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RFD900, RFD900+ - New long range radio modem

Posted by Seppo on May 25, 2012 at 8:15am

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

    • Ikaros > Ikaros September 14, 2015 at 11:20pm

      Now it is working!

      Yesterday I contacted Seppo again and for the second time he responded within 30 min, great support. Apparently the SiK multipoint firmware handles synchronization better than the v1 firmware. I flashed the mp firmware on my modems and now the connection is solid with no droppes. Awesome, can’t wait to go flying.

      Thanks everyone who have helped in finding a solution to the problem!


      One question though, with the multipoint firmware I can’t activate ECC, I only get an error message back, does anyone know why?

      • Ivan R > Ikaros September 15, 2015 at 7:20am

        i thought the MP SiK firmware wasnt compatible with Mavlink?  

        as far as ECC, i dont use it, it halves your bandwith and I dont see the value in it....

        • Ikaros > Ivan R September 15, 2015 at 7:32am

          I don't know about the Mavlink but it was possible to activate it with AT commands.

          And I am mostly interested in range rather than bandwidth, that is why I would like to use ECC.

          • 3qs7z40lxxok2 > Ikaros September 15, 2015 at 3:16pm

            MP SiK firmware

            how nodes are you using ? 

            • Ikaros > 3qs7z40lxxok2 September 15, 2015 at 3:22pm

              If you mean how many nodes I am using I only use two, one on the ground station and one in the aircraft

              • 3qs7z40lxxok2 > Ikaros September 16, 2015 at 2:50am

                well i don't think you need MP SiK firmware

                i have the same setup i was using  MP SiK firmware but i had all lots of issues no talking to some other 3DR radios to so i change to RFDSiK V1.12 rfd900p 

                all good now the RFDs are talking to some old 3DR radios as well

                RFDSiK V1.12 rfd900p.ihx

                https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3702909521?profile=original
                • Ikaros > 3qs7z40lxxok2 September 16, 2015 at 3:12pm

                  I am glad it works for you with the 1.12. I have already tried it however without success. But the mp firmware works great.

                  Best

                  • Michael Lin > Ikaros November 25, 2015 at 8:42pm

                    is there any different between RFD868+ and 900+? my 900+ only talks when I use 1.x FW, don't know how you make MP FW work..hopping to know.

                    RFD868+ Modem Bundle
                    RFDesign designs and manufactures the Antennas, RF Electronics and the RFD900 radio modem
                  • Ikaros > Ikaros September 18, 2015 at 9:38am

                    No I can not get the ECC to work on the MP firmware. It works on the v1 though.

                  • 3qs7z40lxxok2 > Ikaros September 17, 2015 at 2:30am

                    nope i cant get ecc to work on any firmware

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