Whats New

ACS Releases ADS-B TAK Server Injector — Free Real-Time Airspace Awareness for TAK

What’s New · Adeptus Cyber Solutions

ACS Releases Free ADS-B TAK Server Injector.

Live aircraft tracks injected as CoT messages directly into your TAK Server — civilian and military, from the airplanes.live ADS-B network. Free, open source, MIT licensed. Built by ACS in Rome, NY and shared with the TAK community.

The Release

Real-time air picture in your TAK environment — free and open source.

Adeptus Cyber Solutions is releasing the ADS-B TAK Server Injector — a free, open source plugin that pulls live ADS-B aircraft data from the airplanes.live network and injects it as Cursor on Target (CoT) messages directly into any TAK Server 5.x deployment.

Civilian and military aircraft tracks appear as CoT icons in ATAK, WinTAK, and iTAK within seconds of installation. No client configuration required. Set your coverage area in a single YAML file, restart TAK Server, and you have a live air picture.

Built by the ACS engineering team in Rome, NY — the same team that builds custom TAK integrations and data pipelines for DoD and government programs. We built this for our own work and saw no reason not to share it with the community.

Quick Facts

✓  MIT License — free forever
✓  TAK Server 5.4, 5.5, 5.6
✓  Pre-built self-extracting installer
✓  Up to 250nm coverage radius
✓  Civilian & military CoT types
✓  YAML config — no code required
✓  Data: airplanes.live API

View on GitHub →

Installation

Live air picture in four steps.

01

Download

Grab the installer for your TAK Server version from the GitHub Releases page.
02

Install

Copy to your TAK Server and run the self-extracting installer script. Under a minute.
03

Configure

Edit one YAML file. Set center coordinates, coverage radius, and polling interval.
04

Fly

Restart TAK Server. Aircraft appear as CoT icons in ATAK, WinTAK, and iTAK immediately.

Get It Now

Free. Open source. No strings.

MIT licensed and freely available on GitHub. Questions or custom TAK integrations? Contact the ACS team in Rome, NY.

Services , Whats New

TAK for Public Safety

TAK Ecosystem · Adeptus Cyber Solutions

TAK for Public Safety.

Bring the same situational awareness technology used by the DoD to your law enforcement, fire, or EMS agency. ACS offers qualified public safety organizations a free two-month TAK Server trial to get started.

Why TAK

The same real-time awareness the DoD depends on, built for public safety.

Improved Coordination

Real-time location and data sharing across agencies. Faster response, fewer communication gaps, and a shared common operating picture for every unit in the field.

Enhanced Security

Encrypted communications on a platform built for mission-critical operations. TAK was designed for environments where insecure comms are not an option.

Cost Savings

Less time troubleshooting comms failures. Less duplication of effort. Better resource allocation in the field. TAK pays for itself in reduced operational friction.

Scalability

From a 5-person unit to a multi-agency operation. TAK scales to match your deployment, whether you’re testing with a small team or running a county-wide response.

The Challenge

TAK is free. Standing it up correctly is not simple.

The TAK ecosystem is largely open-source, but deploying it properly requires expertise in server administration, PKI management, device enrollment, and security hardening. Most public safety agencies don’t have that combination of skills in-house.

When TAK goes down during a critical operation, the cost isn’t just IT time. ACS eliminates that risk by handling the technical side so your team can stay focused on the mission.

How ACS Helps

We handle deployment, configuration, certificate management, updates, and support. You get a production-ready TAK Server without the learning curve. And with our free two-month trial, qualified agencies can experience the full capability before committing.

What’s Included

✓  Free 2-month TAK Server trial
✓  Full deployment & configuration
✓  PKI / certificate management
✓  Ongoing support & updates
✓  Basic TAK training for your team
✓  Expert consultation throughout

Trial available to qualified law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies. Contact us to confirm eligibility.

Get Started

Request your free two-month TAK Server trial.

Fill out the form below and an ACS team member will reach out to confirm your eligibility and get your server up and running.

Name

Questions?

Talk to an ACS TAK expert.

Not sure if TAK is right for your agency, or want to talk through the trial before applying? We’re happy to answer questions.

Whats New

ALERT!! ATAK Plugin

ATAK Plugins · Adeptus Cyber Solutions

ALERT!! ATAK Plugin.

A configurable, mission-tailored enhancement to ATAK’s built-in alert system — developed in direct response to field user feedback. Send targeted alerts to specific groups with audible alarms and custom acknowledgment workflows.

