DroneConnect

Unified control platform for unmanned systems

System overview

One system for vehicle and ground control

DroneConnect links an unmanned vehicle with an Android ground-control station. A companion PC on the vehicle connects the autopilot, cameras, and data links, sending video and MAVLink telemetry to the operator while receiving RC commands. The system can use local or Internet-based connections, including a ground relay when video and telemetry need to reach multiple stations.

Camera gimbal Camera SBC
Data link
Data
link(s)
GCS
FC
Autopilot

DroneConnect
on-board software

DroneConnect
Android app

VideoTelemetry
Control
Connectivity

Internet and local data links

SatelliteCell towerGround relayDroneDroneConnect app on Android tablet
Vehicle connects to 4G or 5G cell tower, while GCS operates over 4G, 5G, Starlink or land Internet network
Capabilities

Vehicle control, video, and connectivity

DroneConnect supports ArduPilot and MAVLink for UAV, UGV, and USV operations.

Video

Streams video from multiple cameras, with picture-in-picture and configurable bandwidth for changing network conditions.
H.264 / H.265

Data links

Uses one or multiple data links with automatic failover. Internet and local links can operate concurrently.
Internet / Wireless IP

Control

Provides MAVLink telemetry and RC control through USB HID joysticks or EdgeTX handsets.
Up to 16 RC channels
Connection layout

Topology Diagram

View connections between cameras, the companion PC, autopilot, data links, cloud, and ground-control stations. The diagram covers single-link and multi-link deployments.

Onboard setup
CamerasCoreData links
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet
UART
Sokil.aero Cloud
Primary GCS
 
USB
Internet P2P
Cloud
Cloud
Data Link Scenarios
Supported hardware

Supported Hardware

Listed devices are supported by DroneConnect. Items marked “contact for support” require confirmation.

Data links

Network
  • MikroTik KNOT Embedded LTE4
  • MikroTik GrooveA 52
  • Starlink Mini
  • 8devices Maca 2
  • Microhard pMDDL1624

Cameras

Video
  • OpenIPC-powered cameras
  • Topotek(GIP335, DHU290G609)
  • SIYI(A8 Mini, ZR10)
  • Other RTSP cameras(contact for support)

Computers

Compute
  • Huasifei SHF388
  • Raspberry Pi 3, 4
  • Raspberry Pi Zero 2W(DIY evaluation)
  • Raspberry Pi 5(contact for support)
  • Radxa E25, E24C, E54C(contact for support)
  • Other OpenWRT SBCs(contact for support)

GCS & Control

Piloting
  • Logitech G Cloud
  • Lenovo Legion Y700 with Lenovo Legion G9
  • Android 11+ tablet with USB HID gamepad or EdgeTX handset