Slate Chat for ATAK
Unified IRC and XMPP tactical text communications built directly into the ATAK map screen. Transmit formatted TACREPs straight from map points, listen for coordinate feeds to auto-plot markers, and maintain situational awareness without toggling applications.
Dual Protocol Architecture
Connect to standard team chat daemons with automated protocol handling, port resolution, and persistent on-device caching.
IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
6667 (default)Lightweight RFC 2812 text messaging. Channels automatically prefix with '#' (e.g. #alpha-team). Low overhead ideal for bandwidth-constrained tactical radio links.
XMPP (Extensible Messaging)
5222 (default)Enterprise Jabber protocol supporting Multi-User Chat (MUC). Automatically routes room names to conference.<server> or custom domain addresses (e.g. [email protected]).
One-Tap TACREP From Map Markers
Select any point, unit, or threat marker on the ATAK map to transmit an immediate, standardized tactical report directly into your active chat channel via the radial menu.
Default TACREP Output Format:
ALPHA-1 // 33MUM1234567890 // hostile // 150 // spotted movement
Supports built-in presets (Default, TRAX.TRACK) or customized field templates with optional parameter suppression.
Available Format Placeholders
Marker callsign / label
Standard identity affiliation
Marker representation type
MGRS grid coordinate
Elevation above sea level
Decimal latitude and longitude
Free-text notes from marker
Callsign of marker creator
Tactical symbol modifiers rollup
Chat-to-Map Auto-Plotting
Turn chat messages into live tactical markers automatically. When enabled, Slate Chat monitors incoming room feeds for designated tags (such as [SLATECHAT] or custom team tags) and places, updates, or repositions markers on the map screen in real time with author attribution.
Message Parser Pattern:
Repeat messages with the same callsign dynamically move the existing marker to updated coordinates, avoiding clutter and keeping track history clean for fast-moving patrols.
Side-Loading & Installation Guide
How to deploy and activate the APK on Android End User Devices (EUD).
Transfer APK
Copy the APK onto the device via USB, MDM, ATAK mission package, or direct browser download.
Allow Side-Loading
In Android Settings → Apps → Special App Access, allow “Install Unknown Apps” for your file manager.
Install & Activate
Tap the APK to install. Open ATAK, navigate to Settings → Plugin Manager, and ensure Slate Chat is ticked active.
Configure & Connect
Open Slate Chat from the ATAK toolbar, input server address, callsign, and room, then tap Connect.
Field Troubleshooting Reference
| Observed Condition | Recommended Operator Action |
|---|---|
| “Fill in server, port, and nick first” | Ensure SERVER, PORT, and NICK fields are completed before tapping Connect. |
| “Port must be a number” | Check the PORT field and remove non-digit characters (standard: 6667 for IRC, 5222 for XMPP). |
| Connection fails immediately | Confirm your device has network routing or VPN connectivity to the server IP/domain. |
| Stuck on “connecting…” | Verify firewall rules, edge router port forwarding, or whether the chat daemon is running. |
| Password rejected | Verify case sensitivity and ensure the PASSWORD? checkbox is ticked with the correct credential. |
| No unread badge on toolbar icon | The red notification badge displays when the Slate Chat window is closed and clears upon reopening. |
Download Release & Manual
Direct package downloads and storage bucket URIs for enterprise deployment.
For custom builds, TAK Server integration, or deployment questions, reach out to [email protected].