How-to guides

How to launch

1. Start the Docker stack

docker compose up

The stack is ready when the homing service begins printing metrics repeatedly.

2. Launch QGroundControl

If QGroundControl isn't already running from installation:

./QGroundControl.AppImage

How to fly

Manual flight

1. In QGC, click Takeoff and slide the bar to confirm
2. Wait for the drone to lift off and enter Hold mode
3. Switch to Position mode for manual control
4. Use the virtual joystick on screen, or a physical gamepad if connected

Flight modes

Mode	Description
Hold	Drone hovers in place at current position. Default after takeoff.
Position	Manual control via joystick. Stable and predictable.
Offboard	AI homing controller takes over. Drone tracks selected target.
Return	Drone flies back to home/launch point automatically.

AI target tracking

1. Take off and fly to a clear position
2. Switch flight mode to Offboard
3. Click on the target you want to track
4. The drone will lock onto the target and begin pursuing it

How to reset

To get a fresh drone, restart the stack:

docker compose down && docker compose up