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Player Quickstart

Join a MAGK event and get connected in a few minutes. This guide covers registration, TAK client setup, and connecting to the server.

Step 1: Register for an Event

Your event organizer will provide one of these registration methods:

  1. Open the registration link shared by your organizer (e.g., https://magktech.com/register/spring-exercise-2025)
  2. Fill in your callsign, name, and contact information
  3. Select your team assignment (if open selection is enabled)
  4. Submit the registration form
  5. You'll receive a confirmation with your event details
  1. Visit the on-site registration kiosk at the event venue
  2. Scan the QR code displayed on the kiosk screen
  3. Complete the registration form on your device
  4. Confirm your team assignment with the organizer

See Player Registration for detailed instructions.

Step 2: Download a TAK Client

Install one of the supported TAK clients on your device:

Client Platform Download
ATAK Android Google Play Store or TAK.gov
iTAK iOS Apple App Store
WinTAK Windows TAK.gov

TAK.gov Access

Some TAK client downloads require a TAK.gov account. Register at tak.gov if you don't have one.

Step 3: Install Your Certificate

After registration, you'll receive a certificate package (.zip or .p12 file) for secure server authentication.

  1. Download the certificate data package (.zip) from your registration confirmation
  2. Open ATAK and go to Settings → Network Preferences → Manage Server Connections
  3. Import the data package — this configures both the certificate and server connection
  4. Verify the connection shows as Connected
  1. Download the certificate file (.p12) from your registration confirmation
  2. Open iTAK and navigate to Settings → Certificates
  3. Import the .p12 file and enter the certificate password (provided by your organizer)
  4. Configure the server connection with the provided address and port
  1. Download the certificate data package from your registration confirmation
  2. Open WinTAK and go to Settings → Network → Manage Server Connections
  3. Import the data package
  4. Verify the connection status

See TAK Client Setup for detailed per-client instructions and troubleshooting.

Step 4: Connect to the Server

Once your certificate is installed, configure the server connection:

Setting Value
Server Address Provided by your organizer (e.g., magktech.com)
SSL Port 8089 (encrypted CoT)
TCP Port 8087 (plaintext CoT — use only if directed)
Protocol SSL (recommended)

After connecting, your position and callsign will appear on the tactical map for all event participants.

Step 5: Join the Event

  1. Open the live event view in your browser at the link provided by your organizer
  2. View the tactical map with real-time positions of all participants
  3. Check the scoreboard for current team standings
  4. Interact with MAGK Node devices in the field to capture objectives

See Event View and Node Interaction for gameplay details.

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
Certificate import fails Verify the .p12 password matches what your organizer provided
Connection timeout Check that ports 8087/8089 are reachable from your network
Position not showing on map Ensure GPS/location services are enabled on your device
TAK client crashes on connect Update to the latest client version

For more help, see the Troubleshooting page or contact your event organizer.

What's Next?