RFD900, RFD900+ - New long range radio modem - Discussions

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:

Multi point and point to point link capability.
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.

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

RFD900 modems are now available at: http://store.rfdesign.com.au

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.

Update, December 2014: The RFD900+ with improved specifications is available now at:

http://store.rfdesign.com.au/rfd-900p-modem/

Seppo Saario

rfdesign.com.au

Too much problems with base noise using RDF900 as ground radio.

Dear Seppo ,
I have just bought a RDF900 for use it as ground radio and my first tests are very dissapointing because of what I think that is an unacceptable local RSSI noise. Although the mean noise is around 40-60, what is little bit high but between the normal range, as I have readed you in some place (in this or another post, I don't remember), it fluctuates a lot with frequent peaks over 80-100 and it causes a lot of errors and a very short range (much less than expected). I also have have high peaks of remnoise.

Please, find here-attached tlog of a flight and a picture or a graph of radios performance along it.

I have tried different configurations, firmware updating, conections in different PCs or laptops but I still have the same problem and I don't know how to proceed to resolve it.
Next I told you what is my setup:

* Base radio: RDF900 with original dipole antennas (from http://rfdesign.com.au). Firmware updated to SIK 1.9 through Mission Planner 1.2.99 and Default Config. Connected to PC through FTDI usble cable (with a ferrite)

* Air radio: 915Mhz Radio Telemetry Kit, also updated to SIK 1.9. and a ferrite in cables to APM. It is installed in a quad with APM 2.6 and arducopter 3.1. I am ussing 5,8 Ghz FPV system and MinimOSD connected to APM trough an Y cable in the Telemetry port.

I usually set the ground radio over the roof of my car, at a distance of about 1,5 m from the laptop.

So, my questions are:

Could it be caused by interferences with GSM network (Spain)?
Could it be resolved by a different config or by another firmware?

Please, any advice is wellcome

140402_Flight2_Radios.jpg

2014-04-02 01-37-29.tlog

Replies

- - Raph > Eladio Garcia May 13, 2014 at 8:43am
    
    Eladio,
    
    Thank you for your input! I will check the antennas. Another user said that I have my antenna orientation completely wrong on the plane, which could be the cause of my issues. I have replaced them with 90 degree antennas so they are pointed up (in a slight V shape actually). Hopefully the winds will calm and I can test and come back with results.
Rum April 27, 2014 at 1:34am

has anyone here used the LC-1000RU transceiver for making wireless connection between PC and arduino . i recently got this device but am unable to get it to work , i need serious help pleasee please if anyone can . i have to use it in my final year project and i have very little time . please help me if anyone can .

Module link: lc1000RU
Eladio Garcia April 3, 2014 at 5:55am

Too much problems with base noise using RDF900 as ground radio.

Dear Seppo ,
I have just bought a RDF900 for use it as ground radio and my first tests are very dissapointing because of what I think that is an unacceptable local RSSI noise. Although the mean noise is around 40-60, what is little bit high but between the normal range, as I have readed you in some place (in this or another post, I don't remember), it fluctuates a lot with frequent peaks over 80-100 and it causes a lot of errors and a very short range (much less than expected). I also have have high peaks of remnoise.

Please, find here-attached tlog of a flight and a picture or a graph of radios performance along it.

I have tried different configurations, firmware updating, conections in different PCs or laptops but I still have the same problem and I don't know how to proceed to resolve it.
Next I told you what is my setup:

* Base radio: RDF900 with original dipole antennas (from http://rfdesign.com.au). Firmware updated to SIK 1.9 through Mission Planner 1.2.99 and Default Config. Connected to PC through FTDI usble cable (with a ferrite)

* Air radio: 915Mhz Radio Telemetry Kit, also updated to SIK 1.9. and a ferrite in cables to APM. It is installed in a quad with APM 2.6 and arducopter 3.1. I am ussing 5,8 Ghz FPV system and MinimOSD connected to APM trough an Y cable in the Telemetry port.

I usually set the ground radio over the roof of my car, at a distance of about 1,5 m from the laptop.

So, my questions are:

Could it be caused by interferences with GSM network (Spain)?
Could it be resolved by a different config or by another firmware?

Please, any advice is wellcome

140402_Flight2_Radios.jpg

2014-04-02 01-37-29.tlog

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Designers and manufacturers of RF Electronics, Telemetry modems and RFID equipment. Specialists in UAV telemetry with the RFD900 radio modem.
jlcortex April 1, 2014 at 10:36am

WOW, this project have incredible potencial, I'd also love to see a 433/868 european version.

What about RClink? Is it working?
- Jon-Paul > jlcortex April 1, 2014 at 10:37am
  
  Me too for 433, often asked, no joy.
Tushevs Aerials March 23, 2014 at 4:20pm

Subscribed !
Francis German January 7, 2014 at 12:09pm

Hi Seppo,

Are there any plans on making these neat radios availiable for european folks using 868 or 433 Mhz?
Seppo December 12, 2013 at 8:38am

Just a quick update on other things that are in the works.

We're planning on getting the RFD900u FCC/IC certified in January, this will make it easier to use the RFD900u in all kinds of applications.

One thing that we're still checking out is the firmware requirements on having a fixed set of parameters for the frequency bands and number of hops. Since changing these settings could invalidate the compliance tests done.

The RFD900's are also planned to follow with approval later in the year.

Cheers,

Seppo
Seppo December 12, 2013 at 12:22am

Hi All!,
We have a storewide 10% sale prior to Christmas until the 20th December!
Use the coupon code SMILE and you will get 10% off your order. :)
Best wishes from us all.
Seppo
Seppo December 6, 2013 at 3:33am

We have been asked about high altitude chamber testing of modems and was wondering if anyone had any practical experience with what a good test setup / profile would be?

Initial thoughts are a temperature chamber, with a vacuum chamber regulated to maintain 120k feet equivalent pressure or so?...

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