When conventional networks go down, or are simply not an option, teams operating in the field still need to coordinate. Akita MeshTAK is an open-source Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) plugin that addresses this by bridging ATAK with Meshtastic, the low-power, decentralised radio mesh networking platform.

The plugin is developed by Akita Engineering and published under the GNU General Public License v3.0 on GitHub.

What It Does

Akita MeshTAK integrates directly into the ATAK interface, allowing field operators to share location data via Cursor on Target (CoT) messages and send text messages across a Meshtastic mesh network, all without relying on cellular, Wi-Fi, or satellite connectivity.

Device connectivity is supported over three bearers: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Serial (USB), and optionally MQTT. If one bearer becomes unavailable, the plugin performs automatic failover to the next, while preserving any queued messages in the process.

Key Capabilities

Guaranteed Delivery Mailbox. Outgoing messages are queued and tracked through three states: Pending, In Flight, and Delivered. They are only marked complete when a receipt is returned from the peer device across the mesh.

Mission Assurance Dashboard. Before releasing field traffic, operators can check a dashboard that surfaces the current posture of encryption, provisioning, audit logging, and interoperability in one place.

Air-Gapped Provisioning. The provisioning workflow supports fully offline bundle generation and application. Once generated, the active secret can be staged to a connected device over a trusted local route. Transport keys are derived using PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 with a device and purpose salt.

Tactical Map Overlays. The plugin adds layers directly to the ATAK map, including route health, mission geofences, search sectors, and callouts for stale markers.

Mission Profiles. Operators can select from pre-configured profiles suited for Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Coast Guard, Military, or Private Security workflows.

No-Hardware Rehearsal Mode. A Mock Transport Mode allows the full workflow, including queued frames, peer acknowledgements, and provisioning events, to be rehearsed without a physical radio present.

Operational Themes. The UI supports Dark Ops, Light Ops, Night Red (strict monochrome), and Night Green (strict monochrome) display modes for different field environments.

Security Model

The project takes an explicit stance on security configuration. Deployment values such as BLE UUIDs, provisioning secrets, and MQTT credentials are injected at build time using environment variables via firmware/tools/load_build_config.py, rather than hardcoded in source files. Placeholder values intentionally fail production firmware builds unless a specific override flag is set or the CI rehearsal target is used.

The plugin also includes BLE and Serial command rate limiting to reduce exposure to command-flood attempts, along with audit log export and a security state reload action.

Build Requirements

The project is primarily written in Java (81.5%), with C++ (13.2%), C (3.4%), and Python (1.9%) making up the remainder. Android builds require Java 17 or 21. Java 26 is noted as unreliable with the current Gradle and Android Gradle Plugin combination at the time of writing.

Documentation

The repository includes a documentation directory with a Technical Manual, Operator’s Manual, System Specification, Security Guide, Developer Guide, and an OpenTAKServer compatibility reference. A static HTML file (documentation/ui_preview.html) provides a no-hardware visual preview of the toolbar and dashboard.

Who It’s For

The plugin targets law enforcement tactical teams, military dismounted units, search and rescue teams, first responders, and security personnel who need reliable coordination in environments where standard communications infrastructure is absent or compromised.

The project is available at github.com/AkitaEngineering/Akita-MeshTAK under the GPL-3.0 licence.

The post Akita MeshTAK: An ATAK Plugin for Off-Grid Mesh Communication appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

In the world of amateur radio, situational awareness and efficient communication are paramount. Enter FreeTAKServer (FTS), an open-source implementation of a Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) server, designed to facilitate real-time data sharing and coordination among teams. Originally developed for military applications, FTS has found its way into civilian use, including amateur radio operations.

This guide will walk you through installing FreeTAKServer using Docker, a containerization platform that simplifies deployment and management of applications.

Official docs: FreeTAKServer Docker Setup

What You’ll Need

• A Linux server (preferred — Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.)
• Docker or Podman installed

Step 1: Choose Your Container Runtime

FreeTAKServer works with both Docker and Podman.

