Difference between revisions of "Modems"

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The Paparazzi autopilot features a 5V tolerant 3V TTL serial port to interface with any common radio modem.  The bidirectional link provides real-time telemetry and in-flight tuning and navigation commands.  The system is also capable overlaying the appropriate protocols to communicate thru non-transparent devices such as the Coronis Wavecard or Maxstream API-enabled products, allowing for hardware addressing for multiple aircraft or future enhancements such as data-relaying, inter-aircraft communication, RSSI signal monitoring and automatic in-flight modem power adjustment.  Below is a list of some of the common modems used with Paparazzi, for details on configuring your modem see the [[Airframe_Configuration#Modem|Airframe Configuration]] page.
The Paparazzi autopilot features a 5V tolerant 3V TTL serial port to interface with any common radio modem.  The bidirectional link provides real-time telemetry and in-flight tuning and navigation commands.  The system is also capable overlaying the appropriate protocols to communicate thru non-transparent devices such as the Coronis Wavecard or Maxstream API-enabled products, allowing for hardware addressing for multiple aircraft or future enhancements such as data-relaying, inter-aircraft communication, RSSI signal monitoring and automatic in-flight modem power adjustment.  Below is a list of some of the common modems used with Paparazzi, for details on configuring your modem see the [[Airframe_Configuration#Modem|Airframe Configuration]] page.


= Digi XBee modules =
== Digi XBee modules ==


There are a couple of different XBee modules available from Digi (formerly Maxstream). Mostly in a PRO (long range) and a standard (low Power) version. Especially interesting for paparazzi are the PRO versions. They are all pin compatible.
There are a couple of different XBee modules available from Digi (formerly Maxstream). Mostly in a PRO (long range) and a standard (low Power) version. Especially interesting for paparazzi are the PRO versions. They are all pin compatible.
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=== Pinout ===
==== Pinout ====


[[Image:Maxstream_Xbee_pinout.jpg|left|thumb|Maxstream XBee pinout]]
[[Image:Maxstream_Xbee_pinout.jpg|left|thumb|Maxstream XBee pinout]]
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== Digi XBee Pro 2.4GHz (802.15.4, "Series 1") ==
=== Digi XBee Pro 2.4GHz (802.15.4, "Series 1") ===


These relatively cheap and light modules implement the [http://www.zigbee.org/en/index.asp ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4] norm. They allow up to 1.6km (1 mile) range (Paparazzi tested to 2.5km (1.5 miles)). The main drawback of using such 2.4Ghz modules for datalink is that it will interfere with the 2.4Ghz analog video transmitters and a inevitable decrease in range when in proximity to any wifi devices. For the plane, get the whip antenna version if you are not planning to build a custom antenna.
These relatively cheap and light modules implement the [http://www.zigbee.org/en/index.asp ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4] norm. They allow up to 1.6km (1 mile) range (Paparazzi tested to 2.5km (1.5 miles)). The main drawback of using such 2.4Ghz modules for datalink is that it will interfere with the 2.4Ghz analog video transmitters and a inevitable decrease in range when in proximity to any wifi devices. For the plane, get the whip antenna version if you are not planning to build a custom antenna.
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=== Documentation ===
==== Documentation ====


* [http://www.maxstream.net/products/xbee/xbee-pro-oem-rf-module-zigbee.php  product page]
* [http://www.maxstream.net/products/xbee/xbee-pro-oem-rf-module-zigbee.php  product page]
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== Digi XBee Pro ZB ==
=== Digi XBee Pro ZB ===


The low-power XBee ZB and extended-range XBee-PRO ZB use the ZigBee PRO Feature Set for advanced mesh networking.
The low-power XBee ZB and extended-range XBee-PRO ZB use the ZigBee PRO Feature Set for advanced mesh networking.
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|}


=== Setup ===
==== Setup ====


For the ZigBee ZNet 2.5 and ZB modules to work one of the modules has to be flashed with the coordinator firmware. All the others in the same PAN can either run as routers or end-devices.
For the ZigBee ZNet 2.5 and ZB modules to work one of the modules has to be flashed with the coordinator firmware. All the others in the same PAN can either run as routers or end-devices.
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* Set a Node Identifier for each module (e.g. ground, aircraft)
* Set a Node Identifier for each module (e.g. ground, aircraft)


