QuadroFleet OpenIPC — 4G/LTE FPV Platform
QuadroFleet is a modular open-source platform for controlling FPV drones over mobile networks. It integrates low-latency video streaming, secure communication and reliable safety features, making it suitable for both hobby and professional applications.
Note!
This section is prepared as part of the QuadroFleet and OpenFPV project collaboration and is the official information source for the Ukrainian community.
Features
- Low-latency video: FPV streaming with <100 ms latency using H.265.
- Link loss handling: configurable failsafe modes (hover, land or RTH) when signal is lost.
- Live GPS tracking: displays drone position on an interactive OpenStreetMap.
- Extended range: using 4G/5G networks allows flying far beyond traditional 2.4 GHz systems.
- OSD (On-Screen Display): telemetry overlay (battery voltage, GPS coordinates, speed, altitude, compass) on the video stream.
- Cross-platform control: support for XBOX, PlayStation or RC controllers via USB.
System Architecture
QuadroFleet operates on a client-server model where components communicate through a secure WireGuard VPN, using UDP for minimal latency.
Drone Module
Hardware:
- OpenIPC-based IP camera (e.g. SSC30KQ, SSC338Q) for video and telemetry processing.
- 4G/5G modem (e.g. Quectel EC25, EP06) for internet access.
- Flight controller (e.g. SpeedyBee F405) connected via UART with CRSF protocol.
Functionality:
- H.265 streaming over UDP without additional synchronisation for reduced latency.
- Receiving CRSF control frames and forwarding them to the flight controller.
- Collecting and transmitting telemetry (battery, GPS, etc.) to the ground station.
Ground Station (Operator Side)
Hardware: PC or smartphone with the QuadroFleet app.
Functionality:
- Connecting to the drone via WireGuard VPN tunnel.
- Reading joystick signals from a gamepad or RC transmitter.
- Encoding signals into CRSF frames and transmitting them over UDP.
- Decoding telemetry and overlaying it on the video stream.
- Displaying the drone's position in real time on an OpenStreetMap.
VPN Server
Purpose: provides a secure, direct channel between the drone and the ground station.
Setup: WireGuard runs on a VPS or local PC and requires minimal configuration.
Benefits: simplifies network setup and ensures data privacy.
Safety & Redundancy
Link loss: after 250 ms (configurable) the drone enters hover mode; after 5 seconds (configurable) it lands or performs RTH according to the flight controller settings.
Redundancy: optional ELRS (ExpressLRS) support for local control in case of mobile network failure.
FPV Drone Module
The drone module combines:
- OpenIPC camera: connects to the flight controller via UART using CRSF for telemetry and control. Streams H.265 video over UDP.
- 4G/5G modem: provides internet connectivity for VPN and data transmission.
- Power management: a DC-DC step-down converter supplies stable 5V to the camera and modem.
VPN Server
The VPN server creates a virtual private network that enables data exchange without additional network configuration. In this setup the VPN connection allows the operator to quickly and easily connect directly to the drone.
Operator App
The QuadroFleet control application is a Java-based program that includes:
- SDL framework: supports gamepad input (XBOX, PlayStation or RC controllers).
- Web server: runs a local interface that displays:
- live video with OSD telemetry;
- an interactive map for GPS tracking.
- UDP communication: sends control commands and receives telemetry/video.
Download the app: