Pharos matches a dynamic directional (beam shaping) radio on the air with another on the ground, with the two tracking each other for multi-mile range for video and telemetry. Coming to Kickstarter in 2-3 weeks.
The Pharos is a newly-developed smart antenna. Unlike conventional omni-directional antennas that waste energy in all directions, the Pharos concentrates the available power where you need it most. Working in conjunction with the Pixhawk autopilot (a version with its own autopilot is being also developed), the antenna activates the side facing your UAV, boosting reception and range. A second Pharos can also be used on the aircraft, quadrocopter or UAV, keeping ground control in aim at all times. The Pharos is also circular-polarized, granting immunity to polarization losses and multipathing signals, an optimum choice for challenging environments.
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Comments
The technical data is pretty limited, but based on what I see and data available, I don't think it is a "beam shaping 'radio'" As well as the statement on their web site: "high gain beam and keeps it always pointed to the drone control station" doesn't seem correct. It looks like an antenna diversity radio (just like RFD900+ The only difference is that they use 4 or 5 circular polarized patch antennas instead of 2 omnis. It is interesting they don't advertise radiated power. It would be interesting to know. Another issue is that by switching from 900Mhz to 5.8Ghz at longer distances you pretty much loose all the benefits of the higher gain antennas due to the free space path loss
EIRP?
Interesting news.
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