=== Documentation ===
==== Documentation ====
* [http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/zigbee-mesh/xbee-zb-module.jsp http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/zigbee-mesh/xbee-zb-module.jsp]
* [http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/zigbee-mesh/xbee-zb-module.jsp http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/zigbee-mesh/xbee-zb-module.jsp]


== Digi XBee Pro 868 ==
=== Digi XBee Pro 868 ===


XBee-PRO 868 modules are long range embedded RF modules for European applications. Purpose-built for exceptional RF performance, XBee-PRO 868 modules are ideal for applications with challenging RF environments, such as urban deployments, or where devices are several kilometers apart.
XBee-PRO 868 modules are long range embedded RF modules for European applications. Purpose-built for exceptional RF performance, XBee-PRO 868 modules are ideal for applications with challenging RF environments, such as urban deployments, or where devices are several kilometers apart.
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=== Documentation ===
==== Documentation ====
* [http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-868.jsp http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-868.jsp]
* [http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-868.jsp http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-868.jsp]




== Digi XBee Pro XSC 900Mhz ==
=== Digi XBee Pro XSC 900Mhz ===


Maxstream has recently announced a promising new line of modems combining the small size and low cost of their popular Xbee line with the long range and 2.4Ghz video compatibility of their high end 900Mhz models.  Sounds like the perfect modem for anyone who can use 900Mhz.  Give them a try and post your results here!
Maxstream has recently announced a promising new line of modems combining the small size and low cost of their popular Xbee line with the long range and 2.4Ghz video compatibility of their high end 900Mhz models.  Sounds like the perfect modem for anyone who can use 900Mhz.  Give them a try and post your results here!
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|}
|}


=== Documentation ===
==== Documentation ====
* [http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-xsc.jsp http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-xsc.jsp]
* [http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-xsc.jsp http://www.digi.com/products/wireless/point-multipoint/xbee-pro-xsc.jsp]


= Maxstream 9XTend =
== Maxstream 9XTend ==


These larger units have been tested on the 900Mhz band, but are also available in 2.4Ghz.  They are a bit on the heavy side, about 20 grams, but give good performance at range.  They have adjustable power settings from 100mW to 1W.  Testing has shown range up to 3.2km (2 miles) with 100mW.
These larger units have been tested on the 900Mhz band, but are also available in 2.4Ghz.  They are a bit on the heavy side, about 20 grams, but give good performance at range.  They have adjustable power settings from 100mW to 1W.  Testing has shown range up to 3.2km (2 miles) with 100mW.
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== Pinout ==
=== Pinout ===


[[Image:Maxstream_9XTend_Pinout.gif|thumb|left|Maxstream 9XTend Pinout]]
[[Image:Maxstream_9XTend_Pinout.gif|thumb|left|Maxstream 9XTend Pinout]]
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<br style="clear:both">
<br style="clear:both">


== Documentation ==
=== Documentation ===


* [http://www.maxstream.net/products/xtend/oem-rf-module.php product page]
* [http://www.maxstream.net/products/xtend/oem-rf-module.php product page]
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* [http://www.maxstream.net/products/xtend/product-manual_XTend_OEM_RF-Module.pdf user manual]
* [http://www.maxstream.net/products/xtend/product-manual_XTend_OEM_RF-Module.pdf user manual]


= Aerocomm =
== Aerocomm ==
Aerocomm's API mode is not yet implemented. Therefore they are used in transparent mode. Users are reporting these modems cause more interference with GPS reception then the Maxstream modem.
Aerocomm's API mode is not yet implemented. Therefore they are used in transparent mode. Users are reporting these modems cause more interference with GPS reception then the Maxstream modem.


