Desktop Application
The AirCast desktop application is a full-featured ground station just like the web version, but with the added ability to proxy MAVLink telemetry to other ground control software like QGroundControl or Mission Planner.
Key Features
- •Full ground station capabilities - monitor telemetry, view video streams, control your drone
- •MAVLink proxy - creates a local TCP port (5180) for QGroundControl/Mission Planner connection
- •Works offline - continue monitoring with locally cached data when internet is unavailable
- •Native desktop performance - faster and more responsive than web browser
System Requirements
Windows
- Windows 10 or later
- 64-bit processor (x64 or ARM64)
- 4GB RAM minimum
macOS
- macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
- Intel or Apple Silicon processor
- 4GB RAM minimum
Linux
- Ubuntu 20.04 or later (or equivalent)
- 64-bit processor
- 4GB RAM minimum
- WebKit2GTK 4.0 or 4.1
Download
How to Use
Connecting QGroundControl
Launch the AirCast desktop application and log in
Select your drone from the device list
Click "Start MAVLink Proxy" - this creates a local TCP server on port 5180
In QGroundControl, add a new TCP connection to localhost:5180
You now have full telemetry and control over the internet!
Connecting Mission Planner
Launch the AirCast desktop application and log in
Select your drone from the device list
Click "Start MAVLink Proxy"
In Mission Planner, select TCP and connect to localhost:5180
Click Connect - you're now connected through AirCast!
Note: The desktop app must remain running to maintain the MAVLink connection. Closing the app will disconnect your ground control station.
Installation
Windows
Download the installer using the download button above
Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
If Windows SmartScreen appears, click "More info" then "Run anyway"
Launch Aircast from the Start menu or desktop shortcut
About SmartScreen: Windows may show a security warning for unsigned indie software. This is normal and safe - the warning appears because we're an indie developer without an expensive code signing certificate. The warning will disappear after enough users install Aircast.
macOS
Download the DMG file for your Mac using the download button above
Open the downloaded DMG file
Drag the Aircast app to your Applications folder
Launch Aircast from Applications or Spotlight
Note: On first launch, you may need to right-click the app and select "Open" to bypass macOS security warnings.
Linux
Debian/Ubuntu (DEB)
Download the .deb package using the download button above
Install using the package manager:
If you encounter dependency issues:
AppImage (Universal)
Download the .AppImage file using the download button above
Make it executable:
Run the AppImage:
Auto-Updates
The Aircast desktop application includes automatic update functionality. When a new version is available, you'll be notified and can update with a single click.
Troubleshooting
Windows Issues
Windows SmartScreen blocks installation:
Click "More info" then "Run anyway" - this is normal for unsigned indie software
Missing Visual C++ runtime:
Install the Visual C++ Redistributable
macOS Issues
"App is damaged" error:
"Unidentified developer" warning:
Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → "Open Anyway"
Linux Issues
App doesn't launch:
Install WebKit2GTK:
AppImage issues on Ubuntu 22.04+:
Install libfuse2:
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