.. _de-hw_2:

=================================
DroneEngage Hardware Requirements
=================================


Requirements
============

**Essential:**

- Raspberry Pi (Zero W, Zero 2 W, 3, 4, or 5)
- 4G/LTE USB modem or HAT for internet connectivity
- Ardupilot or PX4 flight controller
- DroneEngage account and Access Code from `cloud.ardupilot.org <https://cloud.ardupilot.org>`_

**Optional:**

- Camera(s) connected to the Raspberry Pi
- Xbox/PlayStation controller for remote piloting

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.. note::
   DroneEngage is the Linux-based successor to `Andruav <https://cloud.ardupilot.org/downloads/Android/>`_, the Android companion app.

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Hardware Examples
=================

DroneEngage runs on various Raspberry Pi boards, from the tiny RPI-Zero for telemetry-only setups to the powerful RPI-4 for multi-camera streaming.

.. image:: ./images/setup1.png
   :align: center
   :alt: DroneEngage on RPI-Zero connected to OBAL board.

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**Lightweight Setup (Telemetry Only)**

The RPI-Zero setup weighs only **42 grams (1.48 oz)** - everything needed for full drone control from anywhere.

.. image:: ./images/rpizeroweight.jpeg
   :align: center
   :alt: DroneEngage on RPI-Zero

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**Video Streaming Setup**

For video streaming, use the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W at only **52.2g (1.84 oz)** including camera and OTG cable. For multiple cameras, use the RPI-4.

.. image:: ./images/IMG_20220402_160422.jpg
   :align: center
   :alt: DroneEngage on RPI-Zero-2 with camera




A Raspberry Pi board with internet connectivity is required.  Supported models include the Raspberry Pi 2, 3, 4, and Zero/Zero 2.  The chosen model influences system capabilities.  The Raspberry Pi 4 is recommended for applications requiring multi-camera video streaming, enabling simultaneous streaming from multiple connected cameras.

For telemetry-only applications, the Raspberry Pi Zero is a suitable choice.

.. image:: ./images/rpizero.png
   :align: center
   :alt: Drone-Engage on RPI-Zero connected to OBAL board.

Internet connectivity can be established via a USB 4G/LTE data stick or a HAT incorporating a 4G, LTE, or 5G modem.

The `Raspberry-PI Zero 2 W  <https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w/>`_ , released in late 2021, offers a quad-core processor and a five-fold performance increase compared to the Raspberry Pi Zero W.  This model is ideal for single-camera FPV applications, offering a balance of performance, power efficiency, and weight.  For multi-camera setups and future expansion with more complex modules, the Raspberry Pi 4 remains the recommended option.

.. image:: ./images/RPiZero_2.webp
   :align: center
   :alt: Raspberry-PI Zero 2 W

The `Mangopi MQ-Quad MCore H616   <https://mangopi.org/h616/>`_  (https://mangopi.org/h616/) presents a competitive alternative to the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, offering comparable performance at a potentially lower cost and improved availability.

.. image:: ./images/orangepi.png
   :align: center
   :alt: Mangopi MQ-Quad MCore H616

.. warning::
    The `Mango MQ-Quad MCore H618 <https://forum.mangopi.org/t/new-user-help-needed/2140/8>`_ is not supported due to the absence of a Linux image.  Ensure the H616 (https://mangopi.org/h616/) model is selected.

.. tip::
    For optimal performance, it is recommended to use the Raspberry Pi Zero for telemetry-only functions, and the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W or Raspberry Pi 4 for combined telemetry and video streaming.