RFD868+ bundle (legacy product)

This is the ideal solution for long range telemetry or communications. Two RFD868+ modems with included antennas.

NOT COMPATIBLE WITH RFD868x or TXMOD module

Features:

Long range (40km+) depending on antennas and GCS setup
2x RP-SMA RF connectors, diversity switched
1 Watt (+30dBm) transmit power
Low-pass filter on TX
> 20dB Low noise amplifier, high IP3
RX SAW filter
All I/O ESD protected and filtered
Open source SiK firmware (V1.x), easy to configure, field upgradable
Multipoint software capability with MP SiK (V2.x)
Small, light weight
Compatible with 3DR / Hope-RF radio modules

Interfaces:

RF: 2x RP-SMA antenna 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)
Receive Sensitivity: >121 dBm at low data rates
Size: 30 mm (wide) x 57 mm (long) x 12.8 mm (thick) - Including RF Shield, Heatsink and connector extremeties
Weight: 14.5g
Mounting: 3 x M2.5 screws, 3 x header pin solder points
Power Supply: 5 V nominal, (3.5v min, 5.5v max), ~800 mA peak at maximum power
Temp. range: -40 to +85 °C, tested operational from -73 to +123 °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.

Default settings: 57600 baud, N, 8, 1, 64k air data rate
User manual/datasheet: RFD900 Datasheet
Software manual: RFD868/900 Software manual
RFD868/900 configuration tool and firmware repository: RFDesign Files
3DR/RFD868/900 compatible configuration tool: http://vps.oborne.me/3drradioconfig.zip
V1.x (non multipoint) is suitable for point to point links - the sourcecode is located at https://github.com/RFDesign/SiK

Integrated support for configuring the RFD868/900 radios is supported by APM Planner, with other GCS solutions in development.

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 datarates
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 realtime
Automatic duty cycle throttling based on radio temperature to avoid overheating

Compliance:

The RFD868 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)

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.