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== AC4868-250 ==
=== AC4868-250 ===
* Frequency Band 868MHz (For Europe).
* Frequency Band 868MHz (For Europe).
* Output Power (w/ 2dBi antenna) 250 mW  
* Output Power (w/ 2dBi antenna) 250 mW  
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== AC4790-200 ==
=== AC4790-200 ===
* Frequency 902-928MHz (North America, Australia, etc).
* Frequency 902-928MHz (North America, Australia, etc).
* Output Power 5-200mW
* Output Power 5-200mW
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== AC4790-1000 ==
=== AC4790-1000 ===
* Frequency 902-928MHz (North America, Australia, etc).
* Frequency 902-928MHz (North America, Australia, etc).
* Output Power 5-1000mW
* Output Power 5-1000mW
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== Pinout ==
=== Pinout ===


[[Image:Aerocomm_AC4868_pinout.jpg|thumb|left|Aerocomm AC4868 modem pinout]]
[[Image:Aerocomm_AC4868_pinout.jpg|thumb|left|Aerocomm AC4868 modem pinout]]
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''Note 1 : names are specified with respect to the AEROCOMM module''
''Note 1 : names are specified with respect to the AEROCOMM module''


== Documentation ==
=== Documentation ===
* [http://www.aerocomm.com/rf_transceiver_modules/ac4790_mesh-ready_transceiver.htm AC4790 product page]
* [http://www.aerocomm.com/rf_transceiver_modules/ac4790_mesh-ready_transceiver.htm AC4790 product page]
* [http://www.aerocomm.com/docs/Datasheet_AC4790_HI.pdf AC4790 Datasheet]
* [http://www.aerocomm.com/docs/Datasheet_AC4790_HI.pdf AC4790 Datasheet]
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* [http://www.aerocomm.com/docs/User_Manual_AC4868.pdf AC4868 user manual]
* [http://www.aerocomm.com/docs/User_Manual_AC4868.pdf AC4868 user manual]


= Radiotronix =
== Radiotronix ==
These Radiotronix modems are used in transparent mode. Use the WI232EUR Evaluation Software for configuring the modems for the set speed. Connect /CMD and CTS for programming. The DTS version for the US market might cause severe interference with GPS reception, it is not recommended. For a nice ground station modem just add a FTDI232 USB->serial cable, a 3.3V regulator with 100nF capacitors from supplies to ground, solder a SMA cable/connector and put it in a nice case. Make sure you only connect RTS to /CMD if you want to reprogram the modem with the Evaluation software (see the open jumper connection in the picture, green wire) and leave it floating otherwise as connected RTS/CTS sporadically leads to a reprogramming of the modem. The ANT-GXD105-FME/F from [http://www.roundsolutions.com Roundsolutions] was used as a ground station antenna at many competitions.
These Radiotronix modems are used in transparent mode. Use the WI232EUR Evaluation Software for configuring the modems for the set speed. Connect /CMD and CTS for programming. The DTS version for the US market might cause severe interference with GPS reception, it is not recommended. For a nice ground station modem just add a FTDI232 USB->serial cable, a 3.3V regulator with 100nF capacitors from supplies to ground, solder a SMA cable/connector and put it in a nice case. Make sure you only connect RTS to /CMD if you want to reprogram the modem with the Evaluation software (see the open jumper connection in the picture, green wire) and leave it floating otherwise as connected RTS/CTS sporadically leads to a reprogramming of the modem. The ANT-GXD105-FME/F from [http://www.roundsolutions.com Roundsolutions] was used as a ground station antenna at many competitions.
{|
{|
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== WI232EUR ==
=== WI232EUR ===
* Frequency Band 868MHz (for Europe)
* Frequency Band 868MHz (for Europe)
* Output Power 32 mW  
* Output Power 32 mW  
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|


== Pinout ==
=== Pinout ===


<br style="clear:both">
<br style="clear:both">
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|}
== Documentation ==
=== Documentation ===
* [http://www.radiotronix.com/datasheets/new/eur_um.pdf WI232EUR data sheet]
* [http://www.radiotronix.com/datasheets/new/eur_um.pdf WI232EUR data sheet]
* [http://www.radiotronix.com/datasheets/new/rk-eur_um.pdf WI232EUR user's manual]
* [http://www.radiotronix.com/datasheets/new/rk-eur_um.pdf WI232EUR user's manual]
* [http://www.radiotronix.com/downloads/software/EUR/setup.exe Evaluation software]
* [http://www.radiotronix.com/downloads/software/EUR/setup.exe Evaluation software]


