What is DroneEngage?

DroneEngage is a cloud-based companion computer software for Ardupilot and PX4 drones that provides unlimited range telemetry, video streaming, and advanced fleet management capabilities over the internet.


Key Features

Telemetry & Control

  • Unlimited range telemetry connection via 4G/LTE/5G networks

  • Forward telemetry to/from ground stations (Mission Planner, QGroundControl)

  • Remote control via gamepad over the internet

  • Web-based ground control station accessible from anywhere

Video & Camera

  • Stream video from one or more cameras

  • Record video and capture images on the drone or remotely

  • Support for Raspberry Pi cameras and USB cameras

Fleet Management

  • Control multiple drones from a single interface

  • Advanced geo-fencing independent of flight controller

  • Swarm operations with synchronized missions

  • Hierarchical swarm formations

Safety Features

  • RC Blocking - field pilot can override remote control

  • TX Freeze - maintain throttle position for long-range flights

  • Independent geo-fence enforcement


In a Nutshell

DroneEngage consists of:

  • Companion Software - Runs on Raspberry Pi connected to your flight controller

  • Web Client - Browser-based ground station for control and monitoring

  • Camera Module - Video streaming and recording platform

  • Cloud Server - Connects all components securely over the internet


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

Optional:

  • Camera(s) connected to the Raspberry Pi

  • Xbox/PlayStation controller for remote piloting


Note

DroneEngage is the Linux-based successor to Andruav, the Android companion app.


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.

DroneEngage on RPI-Zero connected to OBAL board.

Lightweight Setup (Telemetry Only)

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

DroneEngage on RPI-Zero

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.

DroneEngage on RPI-Zero-2 with camera

Quick Start

Download a ready-made image for RPI-Zero2/RPI-4 with all modules pre-installed:

Tip

Download DroneEngage images and binaries from cloud.ardupilot.org/downloads

See Drone Engage RPI-WZero2 / RPI-4 Ready Image for detailed installation instructions.