PCC software supports a growing number of plug-in applications that can be purchased separately:
The Strip Chart Plugin supplements the user interface of the Piccolo Command Center with a selection of flight data plot charts that can be viewed in real-time, giving the user improved visual feedback of the aircraft's state. All the plot charts support full zooming and scrolling, allowing the operator to quickly and easily examine the complete flight history with a click of the mouse. The plot charts currently available to the operator include:
- Telemetry data plots including air data, attitude information, and sensor telemetry
- Command loop plots showing current commands, telemetry, and loop limits
- Actuator plots depicting control surface positions as a function of time
The CommMaster standalone application enables dual communication links to exist simultaneously between the avionics and the Piccolo Command Center.
Once these two links are set (which can be any combination of serial ports, network connection and an Iridium modem connection) the user can switch back and forth seamlessly between them. This could be useful when switching from radio communications to a satellite based communication as the UAV flies beyond the line of sight and range of the primary radio.
The CommMaster also serves as a communications link coming from the avionics on a user selected port on the PC it is running on. This allows multiple instances of PCC to use the down streamed data for viewing or commanding the avionics.
An antenna pointing module that seamlessly integrates with Cloud Cap Technology's Piccolo Command Center. While PCC provides easy control of your UAV, the antenna plugin makes it even easier by automatically pointing your directional antenna at the aircraft.
- Automatic and Manual Slewing: The Antenna Plugin provides the user with three different types of directional control:
- Rate mode allows for slowly or quickly slewing the antenna.
- Position mode allows the use of the compass widget to point the antenna at a particular azimuth and elevation.
- Automatic mode allows the plugin to point the antenna at the selected aircraft, based on the aircraft's location.
- Easy Configuration: Users can quickly and easily get the antenna plugin working with their antenna by setting communication ports, frequencies and offsets.
- Video Receiver Integration: Automatically or manually, the plugin can change the video receiver frequency in order to receive video from different aircraft. It works seamlessly with PCC so that the video can always be coming from the active aircraft or the user can use the plugin to get the video.
Cloud Cap Technology offers support in the development of custom plugins for the Piccolo Command Center and Gimbal UI. A custom plugin allows one to tailor the application for their specific needs. As the developers of PCC and Gimbal UI, Cloud Cap Technology has an extensive understanding of the software and can provide a timely, cost effective solution. Contact us for more information.