With Linux, Windows, and Android compatibility, ultra-long-range data links, and rugged design, the BeastTX is redefining all-in-one drone control solutions.
by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb
Dronelife recently visited German engineering firm Multiplex’s booth at INTERGEO, where they were displaying the latest edition of their Made-in-Germany ultra heavy-duty BeastTX controller. With the form factor of an oversized Nintendo Switch, the BeastTX is the ultimate all-in-one solution for drone operators, with the ability to run Linux, Windows, or Android onboard, giving it the capability to run a wide range of mapping and visualization software without the need for an attached laptop.
With a wide range of available data links, including (but by no means limited to) HM-TRP 433/868/915 MHz (standard), Microhard series, and XBee, the BeastTX is capable of a native range of up to 50km (over 30 miles) or even further via satellite connections, limited only by local regulations and imagination. The system includes an Intel® Pentium® N4200 Quad Core and 8GB of RAM, so while it might not be powerful for the most intensive on-board software, it’s more than enough for most mapping projects and can easily integrate additional functionality like VPNs for security. The buttons are all fully mappable and are compatible with open-source software for maximum control.
With up to 8 hours of battery life, the BeastTX has an easy to use, flexible form factor that can either be worn with a harness or mounted on a tripod (and with a fully aluminum construction, a harness or some other mounting solution is highly recommended- the device has some heft). It’s obvious the engineers have thought heavily about real-world use cases- the internals are fully gasketed to provide dust and water resistance, the charger attaches magnetically (solving the potentially heartbreaking problem of flinging it off a table by walking into an attached cable), and the 7-in 1200×800 pixel screen reaches up to 1275 nits of peak brightness, (while most high-end gaming monitors can only reach around 600).
According to the website, “The BeastTX has enough computing power for onboard processing of your datasets. You have different options from local processing to cloud uploading or processing in your company network. You are able to integrate it like a normal computer in your network. According to the rule „Privacy by nature“, the BeastTX has no more annoying connections than the standard Windows 10 or Android connections. But if you want more privacy, you can also use the pure Android without any Google services or a professional Linux distribution.”
More information on the BeastTX is available here.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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