= Bluetooth =
== Bluetooth ==
These modems do not give you a great range but Bluetooth can be found in a lot of recent laptops built-in. Maybe not useful for fixed wing aircrafts it might be used for in-the-shop testing or quadcopters. Make sure you get a recent Class 1 EDR 2.0 stick if you buy one for your computer.
These modems do not give you a great range but Bluetooth can be found in a lot of recent laptops built-in. Maybe not useful for fixed wing aircrafts it might be used for in-the-shop testing or quadcopters. Make sure you get a recent Class 1 EDR 2.0 stick if you buy one for your computer.
{|
{|
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== "Sparkfun" Roving Networks (WRL-08497) ==
=== "Sparkfun" Roving Networks (WRL-08497) ===
* Frequency Band 2.4GHz
* Frequency Band 2.4GHz
* Output Power 32 mW  
* Output Power 32 mW  
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= Coronis WaveCard =
== Coronis WaveCard ==


These relatively inexpensive and light modules implement a Coronis proprietary protocol. Low power consumption - high latency - I would not recommend these modules mostly because of the low quality of the distribution and support. The documentation is rather poor and not easily available.
These relatively inexpensive and light modules implement a Coronis proprietary protocol. Low power consumption - high latency - I would not recommend these modules mostly because of the low quality of the distribution and support. The documentation is rather poor and not easily available.
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== Documentation ==
=== Documentation ===


* [http://www.coronis-systems.com/produit.php?lang=EN&id=WCA  www.coronis-systems.com]
* [http://www.coronis-systems.com/produit.php?lang=EN&id=WCA  www.coronis-systems.com]
* [[Media:CS-COM-SPRD-WAVECARD-E03B.pdf|Wavecard datasheet]]
* [[Media:CS-COM-SPRD-WAVECARD-E03B.pdf|Wavecard datasheet]]


= Video Transmitter Telemetry =
== Video Transmitter Telemetry ==


[[Image:video_tx_small.jpg|thumb|2.4GHz Video Transmitter]]
[[Image:video_tx_small.jpg|thumb|2.4GHz Video Transmitter]]
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<br style="clear:both">
<br style="clear:both">


= Antennas =
== Antennas ==


Here are some examples of lightweight and efficient 868MHz antennas developped by the RF laboratory at ENAC.
Here are some examples of lightweight and efficient 868MHz antennas developped by the RF laboratory at ENAC.

Revision as of 14:34, 10 December 2008

The Paparazzi autopilot features a 5V tolerant 3V TTL serial port to interface with any common radio modem. The bidirectional link provides real-time telemetry and in-flight tuning and navigation commands. The system is also capable overlaying the appropriate protocols to communicate thru non-transparent devices such as the Coronis Wavecard or Maxstream API-enabled products, allowing for hardware addressing for multiple aircraft or future enhancements such as data-relaying, inter-aircraft communication, RSSI signal monitoring and automatic in-flight modem power adjustment. Below is a list of some of the common modems used with Paparazzi, for details on configuring your modem see the Airframe Configuration page.

Digi XBee modules

There are a couple of different XBee modules available from Digi (formerly Maxstream). Mostly in a PRO (long range) and a standard (low Power) version. Especially interesting for paparazzi are the PRO versions. They are all pin compatible. The modules can be used in a transparent mode (as a serial line replacement) or in an API mode.

  • XBee (PRO) ZB (the current series)
  • XBee (PRO) ZNet 2.5 (formerly Series 2) (only legacy -> use XBee-PRO ZB)

The XBee & XBee-PRO ZB share hardware (ember stack) with XBee & XBee-PRO ZNet 2.5. As a result, modules can be "converted" from one platform to another by loading different firmware onto a given module.

