RFD900X 900MHz Ultra Long Range up to 40KM Radio Data Modem with Antenna for APM PIX Flight Controller

RFD900X is a long range data telemetry modem operating in the 902-928MHz ISM band. Operating at 1W transmission power, it is capable of holding a data link at over 40km. Compatible with APM 2.x and Pixhawk.

The RFD900x is a high performance 900MHz, ISM band radio modem covering the 902 – 928 MHz frequency band. It is designed for long range serial communications applications requiring best in class radio link performance.

New Features for the X series:

• New Processor, ARM 32 bit core.
• Air data rate: 500kbit/s.
• AES Hardware accelerated encryption. *Fully working*
• RC PPM Passthrough with telemetry at the same time.
• GPIO Pin Mirroring – see datasheet for more.
• Original SiK point to point firmware implemented.
• Asynchronous multipoint firmware, *Beta release*

Key Features:

• 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, high IP3.
• RX SAW filter.
• Passive front end band pass filter.
• Fully ESD protected + filtered – Every IO port is protected and filtered.
• Re implemented SiK and Multipoint SiK firmware, field upgradeable, easy to configure.
• Small, light weight.
• License free use in Australia, Canada, USA, NZ.
• Note: Not air-compatible with older “+” series modems with current software.

Compliance:

The RFD900 is designed to be compliant with the following standards:

• FCC Part 15.247 (Frequency hopping and digitally modulated intentional radiators)
• AS/NZS 4268:2012 (Radio equipment and systems – short range devices)

Specifications:

• Frequency Range:  902 – 928 MHz (USA) / 915 – 928 MHz (Australia) / 868 – 870 (European Band)
• Output Power: 1W (+30dBm), controllable in 1dB steps ( +/- 1dB @ <20dBm, +/- 0.5dB >=20dBm typical )
• Air Data transfer rates: 4, 64, 128, 250, 500 kbit/sec ( 64k/128k default )
• UART data transfer rates: 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 baud , and higher. ( 57600/115200 default )
• 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.

Interfaces:

• RF : 2 x RP-SMA antenna connectors – it is OK to have only one antenna connected
• Serial: Logic level RS232 (+3.3v nominal, +5v tolerant)
• Power: +5v, ~800mA max peak (at maximum transmit power)
• GPIO: 6 General purpose IO (Digital, ADC, PWM capable).

The following cable from FTDI is compatible with the RFD900 modem. Pin 1 of the FTDI cable connects to Pin 1 of the RFD900 header.
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Cables/DS_TTL-232R_CABLES.pdf 

To power the modem from the +5V USB power, a jumper is needed between pins 4 and 6.
To power the modem from an external +5V supply, connect power to pins 2 and 4.