Arduino through airport security

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello everyone. In a few weeks, I am planning to take an international flight to Canada from Europe, and I would like to bring my arduinos with me.

I would like to bring a project (wireless weather station) that uses NRF24l01 radio modules to transmit the sensors' data, well, without wires. Also, I would like to take other types of hardware (boards, leds, resistors, sensors, motors, etc) and tools (screwdrivers, soldering irons...).

I have fears that the X-Ray damages the Arduinos and the sensors, since after all it is radiation, albeit in low quantities. And, more importantly, I fear that airport security might think that I carry a bomb or something similar.

I do carry checked bagagge, so most of the hardware and tools would go there. However, the weather station is kind of different. Many posts on the internet suggest to put the electronics on the checked lugagge, but they also recommend not to carry anything that resembeled an antenna.

This is a problem for me, since I will carry two 10 cm antenna. My idea was to put them on the hand luggage, because if my checked suitcase is retained without me able to explain, I would lose the project. If I put them on my handbag, I will get stopped, but I would be able to explain the officers what I do carry.

Anyone would be kind to give me some advice? Thanks to everyone.

2

I have had no problems with electronics in my carry on. I even went early in case I had to explain/demo the items. I didn't have any external antennas, just the on board squiggle types. Even the bright red SparkFun board wasn't interesting to them. Your experience may vary.

3

Nah. No.

But if your prototype looks like a bomb, well... :slight_smile: Pack a granola bar for your time in the special queue...

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4

Hello there!

I read your post about your trip. It took some fears away. However, one of the replies said to avoid antenna looking things. And I'm carrying the same antennas you can find on Wi-Fi routers. Hence my worry.

5

Take the antennas off?

6

I have taken a fully working copy of a satellite that was orbiting the Earth through airport security, no problems.

I did check beforehand as to what was allowed or had to be declared in backage and there was nothing about satellites.

7

Why do you need it in flight?

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8

!!!
Wow!
How big?

9

Ask them to inspect it manually and not Xray it.

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10

Hello.

Thanks for the reply. I was worried about radiation (although I am sometimes kind of paranoic with those subjects).

About the bomb thing, my project doesn't look like a bomb per se, but cables and an lcd screen don't usually look good on a security check.

One friend of mine once got stopped because police confused his power bank wrapped with a phone charger wire with a bomb.

So who knows :thinking:

11

Look at my Avatar. Coke can with working satellite.

It was circa 206g, and the lightest, cheapest satellite with two way comms at the time.

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12

I don't need it In flight, but I do need to carry it to my destination

13

Why? Is your baggage not going to the same place?

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14

Maybe I take the antennas off and put them on the checekd bag. I think that will avoid confusion

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15

Nah, it looks more like a bomb with no antennas. :slight_smile:

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16

Sorry for the missunderstanding. I want it to fly with me to Canada. Not exactly by my side, but yes in any of my bags (I don't care if it is checked lugagge, handbag or in cabin)

17

Welcome to Canada! Weather is killer now, though...

18

Thanks! The climate was a motivation in doing this project (test the weather station on a rough climate sounds appealing).

About the security, I think I'll just explain what the project is when I arrive there, to avoid confusion.
Thanks for the replies!

1 Like
19

Just assure them it won't affect the autopilot.

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20

Hahaha, thanks for the advice!