QGC basics
QGroundControl (QGC) can connect to the UAV's flight controller and display information such as flight status, positioning, battery, remote controller, and communication link st…
5 min read · English documentationQGroundControl (QGC) can connect to the UAV's flight controller and display information such as flight status, positioning, battery, remote controller, and communication link status. This section does not cover parameter changes or mission planning. It only helps first-time users understand the QGC main screen after a successful connection.
Tip
First, follow “Connect to the QGC ground control station” in Prepare the communication link to connect QGC to the UAV (the default UDP port for this configuration is
8080). Status names and screen locations in this section may vary slightly depending on the QGC version. Refer to the actual display.
How to confirm that the UAV is connected
After QGC successfully connects to the UAV, the following information usually appears:
- The main screen displays the UAV icon and its current position;
- The top status bar displays the flight mode, GPS, satellites, battery, remote controller, or communication status;
- The Fly View continuously refreshes telemetry data such as altitude, speed, and attitude;
- The communication links page allows you to select Disconnect.
If the page does not show the UAV status or displays Communication Lost, communication between QGC and the UAV has been interrupted. First check the network and connection settings in Prepare the communication link.
Information in the top status bar
| Status information | Meaning | Key checks during use |
|---|---|---|
| Flight status | Shows whether the UAV is ready to fly, armed, flying, or landing | Do not take off if Not Ready, a red notification, or a communication-loss message appears; click the status to view the specific cause |
| Flight mode | Shows the control mode currently used by the flight controller | Before manual position-control flight, confirm that the mode matches the current operation requirements; do not switch modes unless you understand their functions |
| Arming status | Shows whether the UAV is currently armed or disarmed | The motors may begin rotating after arming; personnel must maintain a safe distance from the propellers |
| GPS/RTK | Shows the satellite positioning type, number of satellites, and RTK status | When primarily using indoor LiDAR-based localization, refer to the positioning source in the Prometheus ground control station; for outdoor RTK operations, wait until positioning is stable |
| Number of satellites | Indicates the number of navigation satellites currently available to the flight controller | A low count or continuous fluctuations usually indicate sky obstruction, interference, or a poor antenna environment |
| Battery | Shows the voltage, remaining charge, or battery warnings | Do not take off while a low battery level, abnormal cell voltage, or battery warning remains unresolved |
| Remote controller signal | Shows the status of the control link between the remote controller and the UAV | Do not arm if the signal is abnormal, the remote controller is not connected, or control authority is abnormal |
| Telemetry/data-link signal | Shows the quality of data communication between QGC and the UAV | If the signal is weak or frequently interrupted, first check the LQ link, Ethernet cable, and connection settings |
| Flight controller messages | Shows notifications, warnings, and errors generated by the flight controller | Open any red or recurring warning to view its cause; do not simply dismiss the notification and continue flying |
Caution
When QGC displays Ready To Fly, this only means that the flight controller has passed its basic checks under the current conditions. It does not mean that the flight environment, positioning source, propellers, battery, remote controller, and nearby personnel are all safe. Before indoor LiDAR-based localization flight, you must still connect the Prometheus ground control station, switch to LiDAR-based localization, and complete the checks in LiDAR-based localization environment requirements.
Main areas of the Fly View
| Screen area | Function |
|---|---|
| Map | Shows the UAV's position, heading, track, Home point, and mission information; the position on the map cannot replace direct visual observation on site |
| Attitude indicator/artificial horizon | Shows the UAV's pitch, roll, and heading and can be used to determine whether its attitude is abnormal |
| Telemetry data | Common information includes relative altitude, horizontal speed, vertical speed, flight time, and distance |
| Action buttons | Provide actions such as arming, takeoff, landing, and return-to-home according to the flight status; a swipe confirmation is usually required before the command is sent |
| Video window | Displays gimbal or onboard vision video after a video stream is configured and can be switched with the map |
| Warnings and messages | Show abnormal sensor, positioning, battery, communication, and flight-mode information |
How to interpret common statuses
You may continue with preflight preparation
- QGC continuously displays the UAV status, and telemetry data refreshes normally;
- The flight controller has no unresolved red errors;
- The battery and remote controller communication status are normal;
- The LiDAR-based positioning source status in the Prometheus ground control station is stable, and the position data shows no noticeable jumps;
- The flight mode matches the operation you are about to perform.
Stop the operation and troubleshoot
- Communication Lost is displayed or the data stops refreshing;
- Not Ready is displayed and unresolved arming-check errors remain;
- A red warning appears for the battery, remote controller, sensors, or flight controller;
- You do not understand the meaning of the current flight mode, button, or warning;
- The actual UAV status does not match the status displayed in QGC.
Functions not recommended during the quick-start stage
When using the product for the first time, do not perform the following operations casually:
- Flash or replace the flight controller firmware;
- Change unknown flight controller parameters;
- Recalibrate the sensors, remote controller, or power module;
- Change failsafe settings, return-to-home altitude, or the geofence;
- Send MAVLink console commands without first confirming their effects.
If changes are necessary, first record the original configuration and perform the operation under the guidance of personnel familiar with PX4 and this product's configuration.
For more information about the QGC interface, see:
