.. _glossary: ======================== DroneEngage & Andruav Glossary ======================== This glossary defines key terms used throughout the DroneEngage and Andruav documentation. | .. glossary:: :sorted: 4G/LTE Fourth Generation Long-Term Evolution cellular network technology. DroneEngage uses 4G/LTE modems to provide internet connectivity for unlimited range telemetry. Access Code A system-generated password used with your email to authenticate devices on the DroneEngage server. Obtain yours from `Accounts @ cloud.ardupilot.org `_. Sharing your Access Code allows others to join your account (useful for shared GCS operations). Andruav `Andruav `_ is the Android-based predecessor to DroneEngage. It runs on Android phones mounted on drones. DroneEngage is the Linux-based evolution designed for Raspberry Pi. Ardupilot Open-source autopilot software that runs on :term:`FCB` hardware. Supports Copter, Plane, Rover, and Sub vehicles. See `ardupilot.org `_. Camera Module The DroneEngage module (``de_camera``) responsible for video streaming and photo capture. Supports Raspberry Pi cameras and USB cameras. Comm Module The main DroneEngage module (``de_comm``) that connects to the cloud server over the internet and manages communication between all local modules via the :term:`DataBus`. Companion Computer A secondary computer (typically Raspberry Pi) connected to the :term:`FCB` that provides additional capabilities like video streaming, 4G telemetry, and advanced processing. DataBus The internal UDP-based communication protocol used for inter-module communication within DroneEngage. Allows modules to exchange data efficiently. de_camera See :term:`Camera Module`. de_comm See :term:`Comm Module`. de_mavlink See :term:`MAVLink Module`. Drone Mode The operational mode for Andruav when running on a mobile device mounted on a drone. Essential for communicating with flight control boards, capturing images, and accessing flight information. DroneKit A library developed by 3DR that provides reliable connection with PixHawk, APM, SOLO and virtually any board that supports MAVLINK. FCB Flight Control Board. Hardware that runs autopilot firmware (e.g., `OBAL `_, `Pixhawk `_, Cube, Kakute). Connects to the companion computer via serial or UDP. GCS Ground Control Station. Software used to monitor and control drones. Examples include `Mission Planner `_, `QGroundControl `_, Andruav App in GCS mode, and the `DroneEngage web client `_. Geo-Fence A virtual boundary that restricts drone flight to specific areas. DroneEngage provides independent geo-fencing that works alongside or instead of the FCB's built-in geo-fence. JSON JavaScript Object Notation. A lightweight data format used for DroneEngage configuration files and communication protocols. Binary Payload Binary data that can be attached to DroneEngage messages after the JSON header. Used for images, files, and other binary data transfers. MAVLink Micro Air Vehicle Link. A lightweight messaging protocol for communicating with drones. Used between the :term:`FCB` and :term:`MAVLink Module`. MAVLink Module The DroneEngage module (``de_mavlink``) that communicates directly with the :term:`FCB` via serial port or UDP. Translates between MAVLink and DroneEngage protocols. Pin Code An alphanumeric text that uniquely identifies your Andruav app on a particular mobile device. This number never changes unless you remove and reinstall Andruav on the device. This number is not editable. RPI Raspberry Pi. A single-board computer commonly used as a :term:`Companion Computer` for DroneEngage. RPI Image A pre-configured Raspberry Pi OS image with DroneEngage modules pre-installed. Available for RPI-Zero 2 W and RPI-4. RC Blocking A safety feature allowing a field pilot with a physical transmitter to override all remote commands, providing emergency local control. SITL Software-In-The-Loop. A simulation mode that runs Ardupilot on a PC without physical hardware, useful for testing DroneEngage before flying. Smart Telemetry DroneEngage's bandwidth optimization feature that reduces data transmission on slower networks by filtering less critical MAVLink messages. Swarm A group of drones operating together under coordinated control. DroneEngage supports hierarchical swarm formations with leader and follower roles. Telemetry Manager The component within the Communicator Module responsible for communicating with other modules and the web client via the server communication protocol. TX Freeze A DroneEngage feature that locks the current throttle/control positions, useful for maintaining stable flight when the drone is beyond TX range. Unit A DroneEngage-equipped drone or vehicle. Each unit connects to the cloud server and appears in the web client. Message Type An identifier that categorizes messages in the DroneEngage communication protocol. Modules subscribe to specific message types to receive relevant data. Module Manager The component within the Communicator Module responsible for managing inter-module communication using a publisher/subscriber pattern. Plugin A custom module that extends DroneEngage functionality. Plugins can handle hardware (GPIO, sensors) or perform data processing. Written in C++, Python, or Node.js using the DataBus library. Port A network endpoint number used for UDP/TCP communication. DroneEngage modules use specific ports for inter-module communication. Publisher/Subscriber A messaging pattern where modules publish messages to topics and other modules subscribe to receive those messages. Used by the Module Manager for inter-module communication. Socket A network communication endpoint. DroneEngage uses UDP sockets for fast inter-module communication with automatic message chunking. UDP User Datagram Protocol. A fast, connectionless protocol used for inter-module communication within DroneEngage. Supports message chunking for large data transfers. Web Client The browser-based ground control station for DroneEngage. Access at `cloud.ardupilot.org:8001 `_.