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

Jeremy Stromsoe April 1, 2017 at 1:51pm

At this point, just cut the whole plastic thing off and solder on some normal right angle header pins like the original rfd... Seppo does that radio seriously not come with a connector??
MATTHEW R CUNNINGHAM March 31, 2017 at 10:45am

Does anyone know of a store that has that connector in stock everywhere I have looked it is backordered or sold out, also wouldn't you think they would have sent it with the 900u considereing its the only way to upgrade firmware.
Jeremy Stromsoe March 31, 2017 at 8:22am

Welp... looks like you have to buy one of these...

http://store.rfdesign.com.au/rfd900u-to-8-way-socket-cable/

Then you have to make this:

As far as the SIK radio firmware, you can either use mission planner or use RFD Tools

http://files.rfdesign.com.au/tools/

http://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-configuring-a-telemetry-rad...

RFD900u to 8 way socket cable

RFDesign designs and manufactures the Antennas, RF Electronics and the RFD900 radio modem
MATTHEW R CUNNINGHAM March 31, 2017 at 8:04am

Does anyone know where to find the RFD900u to 8 way socket cable anywhere before I try and make my own, how did you guys all get SIK radio firmware added to your 900u?
3qs7z40lxxok2 March 25, 2017 at 12:35am

well that counts me out then 900x i not going to up date all 7 900+ i have bummer

kent Martin said:

Short answer , no.

The hardware is capable but old modems would need mods to keep up with x versions and they are hard to change. There is an ever increasing list of features being added to the x, and the 900+ will not be able to support these. We don't anticipate that they will be compatible unless someone in the SiK development group wants to tackle 900+ upgrade issues.

Scott W said:

Is the 900x capable of communicating with 900+'s and 3dr modems?
kent Martin March 24, 2017 at 1:16pm

Short answer , no.

The hardware is capable but old modems would need mods to keep up with x versions and they are hard to change. There is an ever increasing list of features being added to the x, and the 900+ will not be able to support these. We don't anticipate that they will be compatible unless someone in the SiK development group wants to tackle 900+ upgrade issues.

Scott W said:

Is the 900x capable of communicating with 900+'s and 3dr modems?
kent Martin March 24, 2017 at 1:08pm

Hi,

I'm not sure exactly what your setup is, can you explain?

Are you using the ezhf somehow with the rfd900 or just 2 systems side by side?

if so can you turn off uhf system, does rfd900 work correctly?

If this fixes the problem then interference is the issue, if not then we need to look at other possible issues.

Thanks
Ivan R March 24, 2017 at 12:21pm

The rfd900s nees a pretty strong 5v power supply, i have always made at least 2amp available

900x doesnt appear be compatible with 900+
Shameem Ferdous March 24, 2017 at 11:19am

Hi,

Sorry could not read through the entire thread. I am using RFD900 with EZUHF system. But getting just over few hundred feet range performance which is frustrating. Did anyone have similar problem? What could be the solution? Some sort of filter on UHF system can help?

Thanks for help.
Scott W March 17, 2017 at 4:24pm

Is the 900x capable of communicating with 900+'s and 3dr modems?

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