Database Setup

Overview

GroundControl VGRS requires two Microsoft SQL Server databases to operate:

• GC - Main application database
• GC.EventLogging - Event and logging database

This guide covers the creation of these databases and the configuration of authentication for the GroundControl VGRS service.

Prerequisites

• Microsoft SQL Server installed and accessible
• SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or equivalent database management tool
• Administrative access to the SQL Server instance

Database Creation

Create Required Databases

Two databases must be created on your SQL Server instance:

1. GC - The main database for GroundControl VGRS
2. GC.EventLogging - The database for event logging

• 

  Creating the GC database in SQL Server Management Studio

• 

  Both required databases visible in the Object Explorer

Authentication Configuration

GroundControl VGRS supports two authentication methods for database access. Windows Integrated Authentication is the recommended method.

Windows Integrated Authentication (Recommended)

Windows Integrated Authentication uses the Windows service account under which GroundControl VGRS runs to authenticate with SQL Server.

Service Account

The GroundControl VGRS Windows service runs under the GroundControlService user account. This account must be granted access to both databases.

Grant Database Access

1. In SQL Server Management Studio, navigate to Security > Logins
2. Add the GroundControlService user as a login (if not already present)
3. For each database (GC and GC.EventLogging):
   • Navigate to the database in Object Explorer
   • Expand Security > Users
   • Add the GroundControlService user
   • Assign the db_owner role to the user

Recommended Role

The db_owner role is recommended for the GroundControlService user as it provides the necessary permissions for database schema management and operations.

SQL Server Authentication

Alternatively, a SQL Server user account can be created and used for authentication.

Create SQL User

1. In SQL Server Management Studio, navigate to Security > Logins
2. Create a new SQL Server authentication login
3. Set a strong password for the account
4. For each database (GC and GC.EventLogging):
   • Navigate to the database in Object Explorer
   • Expand Security > Users
   • Add the SQL user
   • Assign the db_owner role to the user

Security Consideration

When using SQL Server authentication, the connection string in appsettings.json will contain the username and password. Ensure that the configuration file is properly secured with appropriate file system permissions.

Configuration in GroundControl VGRS

After setting up the databases and authentication, configure the database connections using the Manager Tool.

Connecting to Databases

1. Launch the Manager Tool (via desktop shortcut or Start Menu)
2. Navigate to the Database section
3. Configure the connection settings for both databases:
   • Default Connection: Connect to the GC database
   • EventLog Connection: Connect to the GC.EventLogging database

For detailed information on database connection fields and configuration options, see the Database section in the Manager Tool documentation.

Verification

After completing the setup and configuration:

1. Ensure both databases exist: GC and GC.EventLogging
2. Verify the authentication user has db_owner role on both databases
3. Test the GroundControl VGRS service startup to confirm successful database connectivity

Setup Complete

Once the databases are created, authentication is configured, and the connection strings are set in appsettings.json, the GroundControl VGRS services can connect to the databases and will automatically create the required schema on first startup.