AirCast

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about AirCast setup, operation, and capabilities.

General Questions

What is AirCast?

AirCast is a real-time drone monitoring system that streams video and telemetry data from your drone to the cloud using a Raspberry Pi and 4G/LTE connectivity. It enables remote monitoring, recording, and control of drone operations from anywhere with internet access.

Which drones are compatible?

AirCast works with any drone that has a flight controller supporting MAVLink protocol (ArduPilot, PX4) and can carry a Raspberry Pi with camera. Popular compatible platforms include DJI F450/F550, Tarot frames, and custom builds. The drone needs sufficient payload capacity for the Pi, camera, and 4G modem (typically 200-400g).

What's the range limitation?

With 4G/LTE connectivity, your drone can operate anywhere with cellular coverage. Unlike traditional radio systems limited to a few kilometers, AirCast enables operations across entire cities or regions. The only limitation is cellular network coverage and drone battery life.

Hardware Questions

Which Raspberry Pi models are supported?

AirCast supports Raspberry Pi 3B, 3B+, 4B (all RAM variants), Pi 400, Pi 5, and Zero 2W. We recommend Pi 4B with 4GB RAM for best performance, or Zero 2W for weight-critical applications. Minimum 8GB SD card required, though 16GB+ is recommended.

Can I use Wi-Fi instead of 4G?

Yes, AirCast supports Wi-Fi connectivity for testing or short-range operations. However, 4G/LTE is recommended for real drone operations as Wi-Fi range is very limited (typically under 100m). You can configure automatic failover between 4G and Wi-Fi in the settings.

What cameras are compatible?

AirCast supports RTSP IP cameras (like SIYI cameras), USB webcams, and Raspberry Pi Camera modules (both v2 and HQ). For drone use, we recommend SIYI cameras for their gimbal stabilization, or lightweight USB cameras. The system can handle up to 1080p 30fps streaming.

How much power does it consume?

Power consumption varies by model: Pi 4B draws 5-7W, Zero 2W draws 2-3W, plus 2-3W for the 4G modem and 1-2W for the camera. Total system consumption is typically 8-12W. Most users power it from the drone's battery using a 5V BEC rated for at least 3A.

Software & Setup Questions

Is the pre-configured image required?

No, you can manually install AirCast on any existing Raspberry Pi OS installation. The pre-configured image simply saves time by including all dependencies and automatic setup wizards. Manual installation gives you more control but requires Linux command-line knowledge.

Can I access the Pi remotely?

Yes, SSH is enabled by default. When on the same network, connect via ssh pi@aircast.local. For remote access over 4G, you can set up a VPN or reverse SSH tunnel. The AirCast dashboard also provides basic remote management capabilities.

How do I update AirCast?

Updates are handled through the system package manager. Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade aircast-agentto get the latest version. Major updates may require configuration changes, which will be documented in the release notes.

Operations Questions

What's the video latency?

Typical latency is 200-500ms on a good 4G connection, which is suitable for monitoring but not for FPV flying. Latency depends on cellular network quality, configured bitrate, and server location. The adaptive streaming feature helps minimize latency by adjusting quality based on network conditions.

How much data does it use?

Data usage depends on video settings. At default settings (720p 30fps, 2Mbps), expect about 900MB per hour. 1080p streaming at 4Mbps uses about 1.8GB per hour. Telemetry data adds minimal overhead (less than 10MB/hour). Most unlimited data plans work well for regular operations.

Can multiple users view the stream?

Yes, the AirCast cloud platform supports multiple simultaneous viewers. Stream owner can share access with team members who can view video and telemetry in real-time. The number of concurrent viewers depends on your subscription plan.

Is the video recorded?

Yes, AirCast can record streams to the cloud for later playback. Recording duration and storage limits depend on your subscription plan. You can also configure local recording on the Pi's SD card as a backup, though this is limited by available storage space.

Troubleshooting Questions

Why does my stream keep disconnecting?

Stream disconnections are usually caused by poor 4G signal, incorrect APN settings, or bandwidth limitations. Check signal strength, verify APN configuration with your carrier, and try reducing video bitrate. Consider using an external antenna for better reception.

Can I use AirCast without internet?

AirCast is designed for cloud streaming and requires internet for full functionality. However, you can configure local recording and set up a local RTMP server for offline operations. The telemetry can be forwarded to a local ground station via Wi-Fi.

How do I minimize weight for racing drones?

Use a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (30g), lightweight USB camera (20g), and compact 4G modem like the Qualcomm 150Mbps stick (25g). Skip unnecessary cables and use direct GPIO connections where possible. Total system weight can be under 100g with careful component selection.

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