User Interface
ACE uses MAVLink messages for communication with the UAV autopilot and ground control station. ACE functionality can be integrated with any user interface that can send or receive MAVLink messages.
QGroundControl
Planck provides a customized version of QGroundControl for ACE as a reference design. This can operate on Android, Windows, Linux or MacOS devices. It includes several useful features and enables all ACE functionality.
Vehicle-centric display, including a landing target indicator
Selectable ACE failsafe response behaviors
Range rings to determine bearing and distance between vehicle and aircraft (very helpful when flying from moving platforms)
Annunciator panel for aircraft health and status
Display for vertical camera video feed during landing (if enabled)
Web User Interface
ACE provides a web-based user interface for configuring ACE and retrieving imagery and logs from flights. The web UI is made available via ACE's Ethernet or USB-C ports.
Other user interfaces
All of these functions can be ported to other ground control software by implementing the ACE-specific MAVLink messages and using the QGroundControl reference design as guidance. It is the UAV manufacturer or end-user's responsibility to test and support any custom ground control software.
ATAK
Planck has experience using ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit or alternatively Android Tactical Assault Kit). For specific UAV applications that require using ATAK, contact us to discuss integration options.
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