ATAK

Full ATAK / Comms Deployment Plan

This field kit provides a complete communications and reconnaissance package for a small team operating in austere environments. Built around the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK), it combines mesh networking, voice comms, and both aerial and ground unmanned systems into a robust, field-deployable solution. The entire system prioritizes redundancy and repairability while remaining under $10,000 for a full squad with command center and unmanned assets.

The following documentation details the specific components, their integration, and the additional support equipment needed for sustained field operations.

Command Center

• ThinkPad T470 ($300-400 refurbished)
  • 32GB RAM upgrade (~$75)
  • 1TB SSD (~$60)
  • Extra batteries (~$50)
  • Protective case (~$30)
  • Total: ~$515-615

Squad Member Kit (~$350/person)

Core Equipment

Android Phone Options:

• Nokia G50 5G (~$150-170) OR
• Motorola Moto G Power 2023 (~$150) OR
• Samsung Galaxy A14 5G (~$150-180)

Mesh Communications:

• TTGO T-Beam Meshtastic device - $40
• Nagoya NA-771 Antenna - $20
• Anker 10k mAh battery - $30
• Molle Pouch - $15

Voice Comms Options

• Basic: Radioddity GM-30 GMRS Radio - $35
• Advanced: Radioddity GD-88 DMR Radio - $160

Additional Per-Person Items

• Rugged phone case + screen protector (~$20)
• Right angle SMA adapter ($5)
• Silicone T-Beam cover ($5)
• 2-3 short USB-C cables ($15)
• Spare T-Beam battery ($10)
• Second MOLLE pouch ($15)
• Admin pouch for cables/spares ($15)

Team Requirements

• Programming cables ($20)
• Spare antennas ($60)
• Extra battery banks ($90)

Total Cost Breakdown

• Command center: ~$600
• 3-person squad: ~$1,050
• Total deployment: ~$2,000

FPV Ground/Air Package

FPV Drones (2x)

• iFlight Nazgul5 V2 6S (~$289 each)
  • Digital FPV system compatible
  • Durable frame
  • Good flight time (~7 mins)
  • Can carry light payload
  • Easy to repair

RC Buggies (2x)

• WLtoys 124019 1/12 Scale (~$150 each)
  • Robust metal chassis
  • Good speed/durability ratio
  • Easy to modify for FPV
  • Readily available parts

FPV System

• DJI FPV Goggles V2 - $569
  • Best-in-class video quality
  • Good range
  • Can be shared between vehicles
  • Works with command center

Controller

• RadioMaster TX16S MKII - $189
  • Multi-protocol
  • Works with both drones and cars
  • Long range capability
  • Very reliable

Additional FPV Gear Needed

• TBS Crossfire Nano RX - $25 x 4 for vehicles
• DJI Air Unit - $229 x 4 for video
• Antennas ($20-30 per vehicle)
• Extra batteries ($40 per vehicle)

FPV Package Total

• Drones: $578
• Buggies: $300
• FPV System: $569
• Controller: $189
• Additional gear: ~$1,200
• FPV Total: ~$2,836

Storage/Transport

• Pelican 1650 Case - $280 for main gear
• Pelican 1520 - $190 for drones
• Kaizen foam inserts (~$50) for custom organization

Field Support Gear

Repair/Maintenance

• Multi-tool with pliers ($40)
• iFixit toolkit ($60) for electronics
• Zip ties (various sizes)
• Electrical tape
• Quick-set epoxy
• Spare screws kit
• Spare wires/connectors

Power Management

• Jackery 300 power station - $300 for field charging
• Power strip with surge protection
• 12V car adapters
• Extra charging cables (all types)

Weather Protection

• Small tarp or ground cover
• Silica gel packets
• Waterproof equipment covers
• Emergency ponchos (also good for covering gear)

Field Operations

• Small folding table (~$40)
• Camping chairs ($30 each)
• RTL-SDR Dongles ($25)
• Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 ($45) SDR antenna

Spares/Consumables

• Prop sets for drones (multiple)
• Wheels/pinions for buggies
• Extra antennas
• SD cards
• Battery straps
• Lots of spare batteries

Full Squad Communications & Reconnaissance Capabilities

Command Structure

• 1x Squad Leader with full command center setup
• 9x Squad members with complete mesh-enabled comms
• All members maintaining digital + voice communication links
• Multiple fallback communications methods

Network Coverage

• Complete mesh network coverage via 10 Meshtastic nodes
• Self-healing network topology
• Typical urban range 0.5-2 miles between nodes
• Extended range in rural/elevated positions (2-5+ miles)
• Voice comms backup via GMRS radios (or encrypted comms with upgrade radios)
• Digital position tracking for all members

Reconnaissance Assets

• 2x FPV drones providing aerial observation
• 2x Ground buggies for low-profile recon
• HD video feed capability
• Shared control system between air/ground assets
• Multiple operators can be trained/qualified

Deployment Patterns

Can effectively operate as:

• Full squad with central command
• 2-3 fireteams with distributed comms
• Split reconnaissance elements with dedicated operators
• Distributed observation posts maintaining mesh network

Field Sustainability

• 24+ hour operation without resupply
• Field charging capability
• Basic field repairs possible
• Weather resistant operation
• Multiple redundancies in all critical systems

Operational Capabilities

This setup enables the squad to:

• Maintain constant communication across distributed operations
• Provide real-time reconnaissance feedback
• Operate in degraded environments
• Sustain extended field operations
• Rapidly adapt to changing situations

Cost Summary

Component	Cost
Basic Comms Deployment	~$2,000
FPV Package	~$2,836
Storage/Cases	~$520
Field Support Gear	~$800
Total System Cost	~$6,156