MAVLink Module

The MAVLink Module (de_mavlink, binary de_ardupilot) is the bridge between your flight controller and the rest of the DroneEngage system. It runs on the companion computer (for example, a Raspberry Pi) and talks to ArduPilot or PX4 over MAVLink.

What it does

• Reads telemetry from the flight controller (GPS, attitude, battery, modes, etc.).

• Forwards telemetry to the Communication Module over UDP.

• Receives commands from the WebClient (via the Communication Module) and translates them into MAVLink messages.

• Supports advanced features such as follow-me, swarm, geo-fencing, RC override, and UDP telemetry proxy.

• Runs as a C++ plugin to the Communication broker.

Supported vehicles and firmware

• Firmware: ArduPilot, PX4.

• Vehicle types: quadcopter, plane, rover, boat, helicopter, submarine, VTOL, and more.

Quick links

• MAVLink configuration

• Telemetry optimization

• Geo-fencing

• Swarm

• TX Block / RC override

• TX Freeze

For developers

• Repository: droneengage_mavlink

• Language: C++17

• Build: CMake 3.1+, build.sh / build_release.sh.

• Key components:

  • fcb_facade.cpp/hpp — high-level FCB API.

  • fcb_main.cpp/hpp — main logic, RC, modes.

  • fcb_andruav_message_parser.cpp/hpp — parses commands from DE Comm.

  • mavlink_sdk/ — reusable MAVLink SDK with serial, UDP, and TCP ports.

• Configuration file: de_mavlink.config.module.json.

• Package output: build/packages/de-mavlink-plugin-*.deb, installs to /home/$USER/drone_engage/de_mavlink/.

See MAVLink technicals for architecture, configuration internals, and message handling.