ACS ATAK plugin development for DoD and government operators

The Problem

ATAK’s built-in alerts weren’t configurable enough for field operations.

While ATAK already has an alert capability, users in the field requested a more configurable solution — one that could target specific groups, trigger audible alarms, and persist until acknowledged. The default notification system didn’t meet the demand.

The ACS Solution

Adeptus Cyber Solutions collaborated closely with field users to develop ALERT!! — an advanced enhancement of ATAK’s existing alert system. By leveraging real-world feedback and operational insights, ALERT!! introduces greater customization, allowing users to tailor alerts to specific mission requirements and scenarios.

Built by the ACS engineering team in Rome, NY — the same team that develops ATAK plugins professionally for DoD and government programs.

Key Capabilities

✓  Send alerts to a select group — not everyone on the network
✓  Audible alarm on alert receipt
✓  Alarm continues until user interacts with EUD
✓  Configurable per mission requirements
✓  Enhances ATAK’s built-in alert system

Custom ATAK plugin development available. Contact ACS for a demo.

In Action

Send messages to a select group, not everyone on the network.

ALERT!! adds targeted group alerting with audible alarms and configurable acknowledgment to ATAK’s existing alert capability.

ALERT!! ATAK plugin showing targeted group alerting and audible alarm configuration

Get a Demo

Need enhanced alert capabilities for your TAK deployment?

Reach out to ACS for a demo of ALERT!! or to discuss custom ATAK plugin development for your organization.

ATAK Plugins , Whats New

openaddress ATAK Plugin

ATAK Plugins · Adeptus Cyber Solutions

openaddress ATAK Plugin.

Offline geocoding for ATAK — bring OpenAddresses.io address data directly into the field without network connectivity. Convert addresses to coordinates and back, seamlessly integrated into the standard ATAK coordinate entry display.

ACS ATAK plugin development for DoD and government operators

The Problem

Geocoding stops working the moment you lose network connectivity.

While ATAK excels as a moving map platform, its full capabilities depend on network connectivity. Without a network, critical functions like geocoding — converting addresses to coordinates or vice versa — are unavailable. In disconnected, intermittent, and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments, that gap is a real operational problem.

The ACS Solution

ACS developed the openaddress plugin to bring OpenAddresses.io data directly into ATAK. Users can access address data offline through the standard ATAK coordinate entry display — quick, seamless, and requiring no network connection in the field.

Developed by the ACS engineering team in Rome, NY, where our engineers build TAK integrations daily for DoD and government programs operating in exactly these environments.

Key Capabilities

✓  Fully offline geocoding in ATAK
✓  Integrates with Coordinate Entry panel
✓  Imports JSON data from OpenAddresses.io
✓  Address → coordinate conversion
✓  No client configuration required
✓  Works in DDIL environments

Need a custom offline data integration? Contact ACS.

In Action

Geocoding inside the ATAK Coordinate Entry panel — no network required.

The openaddress plugin adds a geocoder to ATAK accessible directly from the Coordinate Entry panel, giving operators address data wherever they operate.

Image showing the openaddress geocoder converting the location of point on the map to a physical address

Get a Demo

Ready to bring offline geocoding to your TAK deployment?

Contact ACS for a demo of the openaddress plugin or to discuss custom offline data integrations for your ATAK environment.

ACS ATAK Plugin Safety Plugin
ATAK Plugins , Products , Whats New

Public Safety ATAK Plugin

ATAK Plugins · Adeptus Cyber Solutions

Public Safety Plugin
for ATAK.

ATAK was built for the battlefield. The Public Safety Plugin reshapes it for law enforcement, fire, and EMS, adding the roles, teams, and unit capabilities your operators actually use.

The Problem

ATAK’s default roles and teams were designed for military units, not public safety operations.

ATAK delivers powerful situational awareness, but its built-in organizational structure reflects its military origins. Roles like “Team Member” and rigid team structures don’t translate to how law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies actually operate.

ACS engaged with a group of ATAK advocates in the public safety community to understand exactly where the gaps were. The result is the Public Safety Plugin, purpose-built to make ATAK work the way your agency works.

The ACS Solution

The plugin gives operators the ability to define custom roles, build named teams with identifying colors, and tag each EUD with its real-world capabilities. Every connected device becomes immediately identifiable: role, organization, and equipment at a glance.

Who Benefits

✓  Law Enforcement Agencies
✓  Fire Departments
✓  EMS & Paramedic Units
✓  SWAT & Tactical Teams
✓  Multi-Agency Operations
✓  Emergency Management

Default Roles Included

Team Lead, SWAT, Medic, K9, Fire Engine, Ladder, Rescue, Ambulance. All fully customizable to match your agency’s structure.