Check what’s installed:

docker --version
podman --version

Important: Pick one and stick with it for the whole setup.

Step 2: Create a Folder

Make a folder to keep everything organized:

mkdir ~/freetakserver
cd ~/freetakserver

Step 3: Get the Compose File

FreeTAKServer provides a pre-made file to launch everything easily.

Download it:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/FreeTAKTeam/FreeTAKHub-Installation/refs/heads/main/containers/example-compose.yaml -O compose.yaml

Open it in your text editor:

nano compose.yaml

Look for a line like this:

FTS_IP: YOUR EXTERNAL URL HERE

Replace it with your server’s external IP address or domain name. Example:

FTS_IP: 123.45.67.89

Save and close.

Step 4: Start the Server

Now run the services in the background:

With Docker:

docker compose -f compose.yaml up -d

With Podman:

podman-compose -f compose.yaml up -d

Step 5: Check the Logs

Want to see if it’s working?

docker logs freetakserver
docker logs freetakserver-ui

Or with Podman:

podman logs freetakserver
podman logs freetakserver-ui

Step 6: Stop the Server

When you’re done or want to update:

docker compose -f compose.yaml down

Or:

podman-compose -f compose.yaml down

Where’s My Data Stored?

All your important FreeTAKServer data lives inside a Docker volume.

To find where it’s stored:

docker inspect freetakserver_free-tak-core-db

Look for the Mountpoint — that’s the full path to your data.

Example: /var/lib/docker/volumes/freetakserver_free-tak-core-db/_data

Ports to Know

The server uses default FreeTAKServer ports, but you can customize them with environment variables in the compose.yaml if needed.

Extra Settings (Optional)

Here are some useful environment variables:

Summary

• Simple Docker-based install
• Works on Linux with Docker or Podman
• Data is stored persistently using volumes
• UI and API included

Need Help?

Check the official FreeTAKServer Docker guide here:
https://freetakteam.github.io/FreeTAKServer-User-Docs/Installation/mechanism/Docker/overview/

The post How to Install FreeTAKServer Using Docker appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

If you’ve ever worked with APRS, you know it’s a powerful system for tracking stations and sending small packets of info over ham radio. But what if you could take that same data and display it in a modern tactical environment like ATAK or WinTAK? That’s exactly what APRSCOT does—and it does it well.

So, What is APRSCOT?

APRSCOT stands for APRS to Cursor-on-Target. It’s a lightweight Python-based gateway that takes APRS packets—either from the air via a receiver or from APRS-IS—and converts them into Cursor-on-Target messages. Those CoT messages can then be sent to ATAK, WinTAK, or any TAK-compatible system.

In simple terms: your APRS station now shows up on a tactical map with all the other players, in real-time.

Why This is a Big Deal

For years, APRS and TAK existed in separate worlds—ham radio on one side, military and disaster-response tools on the other. APRSCOT changes that. It makes APRS data useful for teams that rely on modern digital situational awareness.

That includes:

• Search and rescue groups
• Emergency communication teams
• Amateur radio operators involved in field exercises
• Off-grid explorers using TAK for navigation

APRSCOT gives those teams the ability to see where everyone is without complicated setups or expensive gear.

How It Works

APRSCOT listens for APRS data—either from a live radio feed or the APRS-IS network—and then uses custom mappings to decide how each station appears on the TAK map. You can configure things like:

• What CoT icon each callsign uses
• Which stations are filtered in or out
• How long each station stays on the map before it’s considered stale
• Whether updates are sent over TCP, UDP, or multicast

You can even run it headless as a background daemon. It’s made for real deployments, not just tinkering.

Who Should Use It?

• Field operators running both radio and TAK
• Amateur radio clubs coordinating public events
• Tactical comms teams bridging analog and digital tools
• Anyone who wants APRS and TAK to finally speak the same language

APRSCOT isn’t a toy. It’s built for actual use in the field. It gives your radio-based tracking system modern map support, without needing to rip and replace your entire setup.

