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

- - Karthik > Seppo July 14, 2015 at 11:22pm
    
    Hello Seppo,
    
    I am looking for 20 to 25 km range from RFD900 and my airframe can accommodate dipoles. I need suggestions for the Antenna setup on my ground side and air side.
    
    (Note: Modem used only for telemetry and occasional command)
    
    1. Do i need a directional Yagi and if yes, what power?
    
    2. Do i need an Antenna tracker to achieve the range?
    
    Thanks in advance!!!
  - Bill Isenberger > Seppo January 8, 2015 at 9:44am
    
    Is this the correct way to connect the FTDI USB cable to the RFD900plus? Never mind I found the answer in the FAQ section of the RFD900 DataSheet:
    
    http://rfdesign.com.au/downloads/RFD900%20DataSheet.pdf
    
    Another useful link:
    
    http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1659592&page=25
  - Bill Isenberger > Seppo January 8, 2015 at 8:01am
    
    Thanks for the reply Seppo.
    
    I 'll upload some pics of my setup soon.
    
    Bill
- Bill Isenberger > Bill Isenberger January 8, 2015 at 7:47am
  
  Found this picture on jDrones web site.
  
  Assuming it is the correct configuration for the antennas.
  
  Link to data sheet:
  
  http://rfdesign.com.au/downloads/RFD900%20DataSheet.pdf
  - Shaun Bell > Bill Isenberger January 9, 2015 at 11:13pm
    
    I can't imagine the air side would work very well with the two monopole antenna layout. There's no ground plane.
Seppo December 16, 2014 at 5:57am
Hi Everyone,

It has been a while since writing - we have been busy, just in time for the new year break

We are proud to announce the RFD900+, It is based on the very capable RFD900, bringing in updated hardware to achieve better performance, durability and immunity to interference.

Below are some of the updates on the RFD900+ :
- Same form factor and main I/O pins as compared to the original RFD900, it is a true drop in replacement.
- New LNA with higher gain and high IP3 for high interference environments.
- Approx 1-2dB higher sensitivity compared to original RFD900.
- Updated CPU with double the RAM and Flash compared to RFD900.
- AES Hardware accelerated encryption support *software still in development for this *
- Fully ESD protected + filtered - Every IO port is protected and filtered. It has passed CISPR 22 radiated emissions testing at an accredited test lab.
- Thicker PCB for extra mechanical strength.
- On board voltage regulation for all circuits compliant with FCC modular approval.
The RFD900+ is available now from our online store !

** We have also updated the store with PayPal Express Checkout as another option :)
- Nicholas Witham > Seppo December 16, 2014 at 3:07pm
  
  Congratulations Seppo. I can't wait to try this out.
  
  Any other little surprises for us before Christmas? Maybe and RCLink?
Seppo November 29, 2014 at 4:01am

For the thanksgiving weekend we have free DHL Express shipping to the USA on all orders over $50

- Happy Thanksgiving!
- 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.

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