TAK Cloud FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions relating to our TAK Hosting options.
Getting Started and Service Overview
How do you keep the costs of the Basic tier so low?
We keep costs low by standardizing server administrative tasks for all customers using a dedicated management tool for bulk user management. Additionally, we limit the number of administrative changes (e.g., adding users or federations) allowed each week to streamline operations.
Why do you offer this service?
TAK is a powerful tool that enhances team efficiency, effectiveness, and situational awareness while saving lives, time, and money across a wide range of use cases worldwide. Our goal is to make TAK accessible by handling the complexity of managing a secure and reliable TAK server environment for you. We aim to provide unparalleled communication and situational awareness to ensure your mission’s success.
Do you accept tax-exempt purchases?
Yes. After your purchase, email your tax-exempt certificate to us. We’ll
adjust the price and receipt before processing payment.
What happens after I purchase a subscription?
To ensure compliance with all laws and regulations related to hosting TAK services, we conduct a Restricted Party Screening (RPS) for each new customer. This process validates the organization and the point of contact against U.S. restricted party lists. Only the purchaser and the organization undergo RPS; individual account holders do not.
To avoid false positives, we require the name of the company or organization associated with the accounts. You can provide this at checkout, or we’ll follow up by email. Once RPS clears, we’ll contact you to provision your accounts.
Account and Device Management
How are accounts set up?
We recommend assigning accounts to individuals for better management, but we can also create generic accounts for cases where the account will be associated with a device rather than a person. During setup, you can choose whether account information (e.g., login credentials, QR codes) is sent directly to the users with one-click onboarding instructions or sent to the requester to distribute manually. Usernames and passwords will be assigned as part of the process.
What information is needed for account creation?
For each account, we will need the following details:
- First name
- Last name
- Organization affiliation (optional)
- Email address
- Group/channel association
Can I use the same account on multiple TAK devices?
Yes, but accounts cannot be used concurrently on multiple devices. If you log in with the same credentials on more than one device at the same time, you’ll will receive an email notification. If simultaneous logins persist for an extended period, we will revoke the older session, requiring the affected device to log in again before reconnecting to the TAK server.
What should I do if a device is lost, stolen, or damaged?
You must contact us immediately so we can revoke access for the affected device and issue a new password. Since we do not monitor the operational status of your devices, it is critical that you notify us promptly to ensure your data remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized users.
Connecting to the TAK Servers
How do I connect to the TAK Server using ATAK?
You can connect to the TAK Server using one of the following methods:
Option 1: Click to Open ATAK and Auto Enroll
- Open the onboarding email on your ATAK device.
- Click the “Enroll” button in the email to automatically open ATAK and start the enrollment process (ATAK must already be installed on the device).
Note: The enrollment link is valid for one-time use only.
Option 2: Scan QR Code
- Install ATAK (e.g., via the Play Store) on the device you wish to enroll.
- Open ATAK.
- Tap the three bars (menu) button in the top right.
- Scroll down and tap on Settings.
- Select Network Preferences.
- Select TAK Servers.
- Tap on the three dots icon in the top right and select Quick Connect.
- Enter the account information provided in your enrollment email.
- Tap OK and wait for the enrollment process to complete (approximately 10-30 seconds).
Option 3: Manual Entry
- Install ATAK (e.g., via the Play Store) on the device you wish to enroll.
- Open ATAK.
- Tap the three bars (menu) button in the top right.
- Scroll down and tap on Settings.
- Select Network Preferences.
- Select TAK Servers.
- Tap on the three dots icon in the top right and select Quick Connect.
- Enter the account information provided in your enrollment email.
- Tap OK and wait for the enrollment process to complete (approximately 10-30 seconds).
How do I connect to the TAK Server using iTAK?
Use one of the following methods:
Option 1: Scan iTAK QR Code
- Install iTAK from the Apple App Store.
- Open iTAK and tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the settings menu.
- Scroll down and tap Network, then tap Servers.