Getting Started

You can install APRSCOT on any decent Linux system using pip or a Debian package. The config is in plain text and easy to customize. Once it’s running, just point your TAK client to the IP and port where APRSCOT is broadcasting, and you’re live.

No cloud, no proprietary BS, and no unnecessary bloat. Just a clean bridge between APRS and TAK that works.

Final Thoughts

APRSCOT does one thing and does it right: it puts APRS on the map—literally. Whether you’re tracking volunteers in a disaster zone, coordinating a community event, or experimenting with TAK as a ham radio operator, APRSCOT gives you a way to bring those worlds together.

Visit https://aprscot.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

The post APRSCOT: Bringing APRS into the Tactical World appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

In a world where tactical tools often come with steep price tags and proprietary restrictions, it’s refreshing—almost rare—to come across something that’s truly free. Not just in terms of cost, but free of limitations, licenses, and lock-ins.

Enter REDQUEEN—a digital voice assistant built specifically for ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit), now available for download on TAK.gov. No fees. No cables. No hardware boxes. No nonsense.

What is REDQUEEN?

REDQUEEN is a mission-ready voice assistant plugin for ATAK, designed to bring true hands-free functionality to the edge. Developed as open Government-Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) software, it runs directly on your smartphone or End User Device (EUD), meaning it doesn’t rely on connectivity or external gear to function.

Think of it as your personal digital operator—quietly listening, ready to act, and always within reach.

Key Features at a Glance

• Voice Biometric Authentication: Secure access using your voice signature.
• Local Processing: No internet? No problem. REDQUEEN runs entirely on-device.
• PTT Integration: Seamlessly works with your existing Push-to-Talk and headset setup.
• UI and Plugin Control: Navigate ATAK and trigger plugin actions by voice.

Capabilities That Matter

REDQUEEN isn’t just about talking to your device—it’s about doing things smarter:

• Drop points, calculate ranges, and check bearings
• Perform on-the-fly math and unit conversions
• Set mission timers and alarms
• Navigate through ATAK’s UI without lifting a finger
• Get notified about geofence events, friendlies, and hostiles
• Use tools like Bloodhound or integrated note-taking—all by voice

Whether you’re dismounted or operating in a complex environment, REDQUEEN reduces distractions and increases focus by letting you stay heads-up and hands-free.

What’s New in REDQUEEN 2.0.1?

The latest release brings even more polish and capability:

• New Beta TTS Engine: A more natural-sounding Text-to-Speech system.
• Voice Streaming Optimization: Improved voice recognition responsiveness.
• PTT Mode Battery Optimization: Saves precious battery life during extended ops.

Plus, UI updates and new toggles give users more control over broadcast behavior and volume detection.

Final Thoughts

With REDQUEEN, you’re not just getting a plugin—you’re unlocking a new way of working in the field. It’s fast, secure, completely local, and ready to deploy without any added cost. It enhances ATAK by reducing cognitive load and giving you the tools to stay in command.

The post REDQUEEN for ATAK – A Smarter Way to Operate, Now Completely Free appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Before diving into TAKOS-CIV, it’s essential to understand the core technology it leverages: the Team Awareness Kit (TAK). Originally known as the Android Tactical Assault Kit, or ATAK, this powerful software suite was developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. While its roots are in military operations, ATAK has evolved significantly and is now widely adopted across a diverse range of civilian and professional applications.

What is ATAK?

At its heart, ATAK is a smartphone geospatial infrastructure and situational awareness application. It enables seamless, real-time collaboration and information sharing over geographical areas. Think of it as a dynamic, interactive map on your mobile device that constantly updates with critical data from your team members and integrated sensors.

