RFD868+Bundle

RFDesign RFD868+ Modem Bundle (Discontinued)

The RFD868+ Bundle is a high-performance, long-range radio data transmission device designed by RF Design which capable of transmitting data over 40km.

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Features:

• Long range >40km depending on antennas and GCS setup2 x RP-SMA RF connectors, diversity switched.
• 1 Watt (+30dBm) transmit power.
• Transmit low pass filter.
• > 20dB Low noise amplifier, high IP3 (Updated on RFD868+)
• RX SAW filter.
• All I/O ESD protected and filtered (New on RFD868+)
• Open source firmware SiK (V1.x) / tools, field upgradeable, easy to configure.
• Multipoint software capability with MP SiK (V2.x)
• Small, light weight.
• Compatible with 3DR / Hope-RF radio modules.

For different versions of RF Design Telemetry, please check World Drone Market.

Interfaces:

• RF : 2 x RP-SMA connectors
• Serial: Logic level TTL (+3.3v nominal, +5v tolerant)
• Power: +5v, ~800mA max peak (at maximum transmit power)
• GPIO: 6 General purpose IO (Digital, ADC, PWM capable).

Specifications:

• Frequency Range:  868 – 869 MHz
• Output Power: 1W (+30dBm), controllable in 1dB steps ( +/- 1dB @=20dBm typical )
• Air Data transfer rates: 4, 8, 16, 19, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 128, 192 and 250 kbit/sec ( User selectable, 64k default )
• UART data transfer rates: 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 baud  ( User selectable, 57600 default )
• Output Power: 1W (+30dBm)
• Receive Sensitivity: >121 dBm at low data rates, high data rates (TBA)
• Size: 30 mm (wide) x 57 mm (long) x 12.8 mm (thick) – Including RF Shield, Heatsink and connector extremities
• Weight: 14.5g
• Mounting: 3 x M2.5 screws, 3 x header pin solder points
• Power Supply: +5 V nominal, (+3.5 V min, +5.5 V max), ~800 mA peak at maximum power
• Temp. Range: -40 to +85 deg C, tested operational from -73 to +123 deg C.

Software / GCS Support:

Note: Firmware for the RFD868 is the same as RFD900, the board identity is defined in the bootloader.  The correct file to upgrade a RFD868 is RFDSik Vx.xx rfd900p.ihx

The software solution is an open source development called “SiK” originally by Mike Smith and improved upon by Andrew Tridgell and RFDesign. A boot loader and interface is available for further development and field upgrade of the modem firmware via the serial port.

Most parameters are configurable via AT commands, Eg. baud rate (air/uart), frequency band, power levels, etc., please see the 3DR wiki for commands below for now.

V2.x firmware has been updated to support multipoint networking on the RFD868/900.

V1.x (non-multipoint) is suitable for point to point links – the source code is located at:  https://github.com/RFDesign/SiK

A software manual for SiK firmware is here : RFD868 Software manual

RFD868+ telemetry modem configuration tool and firmware repository: RFDesign Files

3DR/RFD900 compatible configuration tool : http://vps.oborne.me/3drradioconfig.zip

Integrated support for configuring the RFD868+ radios is supported by APM Planner, with other GCS solutions in development.

The default settings are at 57600 baud, N, 8, 1, and 64k air data rate.

For product installation and configuration, please check RFD868 user manual

Software features include:

• Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)
• Transparent serial link
• Point to Point, or Multipoint networking
• Configuration by simple AT commands for local radio, RT commands for remote radio
• User configurable serial data rates and air data rates
• Error correction routines, Mavlink protocol framing (user selectable)
• Mavlink radio status reporting (Local RSSI, Remote RSSI, Local Noise, Remote Noise)
• Automatic antenna diversity switching on a packet basis in real time
• Automatic duty cycle throttling based on radio temperature to avoid overheating

Compliance:

The modem is designed for system integrators who will integrate the modem into their own projects and product prototypes.  The user is responsible for compliance with local regulations for radio transmitters.