Common Software Download and Installation

This section describes how to obtain and perform the basic installation of ground control station and utility software commonly used with the QE3 Screen Remote Controller, helping users configure, debug, and plan missions on a local computer or external device. For specific versions and compatibility, refer to the information on each software product's official website.

QGroundControl (QGC)

QGroundControl (QGC) is commonly used open-source ground control station software. It works with flight controllers/unmanned platforms that support MAVLink and is used for parameter configuration, mission planning, real-time monitoring, and log analysis.

Download

• Official website: https://qgroundcontrol.com/
  
• On the official website's home page, select Download, then download the appropriate installer or app for the local operating system (Windows / macOS / Linux / Android).
• The Stable release is recommended. If a specific version is required, select it according to the software's official website or technical support recommendations.

Installation (Android as an Example)

1. Run the downloaded installer (such as QGroundControl-installer.exe);
2. Follow the wizard prompts to select the installation path and options, then complete the installation;
3. After the first launch, if an update prompt appears, choose whether to update immediately as needed;
4. When connecting the QE3 or a flight controller via USB, make sure the corresponding driver (such as a CDC/serial port driver) is installed on the local computer so that QGC can recognize the device correctly.

Installing the Android Version and Granting Permissions for the First Time (Example)

When using a browser on the QE3 to download and install the Android version of QGC, the process is: download the APK → locate the APK in “Files” or a third-party file manager → follow the prompts to complete the installation.
When connecting to a flight controller via USB serial for the first time, the system will usually display an authorization dialog asking, “Allow QGroundControl to access USB Serial?”:

• It is recommended to select “Always open QGroundControl when USB Serial is connected” (if this option is available in the interface);
• Tap OK; otherwise, QGC will not be able to access the flight controller's serial data.

If an SD card is used to transfer an APK or log files, the SD card volume (for example, “SD Card-0000”) can be found in the system's built-in “Files” app, as shown below:

Notes on Use with the QE3

• If the flight controller is connected through the QE3's USB or network forwarding function, complete the corresponding network/serial port and MAVLink configuration on the QE3. For details, see “Network and Communication Settings - System Settings” in Chapter 5, “Remote Assistant - System Function Settings”;
• If an external data link fails to connect to QGC, refer to the troubleshooting recommendations under “External Data Link Fails to Connect to QGC” in Chapter 7, “Data Link Expansion Instructions.”

Example: Common Connection Methods in QGC (Optional)

The following examples are provided only to help users understand the typical “link configuration” interface in QGC. All port numbers, baud rates, and IP addresses are example values. For actual parameters, strictly follow the instructions for the unmanned platform/system.

• UDP link example: In QGC, go to Application Settings → Comm Links → Add New Link to create a UDP link, then configure fields such as Name, Type=UDP, and Port (for example, 2021).

  

• Serial link example: On the same interface, set Type to Serial, then select the corresponding serial port and Baud Rate (for example, 57600) to connect to the flight controller through a USB-to-serial device.

  

• Main interface after a successful connection: After QGC successfully establishes a link with the flight controller, the main interface displays information such as the map view, attitude indicator, mode selection menu, and status bar.

  

Other Common Software (Optional)

• Mission Planner (Windows): Another commonly used ground control station. It can be downloaded and installed from its official website and is suitable for certain flight controllers and protocols.
• Drivers and tools: Depending on the data connection in actual use (such as USB serial or ADB), the corresponding manufacturer's driver or debugging tool may need to be installed on the local computer. Follow the accompanying instructions or guidance from ROBOSN technical support.

If other recommended software (such as simulation or log analysis tools) is added in the future, download and installation instructions will be added to this section or the relevant accompanying manual.