Need a custom public safety tool? Contact ACS.

Key Features

Three capabilities that change how public safety uses ATAK.

Built from direct feedback with public safety ATAK users. Use them individually or together.

01

Custom Roles

Define roles that match your agency. Ships with defaults like SWAT, Medic, K9, Fire Engine, and Ambulance. Every role is fully editable so the list fits your organization.

 User-definable roles in the Public Safety ATAK plugin
User-definable teams in the Public Safety ATAK plugin
02

Custom Teams

Name teams to reflect real agencies: “Myrtle Beach Fire” instead of “Blue Team.” Assign a color so personnel are visually identifiable at a glance, even in multi-agency operations.
03

Additional Capabilities

Tag each EUD with the capabilities it carries. A fire engine unit with Advanced Life Saving capability gets tagged accordingly, so when a medic needs ALS support in the field, they find the right unit fast.

 Extra capabilities feature in the Public Safety ATAK plugin

In Action

Role, organization, and capabilities visible from the TAK Server dashboard.

Without the plugin, connected devices show as generic “Team Members.” With it, every unit is immediately identifiable by role and agency.

GOTS TAK Server client dashboard showing role and team visibility from the Public Safety ATAK plugin

Get a Demo

Ready to put the Public Safety Plugin to work?

Contact ACS for a demo or to discuss a custom ATAK plugin tailored to your agency’s operations.

Whats New

Adeptus Cyber Solutions, LLC Announces Launch of Innovative ATAK Plugin Training Course

News · Adeptus Cyber Solutions

ACS Announces Launch of Innovative ATAK Plugin Training Course.

Myrtle Beach, SC — April 22, 2024

Adeptus Cyber Solutions, LLC is excited to unveil its latest offering, a cutting-edge ATAK Plugin Training Course designed to equip professionals with essential skills in Advanced Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) plugin development.

ATAK, a widely-used geospatial and situational awareness platform, is revolutionizing mission planning and execution for defense and emergency response teams. To maximize the potential of ATAK, Adeptus Cyber Solutions, LLC has developed a comprehensive 3-day training program focused on hands-on plugin development.

“Our ATAK Plugin Training Course is tailored for individuals and organizations seeking to leverage ATAK’s capabilities through custom plugins. Participants will receive immersive training in plugin development, enabling them to create specialized tools and functionalities within the ATAK environment.”

— Timothy Reed, Managing Director, Adeptus Cyber Solutions, LLC

Course Highlights

What Participants Can Expect

  • In-depth exploration of ATAK plugin architecture and development principles.
  • Practical exercises and real-world scenarios to reinforce learning.
  • Guidance from industry experts with extensive experience in ATAK development.
  • Access to resources and support for continued learning and development.

The ATAK Plugin Training Course is ideal for software developers, engineers, and professionals involved in defense, public safety, and emergency response sectors.

“We are excited to empower participants with the skills to extend ATAK’s capabilities and adapt it to specific operational needs,” added Mr. Reed.

About Adeptus Cyber Solutions, LLC

Adeptus Cyber Solutions, LLC is a leading provider of cybersecurity and technology solutions, specializing in software development, consulting, and training services for defense, government and civilian agencies.

Learn More

Ready to build ATAK plugins?

For more information and registration details, visit the ATAK Plugin Development Training Course page or contact ACS directly.

Whats New

GOTS TAK Server systemd start scripts

TAK Server · Adeptus Cyber Solutions

GOTS TAK Server systemd Start Scripts.

Sequential systemd startup scripts for GOTS TAK Server to reduce CPU overload and align with modern Linux service management standards.

Background

The Problem with Legacy TAK Server Startup

The latest release of the GOTS TAK Server, version 5.1, retains legacy init.d scripts. Starting from version 5.0, the startup scripts were modularized into individual services, which alleviates server overload during startup.

In earlier iterations of the GOTS TAK Server, the startup process relied on a monolithic script that initiated all services simultaneously. This approach posed challenges by overwhelming CPUs as multiple TAK Server services competed for processing resources. Our team developed these scripts to mitigate such issues, enabling deployment on smaller virtual machines and EC2 instances.

The Solution

Sequential systemd Scripts for TAK Server

Our newly introduced systemd scripts, accessible on GitHub, prioritize sequential service startup to reduce CPU load during initialization and align the scripts with current systemd standards. Extensive testing has been conducted on Amazon Linux 2023, CentOS 7, and RedHat 8 platforms to ensure compatibility and reliability.

