Drone Base Transfer - Rsync Pull Service

Overview

This repository contains configuration and setup scripts used for automatic file transfer between Base Raspberry Pi and Drone Raspberry Pi using rsync and systemd service.

The purpose of this setup is to:

• Automatically pull files from Base Station
• Enable continuous synchronization
• Ensure service starts automatically on boot
• Provide reliable data transfer for drone operations

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Files Included

1. rsync-pull.service

Systemd service file responsible for:

• Running rsync transfer
• Pulling files from base station
• Running automatically at startup

2. setup script

This script installs and enables the rsync pull service.

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Installation Steps

Run the following commands on Drone Raspberry Pi:

sudo mv ~/Downloads/DroneBaseTransfer/rsync-pull.service /etc/systemd/system/rsync-pull.service

sudo systemctl daemon-reexec
sudo systemctl daemon-reload

sudo systemctl enable rsync-pull.service
sudo systemctl start rsync-pull.service

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What Each Command Does

Move Service File

sudo mv ~/Downloads/DroneBaseTransfer/rsync-pull.service /etc/systemd/system/rsync-pull.service

Moves the service file to systemd directory so Linux can recognize it.

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Reload Systemd

sudo systemctl daemon-reexec
sudo systemctl daemon-reload

These commands:

• Reload systemd configuration
• Register new service

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Enable Service

sudo systemctl enable rsync-pull.service

This ensures:

• Service starts automatically on boot

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Start Service

sudo systemctl start rsync-pull.service

Starts the rsync pull service immediately.

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Verify Service Status

To check if service is running:

sudo systemctl status rsync-pull.service

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Stop Service

sudo systemctl stop rsync-pull.service

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Disable Service

sudo systemctl disable rsync-pull.service

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Use Case

This setup is used in:

• GPS denied drone system
• Base to drone communication
• Automatic file sync
• Autonomous drone operations

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Requirements

• Raspberry Pi 4 / Raspberry Pi 5
• Linux OS (Ubuntu / Raspberry Pi OS)
• rsync installed
• SSH enabled

Install rsync if not available:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install rsync -y

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Architecture

Base Station → Drone Pi (files pushed / pulled automatically)

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Notes

• Ensure SSH access between Base and Drone
• Ensure IP address is configured correctly
• Make sure service file paths are correct

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Future Improvements

• Add retry mechanism
• Add logging
• Add watchdog monitoring
• Add health check

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License

MIT License

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