Key aspects of ATAK include:

• Geospatial Visualization: Users can view and share maps, locations, markers, sensor data, and other critical information on a digital interface. This provides a unified operational picture for all team members.
• Real-time Collaboration: It allows for precision targeting, intelligence on surrounding terrain, navigation, and data sharing through chat, file sharing, photo sharing, and video streaming. This moves beyond traditional radio communications by providing visual and immediate updates.
• Adaptability and Extensibility: ATAK has a plugin architecture, allowing developers to add functionality and customize it for specific missions, such as direct action, law enforcement, disaster response, and off-grid communications.
• Diverse Applications: While initially designed for combat zones, ATAK has been adapted for use by local, state, and federal agencies, including law enforcement, emergency management, search and rescue, wildland firefighting, and even event security.

There are different versions of TAK, including:

• ATAK-CIV: A civilian-focused version, often used by first responders, licensed commercial developers, and non-profits.
• WinTAK: A version for Microsoft Windows operating systems, offering similar functionalities on a desktop platform.
• iTAK: An application for iOS devices (iPhones and iPads).

The strength of ATAK lies in its ability to connect various devices – from smartphones and tablets to drones and specialized sensors – providing all users with up-to-the-second situational awareness, which is critical in high-stress, dynamic environments.

TAKOS-CIV: Elevate Your Team’s Awareness with a Ready-to-Deploy TAK Server

Now that you understand the power of ATAK, let’s explore TAKOS-CIV – a ready-to-deploy TAK Server solution specifically designed to bring this advanced capability to civilians, commercial entities, NGOs, search and rescue teams, and non-profits.

What is TAKOS-CIV?

TAKOS-CIV offers a convenient, monthly subscription-based service that takes the complexity out of deploying and managing a TAK server. It’s built to be scalable, ensuring quick field deployment whenever and wherever you need it. Forget the headaches of setting up and maintaining your own infrastructure; TAKOS-CIV provides a robust, privately hosted solution that empowers your team with enhanced communication and situational awareness.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Private TAK Server & Subdomain: Get your own dedicated TAK server and a custom subdomain for seamless team integration.
• Universal Device Compatibility: Whether your team uses Androids, iPhones, or Windows devices, TAKOS-CIV ensures broad compatibility, allowing everyone to connect effortlessly.
• Drone Support & Video Integration: Directly connect your drones to the server, streaming real-time UAS video and telemetry to your entire team. Plus, enjoy 2TB of storage for video feeds and playback, providing invaluable post-mission analysis.
• Encrypted Communications: All team communications are encrypted, ensuring secure and private exchanges.
• Mission and Map Storage: Keep all your critical mission data and maps centrally stored and accessible.
• VPN Support: Enhance security and connectivity with integrated VPN support.
• Pre-programmed End-User Devices (EUDs): For ultimate convenience, you can order pre-programmed EUDs, ready to go right out of the box.
• Premium Support Plan: For organizations that require expert assistance, a premium support plan offers dedicated help with device provisioning and setup, ensuring you get the most out of your TAKOS-CIV server.

Why Choose TAKOS-CIV?

When compared to other solutions, TAKOS-CIV stands out with its comprehensive offerings and dedicated support. You benefit from unlimited users and devices, robust video streaming capabilities, seamless drone integration, and extensive mission and map storage.

Real-World Success Stories:

Don’t just take our word for it. TAKOS-CIV has garnered praise from professionals across various fields, including law enforcement, defense contracting, and search and rescue. Users consistently highlight its reliability, ease of use, and affordability as key factors in their operational success.

Get Started Today!

If you’re looking to enhance your team’s situational awareness, streamline communications, and improve operational efficiency, TAKOS-CIV provides a powerful and accessible solution. Visit their website to learn more and subscribe to a plan that fits your needs.

