This page gives a high-level overview of the available Ground ControlStations (GCS) and provides links so you can make the appropriatechoice.
Overview¶
A ground station is typically a software application, running on aground-based computer, that communicates with your UAV via wireless telemetry. It displays real-time dataon the UAVs performance and position and can serve as a 'virtualcockpit', showing many of the same instruments that you would have ifyou were flying a real plane. A GCS can also be used to control a UAV inflight, uploading new mission commands and setting parameters. It isoften also used to monitor the live video streams from a UAV's cameras.
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There are at least ten different ground control stations. On desktop there is (MissionPlanner, APM Planner 2, MAVProxy, QGroundControl and UgCS. For Tablet/Smartphone there isTower (DroidPlanner 3), MAVPilot, AndroPilot and SidePilot that can beused to communicate with ArduPilot (i.e.Copter,Plane,Rover,AntennaTracker).
The decision to select a particular GCS often depends on your vehicleand preferred computing platform:
- Ready-to-fly users may prefer the portability and ease of use ofTower (Droid Planner 3), or another GCS running on a tablet orphone.
- DIY/Kit users and developers often have to access configurationand analysis tools, and would therefore need (at least initially)Mission Planner, APM Planner 2 or another more full-featured GCS.
Note
This wiki primarily refers to set-up and configuration using theMission Planner, because it was created first and is the mostfull-featured GCS.
Comparison Desktop¶
Mission Planner¶
Full featured and widely used GCS.
- Platform: Windows, Mac OS X (Using Mono)
- Licence: Open source(GPLv3)
APM Planner 2.0¶
The best autopilot for use on MAC and Linux platforms. It has a smalleruser base and a reduced feature set when compared with Mission Planner.
Platform: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
- Licence: Open source
(GPLv3)
MAVProxy¶
Linux GCS often used by Plane developers. Primarily a command lineinterface with graphical modules for map and mission editing. Written inPython, and extensible via python modules.
- Platform: Linux
- Licence: Open source(GPLv3)
QGroundControl¶
QGroundControl works with MAVLink capable autopilots including ArduPilot.It's unique among the GCS offerings as it runs on all platforms desktop and mobile.
- Platform: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android and iOS
- Licence: Open Source(GPLv3)
UgCS - Universal Ground Control Station¶
Universal and easy to use ground control station with a 3D interface.Supports APM, Pixhawk as well as drones from other manufacturers such as DJI, Mikrokopter and more.Intended for enthusiasts as well as professional users.
It is capable of communicating with and controlling multiple drones simultaneously.
UgCS supports multiple map layers as well as different map providers. Some of the features of UgCS include - DEM Import, ADS-B transponder and receiver support, Click & Go mode, Joystick mode, image geotagging and video recording. UgCS also comes with a telemetry player, allowing the replay of all flights.
UgCS comes with in-built no-fly zones around all major airports as well as the ability to create custom no-fly zones.
Supports multi-node installation, meaning that it is possible to connect multiple pilots with UgCS laptops in the field to a central ground control server.
- Platform: Windows, Mac OS X, Ubuntu
- Licence: Proprietary with a free licence available as well (UgCS Open)
Comparison Mobile¶
Tower¶
Tower (a.k.a. 'DroidPlanner 3') is an Android GCS for phones andtablets. It is intended for end users and enthusiasts, and includesfeatures like follow-me, 'dronies' (i.e. 'selfies' but taken with adrone) and special missions for 3D mapping.
- Platform: Android Phones and Tablets
- Licence: Open source(GPLv3)
- Download Tower(and 3DR Services)from Google Play.
Note
Legacy versions (DroidPlanner 2and Droid Planner 1)can also be downloaded from Google Play.
MAV Pilot 1.4¶
A GCS in your pocket that supports predominantly ArduPilot autopilot on iPhone/iPad. Supports for Plane, Copter & Rover vehicle types
See website for how-to on how connect it to your autopilot Express bonsai cultivator mac os.
- Platform: iPhone, iPad
- Licence: Proprietary
SidePilot¶
ArduPilot compatible GCS that runs on iPhone/iPad.
See website for how-to on how connect it to your autopilot
- Platform: iPhone, iPad
- Licence: Proprietary
AndroPilot¶
Android GCS intended for enthusiasts.
Note
AndroPilot is not under active development. Its suitability for newer FW needs to be confirmed.
Android GCS intended for enthusiasts.
Note
AndroPilot is not under active development. Its suitability for newer FW needs to be confirmed.
- Platform: Android Phones and Tablets
- Licence: Open Source(GPLv3)
Additional GCS hardware¶
Android¶
For Android devices, you will need:
- Android based tablet that can act as a USB host. Google Nexus tabletsare recommended, and the compatible hardware lists for the differentGCSs are listed in the table above.
- SiK Telemetry Radio System orsimilar (915 Mhz for US, 433 for Europe) which includes thebidirectional ground and air telemetry units.
- USB OTG cable (typically less than $2 onebayandAmazon).
iOS¶
For iOS devices, you will need:
- iOS Based device such as an iPad or iPhone. If running iPad, the cellular version is recommended for better GPS support.
- Wifi or Bluetooth LE link to the Drone
- Bridge Connection to a:ref:SiK Telemetry Radio System via Wifi or Bluetooth LE
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Desktop PCs (Windows/Mac/Linux)¶
For Desktop devices you will need:
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- SiK Telemetry Radio System orsimilar (915 Mhz for US, 433 forEurope) which includes the bidirectional ground and air telemetryunits.
