mind to customers, knowing that they can receive fast and efficient repair services or replacement units in the event of damage to their drone. Additionally, Cyon Care includes expert technical support to assist customers with any questions or concerns they may have about their drone.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE CYON CARE COVERAGE BEYOND THE INITIAL YEAR?
No. The first year of replacement protection is included with every Mapper-series drone, but after the first year all repairs and replacements are conducted outside the scope of the Care program.
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
The warranty period of all new Cyon Drone drones is one year from purchase date. It is important to register your drone at the time of purchase to benefit from the warranty coverage.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER MY DRONE FOR THE WARRANTY TO BE VALID?
Yes. Although it is not required to register your drone with Cyon Drone, in order to make any warranty claim it must be registered and aligned with your proof of purchased required to make a warranty claim.
WHERE ARE Cyon Drone PRODUCTS SERVICED?
We are currently leveraging existing resources within the drone ecosystem to provide repair work on the Cyon Drone drones. Any of our official service centers have been certified by Cyon Drone to do these repairs; however Cyon Drone remains responsible for customer satisfaction of any service work conducted. In the future, Cyon Drone may set up and operate its own service center as the number of our users grows. In the meantime, we are certain you will be satisfied with your service experience, and you can reach out to us with any service needs at repairs@cyondrone.com.
SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE
HOW ARE Cyon Drone PRODUCTS ACTIVATED AND REGISTERED?
Cyon Drone does not require users to activate or register your drone to operate their drones. However, it is critical that you provide the activation information for your warranty to be valid. If you choose to activate your drone, we collect very basic data like name and serial number and that is all stored on the Aloft servers that support Air Control on the Cyon Drone platforms. These servers are in the United States and will not be provided to any third-parties for any reason.
HOW IS MY DATA STORED WHEN CAPTURED WITH THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
During image or video capture, files are stored on the drone’s onboard SD card. Upon landing, you can easily remove the SD card and transfer content to other devices for viewing and editing. Flight logs, accessible via drone connectivity, serve for warranty claims and other analyses initiated through standard service processes, such as an RMA or service request.
DO I NEED TO BE A LICENSED DRONE PILOT TO OPERATE THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES?
Regulatory requirements vary from country to country and state to state. It is important that you investigate these requirements yourself before operating any drone technology. In the United States, there is nothing precluding you to operate any Cyon Drone drones for personal use, but any commercial operations at the minimum requires a Part 107 certified remote pilot license. See the FAA website for more details (https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators).
HOW DO I REGISTER MY Cyon Drone DRONE WITH THE FAA?
Although our users are entirely responsible for the compliance of their flights, here are brief steps to getting your drone registered:
- Visit the FAA DroneZone website (https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/)
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Complete the registration form, providing your personal information and details about your drone.
- Pay the registration fee, which is currently $5 for recreational users.
- Receive a unique registration number for your drone, which must be affixed to the aircraft.
- Keep a copy of the registration certificate with you whenever you fly the drone.
- Renew your registration every three years.
WILL THE MAPPER-SERIES DRONES BE COMPLAINT WITH FLORIDA RULES ON DRONES REGARDING COUNTRY OF ORIGIN?
We have addressed the concerns behind country of origin and put in significant effort to prove the security of data coming off the Mapper-series drones. We offer government-funded and private organizations a path to quality and affordable drone technology, and hope to be part of a new conversation around this topic in the state of Florida and beyond.