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

Shyam,

This is implemented in RFD900X. I haven't seen anyone keen to add this to the 900+ as it may be a stretch for the micro to handle. Since it is available in the 900x along with other features I don't think it is likely IMO.

Shyam Balasubramanian said:

@Seppo, the main question I have before purchasing this device is whether it is "spoof proof", i.e. can I prevent hijack of a drone with your device and does it provide a safety AES-128 encryption possibility? I am more interested in secure data links.

Any feedback on this is appreciated.

PS: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=30213935&postcou... was a post from 2014 which stated:

AES Hardware accelerated encryption support *software still in development for this * - The Branch is accessible in Github for those who are keen to assist us in getting this feature fully implemented.

Don't know what the status on it is today, i.e. 3 years down the line?

Replies

Mike Mac September 5, 2017 at 3:38am

Will 900x multipoint communicate with my existing 900+ multipoint network?
Rico September 5, 2017 at 12:08am

Hi all, can any of you legends point me in the direction of multipoint firmware for the 900x? Been operating two as a pair without any problems, mighty fine, but no joy with the RFD900x-AsyncRelease_V2.43.bin firmware. The RFD Tools 2.0 can read the settings on the remote unit but no joy with mission planner.

Cheers fellas.

Rico.
kent Martin September 1, 2017 at 12:54am
Shyam,

This is implemented in RFD900X. I haven't seen anyone keen to add this to the 900+ as it may be a stretch for the micro to handle. Since it is available in the 900x along with other features I don't think it is likely IMO.

Shyam Balasubramanian said:
@Seppo, the main question I have before purchasing this device is whether it is "spoof proof", i.e. can I prevent hijack of a drone with your device and does it provide a safety AES-128 encryption possibility? I am more interested in secure data links.

Any feedback on this is appreciated.

PS: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=30213935&postcou... was a post from 2014 which stated:

AES Hardware accelerated encryption support *software still in development for this * - The Branch is accessible in Github for those who are keen to assist us in getting this feature fully implemented.

Don't know what the status on it is today, i.e. 3 years down the line?
kent Martin September 1, 2017 at 12:50am

Not much added from 2.53 to 2.55. Unlikely anything to bother you.

Wait around a bit for V2.58 as it improves throughput especially on higher data rates.

Other than that there's only minor fixes, and if your happy with current throughput, then probably not worth it.

Mostly specialised requests and a few minor bug fixes that don't effect performance.

It has been quite stable for a while.

Michael Nunan said:

I have been using the RFD900x for a while - with V2.53 loaded.

Should I be installing V2.55?

What has changed (or where can I find out what has changed :) )

Very happy with how it is working so far.

Thanks

Michael
Shyam Balasubramanian August 31, 2017 at 2:18am
@Seppo, the main question I have before purchasing this device is whether it is "spoof proof", i.e. can I prevent hijack of a drone with your device and does it provide a safety AES-128 encryption possibility? I am more interested in secure data links.

Any feedback on this is appreciated.

PS: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=30213935&postcou... was a post from 2014 which stated:
- AES Hardware accelerated encryption support *software still in development for this * - The Branch is accessible in Github for those who are keen to assist us in getting this feature fully implemented.
Don't know what the status on it is today, i.e. 3 years down the line?
Shyam Balasubramanian August 31, 2017 at 2:14am

Any updates on AES128 bit encryption for the RFD900+? This is the need of the hour today and an added value to securing links between GCS and autopilot.

Anyone any idea on it?
Michael Nunan August 29, 2017 at 4:00pm

I have been using the RFD900x for a while - with V2.53 loaded.

Should I be installing V2.55?

What has changed (or where can I find out what has changed :) )

Very happy with how it is working so far.

Thanks

Michael
Matt Sakals August 25, 2017 at 8:53am

I had installed fresh drivers, but not these ones:

http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
Shaun Bell August 24, 2017 at 5:00pm

Oh man, I asked about your drivers lol! That's awesome it's working now.
Matt Sakals August 24, 2017 at 1:53pm

Solved by Craig Richardson at Event38, just needed different drivers in the laptop...

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