- Tap the + button in the bottom-right corner.
- Select Scan QR and scan the QR code.
- Enter your username and password.
- Tap Connect to complete the setup.
Option 2: Manual Entry
- Open iTAK and tap the gear icon to access Servers.
- Tap the + button to add a new server.
- Enter the server hostname and port (8089).
- Enable SSL/TLS.
- Enter username and password.
- Tap Save.
- Enable the connection from the server list to start using iTAK.
How do I connect to the TAK Server using WinTAK?
Follow these steps:
- Download and install WinTAK from tak.gov.
- Open WinTAK and go to:
Settings → Network Preferences → Manage Server Connections → Add Item. - Enter:
- Description: TAK OPs Cloud
- Protocol: SSL
- Host Address: (from enrollment email)
- Port: 8089
- Enroll for Client Certificates: Checked
- Use Authentication: Unchecked - Save settings, then enter the username and password from your enrollment email when prompted.
- Enable the connection in the server list.
How do I connect to the TAK Server using WebTAK?
You will receive an email with the URL, username, and password for the WebTAK page.
- Navigate to the WebTAK page using the provided URL.
- Enter your username and password when prompted.
- Access channels by clicking the Launcher and scrolling to the bottom.
Where can I find the ATAK manual?
You can access the ATAK User Guide at this link: ATAK User Guide (PDF).
What are groups/channels?
Groups/channels are used to organize your TAK traffic into different “buckets” for more effective communications. Users can turn these on and off from the UI as needed. While groups are optional—you can place everyone in a single group if preferred—we offer up to 5 groups per organization. Think of them like radio channels in a traditional communication plan.
Example structure:
my-org/
├── C2
├── Team-1
├── Team-2
└── Med
TAK Federation and Data Integration
How do I federate?
We handle the federation for you, but the other server must meet the following requirements:
- Accept inbound connections from febhub.tak-ops.com
- Use TAK Server or TAK Fedhub 5.2+ distributed by the TAK Product Center
- Support TLS 1.2+
- Be configured for group-based management
Please note that if you request federation with a server outside our security boundary, we will not have control over your data. It is crucial that you perform due diligence to ensure you protect your mission.
Can I integrate data from other sources (AIS, ADS-B, Meshtastic, etc.)?
Yes, but this should be done sparingly due to rate limiting, which helps us maintain low costs. If too many messages are transmitted too quickly, messages may buffer and eventually drop. The specific conditions that trigger rate limiting depend on the number of connected devices, message rates, and message sizes. For typical TAK usage, rate limiting is unlikely to occur. If you think your use case might trigger rate limiting, please contact us for guidance.
How do I connect non-TAK devices requiring certificates?
Non-TAK devices (e.g., sUAS, robots, cameras, aircraft) that require certificate-based authentication can be supported through device subscriptions. To set this up, provide the device details and the required certificate format. This information can be submitted in the notes section during checkout or sent via email.
How can I connect with another group on TAK Cloud?
Both groups must provide written consent via email to support@tak-ops.com. We will then work with both groups enable the connection.
Support and Technical Details
Do you offer consulting for setting up and managing TAK systems?
Yes, we offer TAK consulting services. Please contact us for details.
Can you provide video hosting or restreaming services?
Yes. Please contact us for more details.
Where can I get TAK training?
We offer formal classes via TAK Academy
How often are servers updated?
We update the servers to the latest versions of TAK Server and Fedhub after thorough testing, typically within weeks of their official release. Our updates do not require users to update their TAK client devices (e.g., ATAK, WinTAK, iTAK, WebTAK), as client and server versions do not need to match. We only use the official TAK Server provided by the TAK Product Center (tak.gov).
What versions of TAK clients are supported?
TAK Server officially supports the last 3 minor releases of TAK clients. However, TAK should work reliably with versions as far back as 4.8.x. Please note we cannot guarantee the compatibility or functionality of any client software or plugin that is not signed by the TAK Product Center.