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Use these options when the flight controller should keep flying the aircraft but cannot run AlphaRelay Operator, or when you want the controller’s video without recording its screen.
  • Controller Livestream: Use the controller’s built-in livestream setting. DJI calls it Custom RTMP. Skydio calls it RTSP External Server. AlphaRelay shows the exact values to enter. Internet is required.
  • Laptop HDMI Capture: Connect the controller’s HDMI port to a laptop through a standard USB HDMI capture card. Start the mission from the web app; no phone or tablet app is required. Recording can continue during a short internet interruption.
  • Operator HDMI Capture: Connect the same type of capture card to a compatible Android device or USB-C iPad. Operator records the video and can continue recording without internet. iPhone does not support this USB video input.
In every workflow, fly from the controller’s usual flight application. AlphaRelay does not take aircraft control.

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Controller Livestream

Controller Livestream creates a private destination for one active mission. AlphaRelay shows fields for DJI Custom RTMP and, when available, Skydio RTSP External Server. Some DJI screens use one RTMP URL field; others use separate Server URL and Stream key fields.
RTMP and RTSP are simply the names DJI and Skydio use for their livestream settings. You only need to copy the values AlphaRelay displays into the matching controller fields.

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Requirements

  • A licensed Android, iPhone, or iPad running AlphaRelay Operator, or an authorized signed-in browser session with the Mission operator designation
  • Validated internet on the setup device and streaming controller
  • A DJI controller or flight application that accepts custom RTMP, or a Skydio controller with RTSP External Server
  • A separate flight controller; the setup device does not open or control its flight app

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Start from Operator

  1. Open AlphaRelay Operator and select Controller Livestream as the video source.
  2. Select the operator and scenario, name the mission, and review the AI targets, people-alert setting, Controller audio in stream & recording, and Voice event logging.
  3. Tap Create Controller Livestream on Android or Set Up Controller Livestream on iPhone or iPad.
  4. Open the separate controller’s livestream settings.
  5. For DJI, use RTMP URL — one-field screens, or enter Server URL — two-field screens and Stream key — two-field screens separately. For Skydio, open Global Settings → Sharing → RTSP, choose the external-server option, then enter AlphaRelay’s Server address, Port, and Stream name.
  6. Start streaming from the controller.
  7. Tap View Live Mission on Android or View live mission on iPhone or iPad and wait for video. Mission Overwatch can open the same active mission.
If video disconnects, restart livestreaming on the controller with the same values while the mission is still active. Reopen Show Livestream Setup to see them again. DJI and Skydio each use their own six-digit mission code; copy the code shown for that brand.

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Start from Command Center

  1. In the active-missions panel, click New Livestream. This action appears only while you are online and designated as a mission operator.
  2. Enter the mission name, choose a scenario, and optionally add one visible AI detection per line.
  3. Click Create mission & set up livestream.
  4. In the main live-video area, copy the displayed values into DJI Custom RTMP or Skydio RTSP External Server, then start livestreaming on the controller.
  5. Wait for the live feed. The setup panel closes when playback begins; open Mission sidebar → Livestream to show it again, or click Refresh setup for fresh details.
Opening AI detection settings closes the livestream setup panel so the two feed overlays do not cover each other.
Treat the displayed livestream address and six-digit code like a password. Enter them only on the intended controller. Do not place them in reports, screenshots, or public messages.
When the mission permits online Live AI, AlphaRelay can continue those online checks even if the setup phone leaves the viewer screen. If the mission uses on-device checks instead, keep Operator or its Mission Viewer open on the checking device. A viewing phone or tablet can show alerts and save events with a screenshot; live questions depend on the agency’s AI settings. Use the active Operator or Mission Viewer settings to change Controller audio and Voice event logging for the mission. Controller audio affects the live stream and new recording segments. Voice event logging listens for Relay followed by the event and transcribes only the triggered utterance. A viewing Android device can use its own microphone for this even when the incoming controller stream has no audio track. When field work is complete, stop the controller’s livestream first. Then close the mission in Mission Overwatch or Operator. AlphaRelay finishes the received recording and adds it to the mission record.

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Laptop HDMI Capture

Use this physical path:
  1. In Mission Dashboard, click New HDMI mission.
  2. Name the mission, optionally select a scenario, and click Create mission & set up HDMI.
  3. In Mission Overwatch, open Mission sidebar → HDMI Input.
  4. Grant browser camera permission and select the capture card.
  5. Click Connect & go live. AlphaRelay starts the recoverable local evidence recording and remote live together.
  6. Confirm the same full frame appears in the preview and supplies Live AI and event screenshots.
  7. Keep the Mission Overwatch tab open. Before ending the mission, click Stop & upload and wait for the recording to be secured.
Laptop HDMI is video-only. AlphaRelay saves the recording in a standard browser-supported video format. If the tab or browser closes unexpectedly, reopen the same mission and use Recover interrupted recording. Do not clear browser data first. A laptop’s own HDMI port normally sends video out; it does not receive controller video. You need a physical USB HDMI capture card.

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Operator HDMI Capture

Use one of these paths:
  • Controller HDMI out → USB HDMI capture card → compatible Android device
  • Controller HDMI out → USB HDMI capture card → USB-C iPad
A powered USB hub may be necessary when the card draws more power than the device can provide.

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Android

  1. Connect the powered controller, card, and Android device before mission setup.
  2. Open Operator, select the operator and scenario, and review the mission settings.
  3. Select HDMI Capture Card. Operator may select it automatically when it detects the USB video card.
  4. Tap Start Mission and grant the Android camera and USB-device prompts.
  5. Confirm the preview changes from Waiting for signal to Capturing before flight.

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USB-C iPad

  1. Connect the powered controller and USB HDMI capture card to the iPad.
  2. In mission setup, choose HDMI Capture Card and tap Start HDMI Capture Mission.
  3. Grant camera permission and confirm the full-picture preview before flight.
  4. If the card disconnects, reconnect it and tap Connect or retry HDMI input. AlphaRelay saves the earlier section and begins a new one.
Operator HDMI follows the normal recording, remote viewing, Device Live AI, event screenshot, upload, review, and evidence workflow. It is video-only. Voice events use the Android device or iPad microphone; AlphaRelay does not record audio carried through the capture card.

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Before operational use

Test the exact controller, capture card, cable or hub, receiving device, and browser during training. Confirm a stable full-width picture, a usable recording, and recovery after unplugging and reconnecting once. For Controller Livestream, confirm that the DJI or Skydio controller can reconnect with the same displayed values. → Start a mission · Use Operator on iPhone or iPad · Watch in Mission Overwatch · Upload footage · Troubleshooting

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Confirm AI and playback separately

A moving video confirms the connection. Check the AI status separately. For missions using on-device AI, keep Operator or its Mission Viewer open to receive pictures for those checks. Online checks run only when the agency and mission settings allow them. See Live AI alerts.