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

Replies

- Dick Ou > Seppo January 7, 2015 at 11:56pm
  
  Hi, Seppo:
  
  I received a pair of RFD900+ and tried to upgrade firmware from v1.11 to v2.3, but no success, and I sent several mail to RFDesign customer support no reply bad service,
  
  following is Modem tool message window, is there anyone here can help me out to solve this problem?
  
  ===========
  
  Uploading to port COM35
  
  Connecting to COM35 at 57600
  
  Trying autosync
  
  Sending +++
  
  Sending ATI
  
  Sending AT&UPDATE
  
  Got sync
  
  Board 82 Freq 91
  
  Using 24bit addresses
  
  erasing..
  
  programing..
  
  HOME
  
  verifying..
  
  done..
  
  New firmware has been uploaded
  
  -----Loading settings to port COM35-----
  
  Connecting to COM35 at 57600
  
  Sending +++
  
  Sending ATI5
  
  Reconnecting using default Baud Rate
  
  Sending +++
  
  Sending ATI5
  
  Failed to load settings. Please try again
  
  ========================================
Nicholas Witham November 21, 2014 at 7:56pm

Hey Seppo, any news on RCink?

My RFD900u set up works a treat, but I have another project that would benefit greatly from the RCLink.
Shaun Bell November 12, 2014 at 8:53am

Anyone having troubles connecting to their computer? After two years I'm getting "usb device not recognized". Manually DL's the FDTI driver which will allow me to connect, but the next time I plug it in I'll get the same message. The only difference is now I'm using Windows 8.1pro instead of Windows 7. Happens on both my laptops. Last mapping job I did I has to switch to a 3DR modem, drastically cutting my range down.
- Richard Kennedy > Shaun Bell November 13, 2014 at 2:00pm
  
  probably need a new driver for 8.1 ??
  
  http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm
  - Shaun Bell > Richard Kennedy November 13, 2014 at 2:15pm
    
    Tried the latest drivers with the same result. I'll try a new FTDI cable, hopefully that's the issue.
Stéphane October 28, 2014 at 1:19am

Hi Seppo,

I’ve just received the RFD900 warranty replacement and free antennas

Thank you very much

I have a 8kg octocopter and I try to get the best range possible with your RFD 900 Modem

On the octocopter, the two antennas are separated 40cm and I can place on on vertical polarization and the other on horizontal polarization

I have no problem of weight on the octopter, I can even place a 100 grams antenna, or a 40cm antenna

Now I have 3x 2dBi antennas, 2x 3dBi antennas and the RFDFELX antennas you’ve sent to me

My question is what kind of antenna should I use on the octocopter and on the base station to get the max range possible ?

Do you think that this kind of antenna could improve the range: http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&a... ?

My last question: when I use the 30dB setting for rf power, I see that the RSSI is decreasing, I got half the RSSI than with 28 or 29dB power, do you think that the 500mA USB powering is the cause ?

Thanks
- Stéphane > Stéphane October 28, 2014 at 4:31am
  
  Do you think that the Pixhawk supply enought amps for RFD900 at 30dB on the telemetry port ?
  
  Do I have to use a UBEC instead of the telemetry port supply ?
  - Shaun Bell > Stéphane November 12, 2014 at 8:54am
    
    Pixhawk won't supply power to your modem. Pull the jumper and power with a bec.
    - Richard Kennedy > Shaun Bell November 12, 2014 at 3:48pm
      
      I power mine from the pixhawk as well no problem.
    - Jon Rowe > Shaun Bell November 12, 2014 at 9:14am
      
      I also have Pixhawk powering up the air radio. I'm getting ready for 1st test flight and a newbie but the RFD900's are connecting and I've saved a flight plan with the modem connected to telemetry port. I can't speak to whether it will be as powerful without external power.

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