RFD900 - New long range radio modem

Hi All,

I would like to introduce you to a new radio modem that we developed for very long range datalinks!

http://rfdesign.com.au/RFD900.php

Some of the key features of the RFD900 are as follows:

  • Long range >40km depending on antennas and GCS setup
  • 2 x RP-SMA RF connectors, diversity switched.
  • 1 Watt (+30dBm) transmit power.
  • Transmit low pass filter.
  • > 20dB Low noise amplifier.
  • RX SAW filter.
  • Passive front end band pass filter.
  • Open source firmware / tools, field upgradeable, easy to configure.
  • Small (30 x 57 x 13 mm), light weight (14.5g).
  • Compatible with 3DR / Hope-RF radio modules.
  • License free use in Australia, Canada, USA, NZ.

 

These modems are designed to support long range applications, while being easy to use and affordable.  Target pricing is in the region of $90 per unit.

They are 100% compatible with 900MHz Hope-RF based radios (3DR) and similar.

These modems have been flying in various platforms and have demonstrated excellent performance in real applications. 

RFD900 modems are expected to be available in a few weeks time, before the end of June in production quantities.

Support within APM planner and the radio configurator from Michael Oborne is already available.

It works seamlessly with APM planner, all radio Mavlink parameters are available.

 

Seppo Saario

rfdesign.com.au

 

Views: 11961

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Seppo on October 28, 2012 at 7:25pm

Hello Hans,

That is correct in that a ground+tx+rx lines are required to the APM1 to make it work.

To run the RFD900 from an external supply, you can remove the jumper and connect GND from BEC to pin 2, and +5V from BEC to pin 4.

It will create a ground loop if you have only 1 BEC running the whole system, but in this case there is not much that you can do.  It has not caused any problems so far configures this way to date. 

The ideal configuration is to have a separate BEC running the RFD900 with GND and +5V coming from there.   The signal+GND lines to the APM would remain unchanged.

Hope it helps!

Seppo

Permalink Reply by Delfin Magote III on October 26, 2012 at 1:06am

I received the RFD900 modems and APM 2.5 months ago, and just recently noticed that the telemetry port is different. I plan on creating the connector myself, but after seeing the picture from the diydrones store, the red cable is at the middle for the radio side, and moved to the edge for the APM side. Aside from the red cable, is there any other cables that was moved?

Permalink Reply by Marcelo Gomes on October 28, 2012 at 7:57pm

Hi Seppo,

I'm from Brazil. I have a RFD900 kit, that receives with many parts that imported. Modem is nice, small, light and rock solid building, congratulations!

But to my first run, need know about FTDI USB/connector, how I would connect it in GS modem?

Black/GND in connector with pin 1 in RFD900 modem?

Mine was jumper in 4 and 6 modem pin, for USB supply, right?


Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Seppo on October 28, 2012 at 8:29pm

Hello Marcelo,

Yes, that is correct, PIN 1 of USB cable (black), goes to PIN 1 of RFD900. (square pad) under the jumper.

The jumper on pins 4 and 6 connects the USB power (pin 6), into the +5V (pin 4) input on the modem.

Cheers,

Seppo

Permalink Reply by Marcelo Gomes on October 28, 2012 at 8:50pm

Hi, Seppo,


Yes. I'ts already beeping here!

I will, probably, need some help tomorrow...lol.

I make contact.

Maybe I'm first in Brazil with RFD900, do you know?


Thanks!

Permalink Reply by ALK on October 30, 2012 at 8:11pm

Marcelo, not the first, I'm from Brazil too. :) Its very easy to setup! 

Permalink Reply by Marcelo Gomes on October 31, 2012 at 2:44am


Lol... ok!

Second place!

Thanks!

*********************************************

Obrigado por fazer contato. Enviei pedido de amizade.

Grande abraço!

Permalink Reply by Delfin Magote III on October 29, 2012 at 4:56am

Solved it. I used the old 4-pin telemetry cable and connected it to the same uart0 port at the side. The wiki may cause confusion though since they recommend the new 5-pin connector..

Permalink Reply by Delfin Magote III on November 10, 2012 at 2:15am

Hi! I'm just wondering, but is there some sort of warranty? One of the radios stopped functioning and smells toast.

We haven't done any changes to the wiring, and it was functioning well last week. We even had succesful range tests. But just this afternoon, when we connected the power supply, we noticed that mavlink stopped sending data. If no warranty, can someone guide us on what to do if there is still some sort of way to repair it. Thanks.

Permalink Reply by Seppo on November 10, 2012 at 4:46am

I am sorry to hear that your modem had a problem!? - Yes, there is a warranty - if you can send an email with your details I will get a replacement unit on the way.  If you can mail back the failed unit for analysis we can see what had happened to it.

Cheers, Seppo.

Permalink Reply by Delfin Magote III on November 10, 2012 at 6:28am

Great! Thanks. I'll send a PM right away. Maybe I'll also send it to the e-mail address used in transaction, just in case. :)

Permalink Reply by Nick Sargeant on January 7, 2013 at 8:26am

Any news on the RCLink?

RSS

Social Networking

Top Content 

1 Mapping Mission Ride Along

Mapping Mission Ride Along
2 APM 2.5 from hobbyking

APM 2.5 from hobbyking
3 Alt_hold and loiter acting crazy

Alt_hold and loiter acting crazy
4 ArduPlane 2.73 released

ArduPlane 2.73 released
5 ArduVTOL - Wingcopter - Flight Report Nr.1

ArduVTOL - Wingcopter - Flight Report Nr.1
6 Mechanical Hands From A MakerBot: The Magic Of Robohand (From Makerbot blog news)

Mechanical Hands From A MakerBot: The Magic Of Robohand (From Makerbot blog news)
7 3 axis Camera Gimble connections.

3 axis Camera Gimble connections.
8 Looking for best laptop screen to see in the sun

Looking for best laptop screen to see in the sun
9 New micro-cameras emulate insects' compound eyes

New micro-cameras emulate insects' compound eyes
10 Thirty Days (#13): Y6 in-flight motor failure tests

Thirty Days (#13): Y6 in-flight motor failure tests

Contests

Season Two of the Trust Time Trial (T3) Contest has now begun. The fourth round is an accuracy round for multicopters, which requires contestants to fly a cube. The deadline is April 14th.

A list of all T3 contests is here. 

Groups

Advertisement

© 2013   Created by Chris Anderson.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service