These two also share the same hardware and can be converted from one to another by flashing a different firmware:

  • XBee-PRO 802.15.4 (formerly Series 1)
  • XBee-PRO DigiMesh 2.4


WARNING: Products based on XBee ZNet 2.5 (formerly Series 2) modules do not communicate with products based on XBee 802.15.4 (formerly Series 1) modules.


Module Point-to-Multipoint ZigBee/Mesh Hardware Software stack Frequency TX Power normal/PRO Notes
XBee ZB yes Ember EmberZNet PRO 3.1 (ZigBee 2007) 2.4 GHz 2mW/50mW coordinator needed
XBee ZNet 2.5 yes Ember EmberZNet 2.5 ZigBee 2.4 GHz 2mW/50mW (only legacy -> use XBee-PRO ZB) coordinator needed
XBee DigiMesh 2.4 yes ? 2.4 GHz all nodes equal (no special coordinators/routers/end-devices)
XBee 802.15.4 yes ? 2.4 GHz
XBee-PRO 868 yes ? 868 MHz 500mW


Pinout

Maxstream XBee pinout


Xbee 20-pin Header Name Notes Suggested Color
1 +3.3v Power Red
2 DOUT Tx output - connect to Autopilot Rx Green
3 DIN Rx input - connect to Autopilot Tx Blue
10 GND Ground Black

The image view is from above, top, thus NOT at the side where the connector pins come out

Note : DTR and RTS need to be wired for upgrading firmware


Digi XBee Pro 2.4GHz (802.15.4, "Series 1")

These relatively cheap and light modules implement the ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 norm. They allow up to 1.6km (1 mile) range (Paparazzi tested to 2.5km (1.5 miles)). The main drawback of using such 2.4Ghz modules for datalink is that it will interfere with the 2.4Ghz analog video transmitters and a inevitable decrease in range when in proximity to any wifi devices. For the plane, get the whip antenna version if you are not planning to build a custom antenna.

XBee Pro USB Stand-alone Modem (XBP24-PKC-001-UA)
  • Frequency Band 2.4Ghz
  • Output Power 100mW (Xbee Pro)
  • Sensitivity -100 dBm
  • RF Data Rate Up to 250 Kbps
  • Interface data rate Up to 115.2 Kbps
  • Power Draw (typical) 214 mA TX / 55 mA RX
  • Supply Voltage 3.3v
  • Range (typical, depends on antenna & environment) Up to 1500m line-of-sight
  • Dimensions 24 x 33mm
  • Weight 4 grams
  • Interface 20-pin mini connector
  • Chip antenna, ¼ monopole integrated whip antenna or a U.FL antenna connector (3 versions)
  • price : ~32$
XBee Pro OEM Modem


Documentation


Digi XBee Pro ZB

The low-power XBee ZB and extended-range XBee-PRO ZB use the ZigBee PRO Feature Set for advanced mesh networking.

Maxstream XBee Pro ZB
  • Low-cost, low-power mesh networking
  • Interoperability with ZigBee PRO Feature Set devices from other vendors*
  • Support for larger, more dense mesh networks
  • 128-bit AES encryption
  • Frequency agility
  • Over-the-air firmware updates (change firmware remotely)
  • ISM 2.4 GHz operating frequency
  • XBee: 2 mW (+3 dBm) power output (up to 400 ft RF LOS range)
  • XBee-PRO: 50 mW (+17 dBm) power output (up to 1 mile RF LOS range)
  • RPSMA connector, U.FL connector, Chip antenna, or Wired Whip antenna
  • price : ~34 USD

Setup

For the ZigBee ZNet 2.5 and ZB modules to work one of the modules has to be flashed with the coordinator firmware. All the others in the same PAN can either run as routers or end-devices.

  • Flash one module (ground station) with the coordinator AT firmware
  • Flash aircraft module with router or end-device AT firmware
  • Set PAN ID to some unique (but same) ID on both modules
  • Set a Node Identifier for each module (e.g. ground, aircraft)

Documentation

Digi XBee Pro 868

XBee-PRO 868 modules are long range embedded RF modules for European applications. Purpose-built for exceptional RF performance, XBee-PRO 868 modules are ideal for applications with challenging RF environments, such as urban deployments, or where devices are several kilometers apart.

