Ground Recording
Ground Recording allows automatic recording of video and telemetry data on the ground station.
Overview
Ground Recording provides:
- Automatic Video Recording: Record incoming video streams
- Telemetry Logging: Save flight data and telemetry
- Screenshot Capture: Automatic screenshot functionality
- USB Storage: Save recordings to USB storage devices
Storage Requirements
USB Storage Device
- USB Flash Drive: High-speed USB 3.0 recommended
- External HDD/SSD: For longer recording sessions
- Format: FAT32 or exFAT for cross-platform compatibility
- Capacity: Minimum 8GB, 32GB+ recommended
File Formats
- Video: AVI format with H.264 compression
- Telemetry: CSV or binary log format
- Screenshots: PNG format
- Timestamps: UTC timestamps for synchronization
Configuration
Enable Recording
- Insert USB storage device
- Access QOpen.HD settings
- Navigate to Recording settings
- Enable "Ground Recording"
- Configure recording parameters
Recording Settings
- Video Quality: Bitrate and resolution settings
- Auto-start: Begin recording automatically
- Split Files: Create new files at intervals
- Storage Location: Select USB device
Recording Features
Automatic Operation
- Flight Detection: Start recording when flight begins
- Storage Management: Automatic cleanup of old files
- Error Handling: Continue recording despite minor errors
- Status Indication: Visual recording status display
Manual Control
- Start/Stop Recording: Manual recording control
- Screenshot Capture: Instant screenshot function
- Bookmark Events: Mark important moments
- Quick Access: Easy recording controls in OSD
File Organization
Directory Structure
/USB_DRIVE/
├── recordings/
│ ├── 2023-12-01/
│ │ ├── flight_001.avi
│ │ ├── flight_001.csv
│ │ └── screenshots/
│ └── 2023-12-02/
└── logs/
File Naming
- Date-based: YYYY-MM-DD format
- Sequential: Automatic flight numbering
- Descriptive: Include time and duration
- Synchronized: Matching names for video/telemetry
Playback and Analysis
Video Playback
- Standard Players: Compatible with VLC, Windows Media Player
- Synchronization: Telemetry overlay during playback
- Quality: Original video quality preserved
- Metadata: Embedded flight information
Telemetry Analysis
- CSV Import: Import into Excel, MATLAB, etc.
- Flight Analysis Tools: Use with Mission Planner, APM Planner
- Custom Scripts: Process data with custom tools
- Visualization: Create flight path visualizations
Storage Management
Space Monitoring
- Available Space: Monitor remaining storage
- Auto-cleanup: Remove old recordings when space low
- Warning System: Alert when storage nearly full
- Priority System: Keep recent/important recordings
Performance Optimization
- High-speed Storage: Use fast USB devices
- Regular Maintenance: Defragment storage devices
- Backup Strategy: Regular backup to permanent storage
- Storage Health: Monitor USB device health
Troubleshooting
Recording Issues
- No Recording: Check USB device connection
- Corrupted Files: Verify storage device integrity
- Missing Audio: Check audio configuration
- Sync Issues: Verify timestamp accuracy
Storage Problems
- Full Storage: Enable auto-cleanup or larger device
- Slow Performance: Use faster USB device
- File System Errors: Check and repair file system
- Compatibility: Ensure proper file system format
Storage Reliability
Use high-quality USB storage devices for reliable recording. Low-quality devices may fail during important flights.
Backup Strategy
Regularly backup recordings to permanent storage. USB devices can fail or be lost.