Discussions

Alternatives to 3DR radios?

Posted by Dom on May 11, 2014 at 2:56am

My 3DR radios failed (433 EU radios) and now there's a temporary export embargo doesn't look like i'll get a replacement set anytime soon.

Can anyone recommend alternatives? I'd like it to operate with pixhawk and from tablet/phone or laptop over mavlink/mavproxy (thanks Tridge for the awesome mavproxy :). Extended range would be cool too.

Cheers

Dom

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Replies

villamany May 12, 2014 at 10:29am

Im using orageRx 433 cheap modules with my turnigy 9xr, they are working great (radio and telemtry in one single module), Theay are flashed with Gitsly openLRSng variant. Also added a bluetooth module to my 9xr and getting bidirectional comunication with APM by bluetooth using a computer/phone near to the 9xr.
- Steven G > villamany May 18, 2014 at 9:21am
  
  @jani, I was asking about Orange Rx villamany said he was using for telem. Not RFD 900. Maybe I missed something.
- Steven G > villamany May 12, 2014 at 12:50pm
  
  Curious, what range are you getting on the telemetry? And do you notice any slow control movements or data rate being slow?
  - Developer
    
    Jani Hirvinen > Steven G May 18, 2014 at 7:20am
    
    @steven, with RFD people have reported up to 65km ranges. 25km range with 0 loss is rather easily done even with normal antennas. Sure antenna placement means a lot when going the distance.
    
    @Dom, yeah I will push Seppo more on those and hopefully we can get them out on some point. Making good radio-modems is not an easy task you know :)
    
    In generally RF is a real black magic or woodoo magic. I have few friends that knows this woodoo rather well.
Developer

Jani Hirvinen May 11, 2014 at 10:38pm

Dom take a look at Trents test/review on jDrones RFD900 sets. He is now using those on all his flying things.

http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/long-range-telemetry-testing

They also have pixhawk cables included.

jD-RF900 Longrange telemetry set

Long range telemetry set for all your UAV and UAS needs
- Bravojul > Jani Hirvinen May 12, 2014 at 1:47am
  
  Jani, In europe, we need RFD433 ;-)
  - Developer
    
    Jani Hirvinen > Bravojul May 12, 2014 at 3:09am
    
    Yes I know but currently there are NONE. Seppo might release one in future but when.. No any ETA or bigger plans yet.
    - ultrojo > Jani Hirvinen May 12, 2014 at 4:01am
      
      Please ship my RFD900 Jani... :) . Paid and choose DHL .
      
      cannot wait "ship in 2 or 3 buss day"
      
      :)
      - Developer
        
        Jani Hirvinen > ultrojo May 12, 2014 at 4:11am
        
        Well I don't do shipping but I am sure that our girls in shipping department will take care of your order. :)
        
        ultrojo > Jani Hirvinen May 12, 2014 at 4:19am
        
        Thanks Jani. i am sure my RFD900 will reach max range. at least 20KM :)