Learn more about TAKOS-CIV

The post TAKOS-CIV: Elevate Your Team’s Awareness with a Ready-to-Deploy TAK Server appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Enhanced Performance, Compact Design

The goTenna Pro X2 is engineered for peak performance without compromising on portability. As the lightest option in its class at just 100 grams, it is significantly more compact than standard radio devices, making it the ideal solution for teams on the move. Despite its small size, the Pro X2 delivers unmatched long-range capabilities, with testing confirming it can reach over 100 miles in point-to-point communication when using an aerial relay. This makes it a perfect fit for both military and civilian operations that require reliable, long-distance connectivity.

Powerful, Secure Communication

One of the standout features of the goTenna Pro X2 is its robust security. With AES 256-bit encryption and full integration with the goTenna-ATAK plugin, users can send secure messages, share real-time locations, and coordinate mission-critical activities with peace of mind. Whether your team is in a remote area, conducting reconnaissance, or managing field operations, the Pro X2 ensures that sensitive data remains protected at all times.

Seamless Integration with ATAK and Custom Applications

The goTenna Pro X2 is fully compatible with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK), an advanced situational awareness tool used by government agencies and military forces. With the goTenna-ATAK plugin, users can directly share locations, messages, and more, even when off-grid. This integration makes the Pro X2 an invaluable tool for teams relying on ATAK’s rich functionality for mission planning, navigation, and real-time updates.

Moreover, the goTenna Pro X2 isn’t just limited to ATAK; it is also fully compatible with the goTenna Pro App for iOS and Android, providing additional mapping and messaging capabilities to enhance situational awareness in off-grid environments. For even greater flexibility, goTenna offers a developer toolkit, allowing teams to integrate the Pro X2 into custom applications and extend its functionalities to meet specific mission needs.

Long-Lasting Power for Extended Operations

When it comes to tactical operations, the ability to stay connected for long durations is essential. The goTenna Pro X2 is built to last, offering up to 9 hours of continuous operation on a single charge – enough for most standard missions. For extended operations, advanced power management options are available, including solar relays and device tethering, ensuring that your communication network remains online, no matter the length or location of your operation.

Rapid Deployment in Challenging Environments

In the field, time is of the essence. The goTenna Pro X2 is designed for rapid deployment, enabling teams to set up a fully off-grid mesh network in minutes. Whether you’re on the ground, in the air, or navigating difficult terrain, you can count on the Pro X2 to deliver reliable communication in the most challenging environments.

Rugged and Ready for Anything

Built to meet MIL-STD-810 standards, the goTenna Pro X2 is ruggedized to withstand the toughest conditions. From extreme temperatures to humidity and shock resistance, the Pro X2 is engineered to perform under pressure. This durability ensures that your team’s communication network remains intact, no matter where the mission takes you.

Scalability for Growing Teams

The goTenna Pro X2 can scale to meet the needs of any mission. Tested to work with more than 60 nodes in a single network, it ensures that large teams can stay connected across vast areas. Whether you’re working in a small squad or coordinating large-scale operations, the Pro X2 provides the scalability you need to maintain reliable communication.

Trusted by Leading Organizations

The goTenna Pro X2 is already trusted by a number of high-profile organizations, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, AFWERX, the National Science Foundation, and the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron. These agencies rely on the Pro X2’s powerful mesh networking capabilities to extend communication in remote areas and ensure mission success.

Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Tactical Communication

The goTenna Pro X2 is revolutionizing the way tactical teams communicate. Its lightweight design, long-range capabilities, secure messaging, and seamless integration with ATAK and custom applications make it the ideal solution for both military and civilian operations. Whether you’re conducting reconnaissance, managing field operations, or coordinating large-scale deployments, the Pro X2 ensures you remain connected when it matters most.

With its rugged build, rapid deployability, and long-lasting power, the goTenna Pro X2 is built to withstand the toughest conditions while providing secure, reliable communication in any environment. Experience the future of tactical communication and take your operations to the next level with the goTenna Pro X2.

For more info, visit https://gotenna.com/

The post Unlocking Tactical Communication with goTenna Pro X2: The Ultimate Mesh Networking Device for Mission-Critical Operations appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.