Learning and Applying Basic Command and Control Interfaces

In the previous chapters, we learned about various kinds of unmanned systems and their applications. We also studied the basic physics behind drones and how different forces are exerted on the drone through the use of motors and actuators. We also covered the various terminologies, such as roll, pitch, and yaw, and how to achieve those using the forces produced by the actuator.

In this chapter, we’ll learn how to command and control a drone so that it can perform a particular task or mission and how to use one in different applications. Moreover, we’ll learn about the command-and-control software and hardware and the various types that are used for this purpose. We’ll also learn about the basic communication protocols that are used in the industry as communication interfaces between the drone and the Ground Control Station (GCS).

By going through this chapter, you will understand the GCS and the remote...

Introduction to GCS hardware and software

A GCS is a ground-based integrated set of hardware and software that’s used to configure the drone and monitor system health, headings, and other parameters by the drone operator. The same GCS is also used to program autonomous missions for the drone and monitor real-time parameters such as height, speed, and direction. It also does a pre-flight check to calibrate its sensors before flight.

The following are the components of a GCS:

• GCS hardware
• GCS software

Let’s take a closer look at each.

GCS hardware

GCS hardware is a set of all hardware that’s required to run the GCS software and communicate with the drone – that is, the ground data terminal. This GCS hardware is a combination of a laptop/tablet with a human-machine interface, telemetry antennas, interfaces, and video capture cards. GCS hardware is a compatible platform under which all the required software that’s used for...

Introduction to MAVLink and other open source telemetry protocols

A telemetry protocol is a wireless serial protocol that enables wireless communication between the drone and the GCS. These protocols are lightweight and require low energy to operate. They are enabled over wireless media using transmitters and receivers.

Various telemetry protocols are widely used in unmanned systems to enable telemetry communication. Here are some examples:

• MAVLink
• ZigBee
• LoRaWAN
• Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT)
• Open-LTE

Let’s study these protocols in depth to understand their usage and operation:

• MAVLink: MAVLink, short for Micro Air Vehicle Link, is a communication protocol that’s used by drones to communicate between various components, such as pilots, GCSs, and other onboard equipment. This is a simple and efficient way for various parts of the drone to communicate with each other and share information about the drone’s status...

Introduction to RCs and the different available options

A drone system can be controlled simultaneously by multiple channels, such as radio frequency, LTE, and satellite radio, on different protocols. Here, each channel has equal control over the drone and follows the command and control of each system.

Similarly, an RC works on the serial bus (SBUS) protocol simultaneously with the MAVLink protocol, which runs on serial protocols. Operation through RC gives you a second channel for controlling the drone.

RC is a handheld device that works on radio frequency signals, which are used to control the drone’s behavior. It helps it take off, land, fly manually, and have its payload controlled from a safe distance.

This means that even if the GCS control fails, this is an alternate channel by which a pilot can take manual control of the drone and send basic commands to the drone, such as return and land. During long-range operations, the RC connection gets disconnected, but...

Summary

In this chapter, we learned about various command and control interfaces and what they mean for drones. We learned about the diverse types of ground control stations, how they work, and what they mean. We also learned about the protocols and procedures that are involved in RC transmitters and receivers, as well as how to use them. We now have a clear idea of what GCS is and why it is needed.

In the next chapter, you will learn how to design a drone from scratch, how to select each part of the drone, and how to create a successful drone.