RFD900, 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:

  • 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

 

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Replies

    • I karos Your Power connections are correct in your picture, But where is the Communications Plug Connection ?

      Am I missing something?

      https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vous5xts2ffqu4v/AACMoX2fIo4EfEEJLSEcaj_K...

      I forgot to add,  the wire on the  pixhawk tele. 1 ,the ground wire, be sure that wire is in pin 1 of the plug that plugs into tho 900+, that will make the common  ground -  connection between the BEC and Ground.

      As for the Positive + wire on the Pixhawk tele 1 you can eliminate that wire, you don't want to power the 900+ from the pixhawk. the BEC will do all the powering for + , it's the common - wire that is most important.

      Dropbox - Link not found
      Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!
  • Hi need little input on which antennas to use on a plane 

    use the stock mono poles or these Flexible

     i will using  6dBi Yagi on the ground station 

    3702089657?profile=original

    3702089236?profile=original3702089578?profile=original3702089683?profile=original3702089711?profile=original

    • Developer

      @fred for that Ranger plane it really does not matter what antenna you are using. With stock antennas both on ground and air you can easily get distances over 10km. I would start to look more specific antennas after ranges longer than 15km.

      If you plan to use YAGI on ground station you also need to have antenna tracker or you will loose signal fast. Again if you are not planning to go beyond 5-10km. Don't bother to make your life too complex, just use normal monopoles/dipoles or those flexible ones. 

      You can check Trent's video about our long-range telemetry system with stock antennas (also have comparison to 3DR modems). He flies 5km away with "badly" placed antennas on his plane and still have 99% signal strength.

      YouTube
  • Does anyone have photos or diagrams that could help me out with my setup?  

    I have two RFD900+ modems, the cables, etc.  What I’m looking for specifically is how to power them (1) in my Iris+ and (1) ground station.  I have two UBEC 5v/6v and everything in between. 

    (1) My thought to power this in my Iris+ is to solder the UBEC ends where the battery cable is connected.  Where does the other end connect into the Pixhawk?  

    (1) I have no idea how to run the power and/or UBEC at my ground station using a simple laptop.  I’m afraid my USB port won’t provide enough power so I purchased the UBEC at my vendors recommendation.

    Again, photos, diagrams, et al would be most appreciated.  I’ve reached high and low through the web and cannot seem to find any supporting documents to help me.  Thank you very much in advance.

    Andrew

    • I forgot to add,  the wire on the Iris, pixhawk tele. 1 ,the ground wire, be sure that wire is in pin 1 of the plug that plugs into tho 900+, that will make the common  ground -  connection between the BEC and the Iris Ground.

      As for the Positive + wire on the Pixhawk tele 1 you can eliminate that wire, you don't want to power the 900+ from the pixhawk. the BEC will do all the powering for + , it's the common - wire that is most important.

      • Picture 3

        • James, a tip of the fedora to you, kind sir.  Thank you for the time you spent providing me the photos, instructions and peace of mind.  I really, really appreciate it!

          Andrew

          • You through me off when you said "tip of the fedora"  I use the Fedora Linux OS on my computer.

            But! , I'm glad it help you , Did you get the modems communicating with each other?

            I'm still having problems of getting them to talk to each other. One day they will communicate and other days they won't.

            There is a possibility of unwanted Noise getting into the Power Supply wires.

            I just purchased a  nice Oscilloscope 70mhz dual-trace for $315.00 (Siglent SDS1072CML) it will do everything but serve coffee . I got it through Amazon, I also seen them on Ebay.

            But anyhow, i'm going to hook it up to my Power Supply wires at 900+ to check for noise, if so ,I will solder a 47uf cap to take care of the problems. 

    • Can you go into Dropbox here;

      https://www.dropbox.com/home/Camera%20Uploads/Drone

      • Hello James,

        Thanks for the response. However, the folder you sent for Dropbox is incorrect. Do you happen to have a direct link you can post? I do have Dropbox and can access links if they are valid.

        Thanks again in advance,

        AP
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