Still learning my Spark flying around the yard and house, but I've been reading about Kp index. Why is this important to me when flying my drone and what would be a good app to monitor Kp index.

  

I follow the KP index to monitor when would be a great opportunity to go outside and head to the North Norfolk Coast for a chance to see the Aurora. The KP Index is a measure of disturbance to the earths magnetic field from the "solar wind"; if you need to worry about that when flying your drone, then I'd suggest the planet has bigger issues to worry about. If it's strong enough to interfere with drone comms, then aircraft, satellites and more will be in deep trouble. The best app for me is https://aurora-alerts.uk. On Facebook Space weather is a good page to follow. Good luck.   

HI, thanks for the inquiry. Hope that you could get the best recommendation from our DJI Forum members regarding this KP index. Thank you for continued support.

UAV Forecast is a good website to monitor flying conditions for drones. It shows the Kp index as well.
You can also download its app.

I look at the Kp-index on the UAV Forecast app.  It is a measure (0-9) of the amount of magnetic interference caused by solar activity (flares).  It can cause a loss of GPS satellite communications.  The general thinking is that a value of 4 or more is reason to be cautious when flying devices that rely on GPS.
see http://www.droneuav.co.uk/dji-phantom-gps-check-the-kp-index/ for more info.

Had to step away from my computer for a while, I want to thank everyone that replied to my inquiry. I will look into UAV Forecast, I'm just concerned about losing control of my drone.   

BKBear Posted at 3-7 18:10
Had to step away from my computer for a while, I want to thank everyone that replied to my inquiry. I will look into UAV Forecast, I'm just concerned about losing control of my drone.

Apart from checking the forecast on any website or app, make sure you are patient and have at least 10-11 satellites locked before you take-off. Also check on the map that the home point has been correctly recorded at take-off.

This may sound redundant but I have created a check off list before flying and setting RTH is first on my list. Satellites will be something that will be added. Thanks.  

BKBear Posted at 3-7 18:10
Had to step away from my computer for a while, I want to thank everyone that replied to my inquiry. I will look into UAV Forecast, I'm just concerned about losing control of my drone.

UAV forecast is what I use. It tells you all the weather information you need to know before a flight. It’s a great app to have.

I live in an area where we have often KP indices reaching up to 5 and i never had issues. Usually big solaraflares with possible disturbance are announced in the newspapers. So in my opiniion nothing to worry about. But its always good to inform yourself before flying!

MccloudSpark Posted at 3-7 17:11
I look at the Kp-index on the UAV Forecast app.  It is a measure (0-9) of the amount of magnetic interference caused by solar activity (flares).  It can cause a loss of GPS satellite communications.  The general thinking is that a value of 4 or more is reason to be cautious when flying devices that rely on GPS.
see http://www.droneuav.co.uk/dji-phantom-gps-check-the-kp-index/ for more info.

Just to add one more observation.
It seems the KP index forecasts are world wide.
At least they were years ago when I listened to WWV time signals as a kid.

With me at 30° north, I have indeed flew automated missions with home made craft back in the fall of 2016 where we were getting a KP index of 7.
I had no issues at all.
However, I know if I was further north where I could see the Northern Lights... things may have been different.

pmshop Posted at 3-8 17:30
Just to add one more observation.
It seems the KP index forecasts are world wide.
At least they were years ago when I listened to WWV time signals as a kid.

And being not so high up and far away, skipping is less of a problem like with aircraft communications

I live in the Midwest but travel to Canada frequently this raised my antennas. Since monitoring Kp index I've only seen levels at (2), really enjoying this site great help. Thanks to everyone that replied..,