# Starling 2 vs Sentinel

Source: https://forum.modalai.com/topic/4005/starling-2-vs-sentinel
Category: Development Drones (https://forum.modalai.com/category/44/development-drones)
Posted: 2024-12-10 17:39:39 UTC by tauhidcse
Replies: 10 · Views: 6004

## tauhidcse · 2024-12-10 17:39:39 UTC

I would like to purchase either Starling 2 or Sentinel for deploying it outside for different events assessment such as flooding and others. However, I am not sure which one will be perfect fit for this kind of application. I would need thermal imaging capacity which is not currently available in either of these drones as per as I have seen, I might be wrong. I am leaning toward Sentinel. I also see that Starling is going to incorporate Flir Lepton for thermal images. That's why I am seeking suggestions from experts on this forum.

## Reply by tom (ModalAI staff) · 2024-12-10 17:51:04 UTC

@tauhidcse Our drones are "development drones" so aren't necessarily meant to be deployed to harsh environments however if you are choosing between Sentinel and Starling 2 Max I would 100% go for Starling 2 Max, it is a much newer platform and is much more performant, Sentinel is in the later stage of it's life cycle so most of our development time is focused on the Starling 2 platforms.

## Reply by tauhidcse · 2024-12-10 17:53:52 UTC (in reply to tom)

@tom It was my impression as well. However, I need to deploy it outside during normal conditions at least to follow some GPS waypoints and collect data. Is Starling 2 max is equipped for that?

Thanks
Tauhid

## Reply by tom (ModalAI staff) · 2024-12-10 17:56:10 UTC (in reply to tauhidcse)

@tauhidcse Yes of course, starling 2 max ships with an "outdoor" configuration which allows position hold via GPS. Waypoints can be plotted and a mission can be executed via QGroundControl

## Reply by tauhidcse · 2024-12-10 18:06:24 UTC (in reply to tom)

@tom Thanks. I will ask for a quote then via an email!

## Reply by tom (ModalAI staff) · 2024-12-10 18:17:31 UTC (in reply to tauhidcse)

@tauhidcse No need for a quote unless it's required for your business, can easily be purchased through https://www.modalai.com/products/starling-2-max?variant=48172375310640

## Reply by tauhidcse · 2024-12-10 18:24:05 UTC (in reply to tom)

@tom I will purchase it for the university. It have to get quotes unfortunately. Do you recommend 4G WIFI or 5G WIFI for outside deployments? Or Microhard Wifi is sufficient for that purpose?

## Reply by tom (ModalAI staff) · 2024-12-10 19:09:06 UTC (in reply to tauhidcse)

@tauhidcse 5G would get you the most range but would require a data SIM card from a cellular provider and some VPN usage like tailscale (free tier is good enough).

Microhard gets good range but also requires you to have microhard modem on the ground station side as well.

## Reply by tauhidcse · 2024-12-10 19:16:49 UTC (in reply to tom)

@tom It sounds like Microhard will do for deployments with small ranges. I would need modem on the ground for that. If needed, I can upgrade later. Am I interpretating it correctly?

Is Starling 2 Max with radio config: Microhard pMDDL2450 and Ghost Atto 2.5 GHZ enough for this? Or I need to purchase the modem separately.

## Reply by tom (ModalAI staff) · 2024-12-10 19:30:48 UTC (in reply to tauhidcse)

@tauhidcse You would also need the microhard carrier board on the ground station side:

https://www.modalai.com/products/mdk-m0048-2?_pos=2&_sid=3bb73d931&_ss=r
https://www.modalai.com/products/oem-m0048-3

These two items will get you what you need. Second one appears out of stock but if you request a quote they can likely give you more info

## Reply by tauhidcse · 2024-12-10 20:00:43 UTC (in reply to tom)

@tom Sounds good. Thanks for making me familiar with your platform. I will get a quote soon and purchase one starling 2 max.