GC-R8 Ground
Control Station
What sets it apart is the unmatched customization—from fully adjustable button layouts to a choice of different joystick options and personalized control schemes, you can tailor every aspect of your setup to suit your operation experience. Designed with flexible connectivity options, it empowers professionals with the reliability and precision they need, making it ideal for unmanned vehicle, drone, and robotic operations across defense, industrial, and field environments.
MILITARY-GRADE RUGGEDNESS
Engineered with military-grade toughness, the GC-R8 ground controller integrates seamlessly with the R8 rugged tablet, ensuring peak performance in the harshest conditions. Whether you’re navigating through intense heat, rain, or dust, the controller is built to withstand the elements, making it the perfect companion for remote and harsh environments.
It features a rugged, fanless design with IP66 and MIL-STD-810H certifications, capable of operating reliably in extreme weather, shock, vibration, and temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F).
VERSATILE CONTROL CUSTOMIZATION
One of the GC-R8 controller’s standout attributes is its versatility in control customization. The system supports up to 36 configurable I/O channels, allowing integration of hall effect joysticks, direction pad, toggle switches, push buttons with flip-guard safety covers, and thumb wheels for functions such as fine-tuned flight path trimming or camera zoom. This level of configurability ensures the controller can be tailored to meet the exact demands of various unmanned or autonomous vehicle platforms.
NEXT-LEVEL CONNECTIVITY
Communication is seamless and robust, thanks to integrated support for both wired and wireless data transmission. The controller includes M12 military-grade LAN and USB ports, as well as optional embedded modules for Wi-Fi 5, 4G/LTE, 5G, while Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity is offered as a reserved feature. Its wideband antenna system supports frequencies from 600 MHz to 7125 MHz, ensuring compatibility with both commercial and proprietary radio modules for uninterrupted data transmission.
OUTDOOR-READY DESIGN & ERGONOMICS
To ensure optimal operability in demanding outdoor environments, the embedded R8 tablet features an 8-inch HD DynaVue® display delivering up to 800 nits of brightness for clear, sunlight-readable visibility. Four selectable touch modes—supporting glove, wet conditions, bare finger, and stylus input—enhance adaptability across varying field conditions, while its lightweight, ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended field use. Powered by R8’s high-efficiency battery, the controller supports long operational hours, allowing operation without frequent recharges.
FIELD-READY ACCESSORIES & MOUNTING
Complementing its technical features, the GC-R8 also supports field-friendly mounting and accessories. It comes equipped with VESA mount points (75/100 mm), a stylus and holder, and optional four-point and two-point shoulder straps for comfort and portability. Whether deployed on land, in the air, or at sea, the Durabook GC-R8 ground controller delivers uncompromising control and reliability in a single, ruggedized platform.
GC-R8 ANATOMY
Specifications
DURABILITY
- MIL-STD-810H certified
- IP 66 certified
- 6′ drop 26 faces (R8 Tablet)
- Sunlight readable display (R8 Tablet)
TECH SPECS
- STM32L Series
- RJ-45 10/100/1000 (M12 Mil-Connector) x 1
- USB 2.0 (M12 Mil-Connector) x 1
- DC-IN (M12 Mil-Connector) x 1
- Optional 2x Antenna Ports (WLAN)
- Optional 2x Antenna Ports (WWAN)
- Hall Effect Joystick x 1 or optional Direction-Pad x 1
- Push Button with Flip-Guard Cover x 1
- Push Button x 2
- Push Button (rear side) x 1
- Optional Toggle Switch (with Guard Walls) x 3 (ON-OFF-ON switch with optional lock design)
- Optional Thumb Wheel (rear side) x 1
- Hall Effect Joystick x 1
- Push Button with Flip-Guard Cover x 1
- Push Button x 2
- Push Button (rear side) x 1
- Optional Toggle Switch (with Guard Walls) x 3 (ON-OFF-ON switch with optional lock design)
- Optional Thumb Wheel (rear side) x 1
- VESA 75/100 standard mounting hole pattern
75mm x 75mm & 100mm x 100mm
(2.95” x 2.95” & 3.94” x 3.94) - Stylus Holder mounting holes
- 19V (DC) – powered by R8 Tablet
(Fits also R8 Tablet with hi-cap battery)
- Temperature
Operating: -20°C ~ 60°C/ -4°F ~ 140°F
Storage: -51°C ~ 71°C / -60°F ~ 160°F - Humidity: 5% ~ 95%
WEIGHT
- 365 mm (L) x 180 mm (W) x 69.9 mm (H)
14.37” (W) x 7.09” (D) x 2.75” (H) - < 1.2 kg / < 2.65 lbs.
Dimension and weight may vary depending on configuration.
Accessories
No matter where you are—on the move, or out in the field—our accessories ensures that you can work efficiently, enhancing your drone control experience wherever your mission takes you.
2-Point Shoulder Strap
4-Point Shoulder Strap
D-Ring Screws (4x)
Pen/Stylus Holder
Stylus with Tether
BUILT FOR THE REAL WORLD
