RFD900 Telemetry: http://store.jdrones.com/jD_RD900_Telemetry_Bindle_p/rf900set01.htm
During the USA trip I'll need extra telemetry range for emergency landing situations, aircraft recovery, poor transmitting environments, etc. While the 3DR radio has performed very well, the airplane's cruise speed would allow it to be out of range in less than a minute if it were to fly away from the ground station. To remedy this, JDrones sent me their RFD900 transceiver set which not only operates at 10x the transmitting power, but features the identical software and set up as the 3DR modules, meaning they are plug and play.
The 3DR modules lost more than 60% of their signal at about 2.5km from the ground station, and received sporadic transmissions up to 4.5km away.
The RFD900 modules dramatically outperformed it by transmitting 99%+ signal strength at almost 5km, while banking at 40 degrees. Amazing.
See you next week!
-Trent
Safety Statement: This flight was very unusual as I didn't maintain line of sight during the whole flight. I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THIS. I RARELY do this, and only after the absolute strictest of preparation and research. To prepare for remaining safe, I:
-obtained personal permission from a vast majority of property owners (I couldn't reach all of them)
-maintained a continues watch for full scale aircraft, and;
-maintained direct control of the aircraft for the majority of the flight
-this airplane and system has OVER 1,000 MILES of perfect performance, with 90% of it autonomous with this exact set up. It has been tried and proven many, many times, including over 200km of cross country flights
-the autopilot was programmed to continue to fly after a signal loss, which has been tested and proven to perform many, many times
-the flight was over a very open and low populated area, with 99%+ of the area being open fields or trees
-the altitude read over 120m, but elevation increased during flight as I took off out of a low valley. True AGL for the flight is 100-120m.
-avoided all airports and populated areas.
-I've flown at this location 3-5 times a week for the last year. I know it very, very well.
-I conducted test flights with the new set up that I did not show during the video to confirm stable performance
-and many other things to remain as safe and ethical as possible.
Raptor 140b+ Stats:
Weight: 2280g
Max Flight Time: 70min
Max Range: 97km
Stall Speed: 35kph
Cruise Speed: 90kph
Max Speed: 135kph
Radio Range: 1.5km
Energy Carried: 167wh (15,000mAh at 11.1v)
Drive Power: 850w
Total Flight Time on Craft: 7.0 hours
Total Flight Distance on Craft: 498km
The equipment used---
Raptor 140 airplane: http://store.mygeekshow.com/product-p/raptor-140-kit.htm
Radio Tx: ParkeFlyer Turnigy 9x Tx: http://parkeflyer.com/
Telemtry: 915mhz 100mW 3DR http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-mhz
Laptop: Compaq Presario CG57
GPS Dongle: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000PKX2KA/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?redirect=true&ref_=oh_details_o02_s00_i00
Flight Controller: APM2.6 https://store.3drobotics.com/products/apm-2-6-kit-1
Reciever: 6ch FlySky http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-r6b-receiver.html
Telemtry: 915mhz 100mW 3DR http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-mhz
Battery: (3) 5.0Ah 20C Lipo: http://store.mygeekshow.com/product-p/5ah-3s-battery.htm
ESC: 60A Brushless http://store.mygeekshow.com/product-p/60a-esc.htm
Motor: 3542 1450kv brushless http://store.mygeekshow.com/product-p/1450kv-3542-motor.htm
Prop: 10x7 Carbon Fiber Folding http://www.hobby-lobby.com/10x7_carbon_fiber_cam_blade_798_prd1.htm
Servos: 11g digital http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=42620
Onboard camera: http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-V2-Lens-D-808-Key-Chain-Video-Camera-/380627482427?#ht_5755wt_1149
Learn More:
Raptor Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/theairplanes/Raptor140.html
USA Trip Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/usatrip/
Follow the Show:
Website: http://www.mygeekshow.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MyGeekShow
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mygeekshow
Google+:http://plus.google.com/116950154481685699344
Skype: MyGeekShow
UStream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mygeekshow
Filmed, Edited, Produced and Published by Trent in Arkansas, USA
Comments
I'm sorry I can't help but chuckle about the "don't try this at home" type statement, followed by "I only break the law when..." statement, concluding with the "remaining ethical" while breaking the law. It's funny how anyone can justify their actions to themselves and feel good about it.
Uhmm if anything fails it should trigger RH and that's it. No need to have two separate systems. I wouldn't say it's redundancy, but rather overcomplicating things, extra weight and power consumption.
I thought more of a complementary system:
Legal Dataradio + antenna tracker + a "wireless phone line"
It is more unlikely to have a complete fail on all lines. The cellular is just a backup and the drone will try to phone home if signals are lost - if that fails, continue mission or self destruct...
@Tridge. Does your cautionary comment about powering the RFD900 apply to the Pixhawk as well as the APM2.x? My understanding is that the power supply for the Pixhawk would automatically roll over to the output rail if the power brick became overloaded. I've been flying my RFD900 at +30dB without any problem but perhaps I'm walking on the edge.
I suspect that cell signal will be better than on ground. I am surprised that there are still places that have 'weak or no cell service' - it's 21st century for god's sake
Toby: Yes, let us know your testing results! I'm so impressed with the performance of all this equipment in general.
Tridge: Thank you for the warning! I'm unsure how to power it separately, I assume two of the wires are + and -, and I can just divert those to a 5.5v power source? Thank you for the tips. As always, super helpful!
mP1: I've though of that too! Almost like an onboard tracker...
Qaudzimodo: Thank you for the link! I'm looking at it now. Glad to hear about the certifications, that would add some peace to this discussion : )
Jani: Thank you again for your support! I'm still totally blown away.
Crashpilot1000: Yeah, a phonedrone would be awesome to use. My only concern is that certain locations on our trip will have weak or no cell service. They are a bit bulky and power thirsty, but I've got a big wing to embed it in, and the power demands are less than 0.8% of my total system draw at cruise.
Good to see some long range telemetry in use. Though I've been wondering for a while - isn't it just cheaper to use a gsm modem ?
Despite the legal aspects it may be smarter for your long distance flight attempt to have a groundstation with high gain Antennas and an Antennatracking system. Bulky and powerconsuming stuff is maybe not the best thing on your plane. On the other hand concerning your attempt and considering the part of the world you are flying in, it may be reasonable to have a datadevice that can use the mobile phone network with an own telephone number.
@Quadzimodo, Seppo knows about this blogposting and also youtube video as he is one of my good friend and we are working almost everyday with him.
Yes there is another model which is smaller but that does not give to you that high range as normal RFD900. And there are few other models coming later on.
We will have smaller modems enclosed soon too.
@Trent, it's always really nice to watch your great videos... Keep up the good work.
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