Dataset-27: AERPAW helikite spectrum measurements at Packapalooza Festival in August 2025

2025

2025, 85 MHz – 6 GHz, Helikite, Spectrum Occupancy Measurements, Urban

Canonical Experiments, UHD Python-API, UHD1:Spectrum Monitoring

Helikite, Spectrum Measurements, UAV

Lead Experimenter

Ozgur Ozdemir, North Carolina State University

Link to Dataset

Dataset Link:
The dataset includes power spectrum measurements and GPS logs that are collected at a drone in an urban environment. The SigMF format dataset including format conversion codes can be accessed here [Dryad].

Publications Using This Dataset

A. F. H. Raouf, I. Guvenc, “Multi-Year Spectral Structure of 6G Candidate Bands at 2.7 GHz and 4.4 GHz,” Proc. IEEE DySpan Workshops, May 2026.
A. H. F. Raouf, I. Guvenc, “Beyond Path Loss: Altitude-Dependent Spectral Structure Modeling for UAV Measurements,” Proc. IEEE International Symposium on Spectrum Innovation (DySPAN), May 2026.

Equipment and Software Used

LPN on Helikite, USRP B205mini on LPN, UHD1 Spectrum monitoring software

Description

We conducted a spectrum monitoring experiment using a helikite in an urban environment during NC State’s Packapalooza festival in August 2025. The helikite was equipped with a software-defined radio (SDR) and global positioning system (GPS) receivers and flown for approximately 6 hours, starting around noon. The helikite reached an altitude of approximately 160 meters at its peak. The spectrum was continuously swept up to 6 GHz, with each sweep taking about 15 seconds.

Representative Results

The Helikite’s trajectory, altitude during the experiment, and spectrum monitoring results are presented below.

Potential use cases for this dataset include:

Enhancing Spectrum Management
Environmental and Geographical Analysis of Spectrum
Spectrum Occupancy Modeling at all sub-6 GHz Bands