System Requirements
Everything you need to build your AirCast drone monitoring system.
Easiest option: Use our pre-configured Raspberry Pi image which includes everything pre-installed and configured.
Hardware Requirements
Essential Components
Raspberry Pi
- •Recommended: Pi 4 Model B (2GB+ RAM)
- •Lightweight: Pi Zero 2 W
Storage
- •MicroSD Card (8GB minimum, 16GB+ recommended)
- •Class 10 or UHS-1 for reliability
Power Supply
- •5V 3A for Pi 4
- •5V 2.5A for Pi Zero 2 W
Communication
4G/LTE Modem
- •USB 4G modem (e.g., Qualcomm 150Mbps)
- •Or Waveshare SIM7600G-H HAT
- •Active SIM card with data plan
Camera
- •RTSP IP camera (SIYI recommended)
- •Or USB webcam
- •Or Raspberry Pi Camera Module
Drone Requirements
Flight Controller
- •MAVLink compatible (ArduPilot or PX4)
- •Serial telemetry port available
- •Configured for 57600 baud rate
Payload Capacity
- •Minimum 200g for Pi Zero 2 W setup
- •Minimum 400g for Pi 4 setup
Data Usage Estimates
Monthly Data Usage
Based on 720p 30fps streaming:
- • 1 hour/day: ~30GB/month
- • 2 hours/day: ~60GB/month
- • 4 hours/day: ~120GB/month
Telemetry adds minimal overhead (<500MB/month). Consider an unlimited data plan for regular use.
On This Page