What do you need

Hardware Section:

To start using this setup, you will require a Raspberry Pi and a MAVLink flight controller. For local testing within your home network, you won’t need a modem as a local Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection will bo ok. However, when you’re all set up and ready to fly, you’ll require a modem, and we recommend a HiLink (Plug and Play) type.

For manual control during flight, we also suggest utilizing a USB gamepad connected to Mission Planner joystick integration.Additional information is available below.

Fly Controller supported:

Basically, almost all flight controllers from Matek and Holybro (Pixhawk) are supported, but a comprehensive list can be found here: —  http://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/common-autopilots.html — The flight controller can be connected in two ways: USB and SERIAL (Uart) through TX and RX. When using the serial connection, it’s crucial to connect both RX and TX with the ground (-) wire, whereas the (+) wire isn’t necessary. When using the USB connection, it’s straightforward: simply connect the flight controller to the Raspberry Pi using a USB cable. Below, we provide two diagrams for the SERIAL (Uart) connection via RX and TX:

Raspberry Pi boards that are supported:

All Raspberry Pi boards are supported, but it is recommended to have at least a Raspberry Pi 0. Raspberry Pi 0 can successfully handle telemetry transfer but will have minor issues when loaded with additional tasks, such as video streaming. Therefore, for running the program under ideal conditions, it is good to have a Raspberry Pi 0 2W, Raspberry Pi 3, or Raspberry Pi 4. The smaller Raspberry Pi 0 2W can handle all tasks successfully, and if you have a Pi 3 or Pi 4, it’s even better, but not necessary.

Translate: Regarding the power consumption of Raspberry Pi boards, it varies depending on the board you are using. It is recommended to use a 5V and 3A power supply in each case, regardless of the board you are using, to prevent the activation of the undervoltage function. You can also choose a 5V 2A power supply if you are using a Raspberry Pi 0 W 2 or Pi 3.

Modem Supported:

  As for the suported modems, UAV 4G Tool supports all Hilink modems (they are plug-and-play, behaving like a network card that automatically provides internet without any settings or driver installation). Additionally, a wide range of stick modems (modems that connect using AT commands) are supported. We advise you to use the Huawei e3372h modem model, regardless of the firmware used (hilink or stick), as it is a robust and very stable modem.

HiLink Advantages

The main benefits of HiLink modems are their fast connection times and hassle-free setup. A HiLink modem utilizes a web browser to access modem settings.

It functions more like a plug-and-play modem, with no need to configure any parameters in UAV 4G Tool or Raspberry Pi.

HiLink Disadvantages

Out of the box, HiLink modems do not support port forwarding. In most cases, you will need to flash new firmware to access the port forwarding menu in the modem’s web interface.

However, if you use a VPN connection, HiLink is an excellent choice since VPNs do not require port forwarding.

Camera supported:

All Raspicam cameras are supported, starting from version 1 up to version 3. They can comfortably stream at a full HD resolution of 1080p and 50 frames per second. There are many Pi Cam models on the market, and all of them are supported. Pi Camera Module 3 is now supported ! You can use an HDMI to CSI adapter, which allows you to connect any camera with an HDMI output to the Raspberry Pi.