How to use Steam Deck

In this section you will learn basic controls of Steam Deck and how to use them.

Turn on/off Steam Deck

To turn on the Steam Deck, press the Power Button ( 1 ), located on the top edge of the device. Wait until the GCS application appears on the display.

To turn off Steam Deck, push the Power Button ( 1 ). A small window with three options will appear. Select 'Power off' option by clicking on it on display, or by selecting it using mouse cursor (see Front control mapping).

Location of Power Button
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Make sure, that device has charged battery before use.

Log in

When you turn on the Steam Deck for the first time, the application will automatically start up without the need for you to log in.

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If you happen to log out and need to log back in, please use the following credentials:

Username: airvolute

Password: dronecore

Use of controls

Front control mapping

Controls scheme - front

Control functions are as following:

( 1 ) Keyboard button - Enables virtual keyboard. If you want to use this virtual keyboard you need to move mouse with the mouse touchpad (right touchpad by default) and click on any text field in the app.

( 2 ) Minimize GCS - Minimizes Ground Control application window. After pressing this button you are asked if you are sure you want to leave the app.

( 3 ) Customizable buttons - For drone control.

( 4 ) Flight controls joystick - Used to control roll/pitch (can be customized).

( 5 ) Flight controls joystick - Used to control throttle/yaw (can be customized).

( 6 ) Gimbal - Controls movement of Gimbal.

( 7 ) Zoom - To zoom in touch left side of the trackpad. To zoom out touch right side of the trackpad.

( 8 ) Mouse touchpad - Controls mouse in GCS.

( 9 ) Left click - Used as left mouse click.

Back control mapping

Controls scheme - back

Control functions are as following:

( 1 ) Reserved for drone control.

( 2 ) Reserved for drone control. Applies for both buttons

( 3 ) Fly view.

( 4 ) Hide screen components in the Plan view.

( 5 ) Application Settings - The Settings View is used to configure the settings for the QGroundControl application (rather than a specific vehicle). You do not have to have a vehicle connected to change these values.

( 6 ) Vehicle Setup - The Setup View is used to configure a new vehicle prior to first flight and/or tune a configured vehicle.

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Joystick Mapping - Additional customization is available in the Vehicle Setup, where buttons on a joystick can be mapped to specific Ardupilot functions for enhanced control and functionality within the Ground Control Station application. This feature allows for a personalized and efficient setup, catering to the unique needs of each vehicle and pilot.

Using virtual keyboard

Activating the virtual keyboard within the Ground Control Station is a simple process that varies depending on the device on which the GCS is running.

Steam Deck

To enable virtual keyboard, press Keyboard button.

To disable the virtual keyboard, press the button marked with an 'X' on the upper-right side of the Steam Deck.

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