Tested Platforms:

Amazon Linux 2023
CentOS 7
RedHat 8

Simplify deployment, enhance reliability, and optimize server performance. Explore how our innovative solutions empower efficient TAK Server administration for government, defense, and civilian sectors.

Need TAK Server Help?

ACS can assist with GOTS TAK Server installation and administration.

Contact us if you would like assistance with or if you need a GOTS TAK Server installation.

ATAK-CIV Logo
Whats New

ACS Unveils SK42 Plugin for ATAK

News · Adeptus Cyber Solutions

ACS Unveils SK42 Plugin for ATAK.

Myrtle Beach, SC — December 6, 2023

Myrtle Beach, SC — Adeptus Cyber Solutions, a leading innovator committed to pushing the boundaries of geospatial technology and cybersecurity, is proud to announce the launch of its latest Android Tactical Awareness Kit (ATAK) Plugin, SK42. This groundbreaking plugin is set to redefine location conversion capabilities for users within the military, humanitarian, and emergency response sectors in the Ukraine.

The plugin’s advanced features empower users to navigate and communicate more effectively in complex and dynamic environments. SK42 seamlessly integrates with the ATAK platform, preserving the user-friendly interface and accessibility that ATAK is renowned for.

For more information about SK42 visit our ATAK Plugin offerings at https://www.adeptuscybersolutions.com/atak-plugins/.

Read More from ACS

TAK Solutions & Cybersecurity Services

Learn more about Adeptus Cyber Solutions and how we can help with your TAK or cybersecurity needs.

Global SOF Foundation Logo
Whats New

A Powerful Alliance: ACS and Vertex Geospatial Join Forces at GSOF Europe to Showcase Advanced ATAK Capabilities

News · Adeptus Cyber Solutions

ACS and Vertex Geospatial at GSOF Europe.

ACS and Vertex Geospatial join forces at GSOF Europe to showcase advanced ATAK capabilities for Precision Technic Defence A/S. October 27, 2023.

In a dynamic display of collaboration and cutting-edge technology, Adeptus Cyber Solutions (ACS) and Vertex Geospatial joined forces to support Precision Technic Defense A/S at the prestigious GSOF Europe event. This strategic partnership showcased the prowess of our Android Tactical Awareness Kit (ATAK) capabilities, reaffirming our commitment to innovation, excellence, and delivering unparalleled solutions to the defense sector.

The Partnership

Empowering Precision Technic Defence A/S

Precision Technic Defence A/S, a leader in defense technology, sought a comprehensive solution to enhance their operational capabilities. ACS, renowned for its expertise in cybersecurity and ATAK solutions, partnered with Vertex Geospatial, a leading geospatial technology firm, to provide a holistic and integrated approach to meet Precision Technic Defence’s unique requirements.

The Event

GSOF Europe: A Platform for Innovation

GSOF Europe, a premier gathering of Special Operations Forces and defense professionals, provided the perfect stage to unveil our collaborative efforts. The event, known for fostering innovation and strategic partnerships, was an ideal setting to showcase the seamless integration of ACS’s cybersecurity expertise with Vertex Geospatial’s geospatial technologies.

Capabilities Demonstrated

Key Highlights of Our ATAK Capabilities

  • Unified Command and Control: Our integrated ATAK solution offered Precision Technic Defence Group a unified platform for command and control, streamlining communication, coordination, and decision-making processes.
  • Advanced Situational Awareness: Leveraging cutting-edge geospatial technologies, our solution enhanced situational awareness, providing real-time, accurate, and actionable intelligence to the warfighter.
  • Customized Solutions: ACS and Vertex Geospatial worked closely to tailor the ATAK capabilities to Precision Technic Defence Group’s customers’ specific needs, ensuring a solution that seamlessly integrates into their existing infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

The Power of Collaboration

The partnership between ACS and Vertex Geospatial exemplifies the strength of collaboration in the defense sector. By combining ACS’s cybersecurity prowess with Vertex Geospatial’s geospatial intelligence, we created a synergistic solution that not only met but exceeded the expectations of Precision Technic Defence Group and their customers.

The success at GSOF Europe is just the beginning. ACS and Vertex Geospatial remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, providing defense organizations with cutting-edge solutions that empower them to navigate the complexities of modern warfare.

Visit Vertex Geospatial  •  Visit Precision Technic Defense A/S

Read More from ACS

TAK Solutions & Consulting Services

Learn more about how ACS delivers TAK expertise and cybersecurity solutions for defense and government programs worldwide.