Maxstream XBee Pro 868
  • 868 MHz short range device (SRD) G3 band for Europe
  • Software selectable Transmit Power
  • 40 km RF LOS w/ dipole antennas
  • 80 km RF LOS w/ high gain antennas (TX Power reduced)
  • Simple to use peer-to-peer/point-to-mulitpoint topology
  • 128-bit AES encryption
  • 500 mW EIRP
  • 24 kbps RF data rate
  • price : ~70 USD


Documentation


Digi XBee Pro XSC 900Mhz

Maxstream has recently announced a promising new line of modems combining the small size and low cost of their popular Xbee line with the long range and 2.4Ghz video compatibility of their high end 900Mhz models. Sounds like the perfect modem for anyone who can use 900Mhz. Give them a try and post your results here!

Maxstream XBee Pro XSC
  • Frequency Band 900Mhz
  • Output Power 100mW
  • Sensitivity -100 dBm
  • Data Rate: 9600 bps
  • Range (typical, depends on antenna & environment) Up to 24km (15 miles) line-of-sight
  • Interface 20-pin mini connector (Xbee compatible pinout)
  • RPSMA, integrated whip antenna or U.FL antenna connector (3 versions)
  • price : ~75 USD

Documentation

Maxstream 9XTend

These larger units have been tested on the 900Mhz band, but are also available in 2.4Ghz. They are a bit on the heavy side, about 20 grams, but give good performance at range. They have adjustable power settings from 100mW to 1W. Testing has shown range up to 3.2km (2 miles) with 100mW.

9XTend USB Modem
  • Frequency Band 900Mhz and 2.4Ghz (2 versions)
  • Output Power 1mW to 1W software selectable
  • Sensitivity -110 dBm (@ 9600 bps)
  • RF Data Rate 9.6 or 115.2 Kbps
  • Interface data rate up to 230.4 Kbps
  • Power Draw (typical) 730 mA TX / 80 mA RX
  • Supply Voltage 2.8 to 5.5v
  • Range (typical, depends on antenna & environment) Up to 64km line-of-sight
  • Dimensions 36 x 60 x 5mm
  • Weight 18 grams
  • Interface 20-pin mini connector
  • RF connector RPSMA (Reverse-polarity SMA) or MMCX (2 versions)
  • price : ~179 USD
9XTend OEM Modem

Pinout

Maxstream 9XTend Pinout
9XTend 20-pin Header Name Tiny Serial-1 Header Notes
1 GND 1 (GND) Ground
2 VCC N/A (requires 5V) 5V power (150mA - 730mA Supplied from servo bus or other 5V source)
5 RX 8 (TX) 3-5V TTL data input - connect to Tiny TX
6 TX 7 (RX) 5V TTL data output - connect to Tiny RX
7 Shutdown N/A (requires 5V) Permanently connect this pin to the 5V bus for normal operation

Notes:

  • 9XTend can run on voltages as low as 2.8V but users are strongly advised against connecting any modem (especially high power models) to the sensitive 3.3V bus supplying the autopilot processor and sensors.


Documentation

Aerocomm

Aerocomm's API mode is not yet implemented. Therefore they are used in transparent mode. Users are reporting these modems cause more interference with GPS reception then the Maxstream modem.

How to use this modem on ground station side? [1]

AC4868-250

  • Frequency Band 868MHz (For Europe).
  • Output Power (w/ 2dBi antenna) 250 mW
  • Sensitivity (@ full RF data rate) -103 dB
  • RF Data Rate Up to 28.8 Kbps
  • INterface Data Rate Up to 57.6 Kbps
  • Power Draw (typical) 240 mA TX / 36 mA RX
  • Supply Voltage 3.3v & 5V or 3.3v only
  • Range (typical, depends on antenna & environment) Up to 15 kilometers line-of-sight
  • Dimensions 49 x 42 x 5mm
  • Weight < 21 grams
  • Interface 20-pin mini connector
  • Antenna MMCX jack Connector
  • price : ~80$
Aerocomm USB Stand-alone Modem

AC4790-200

  • Frequency 902-928MHz (North America, Australia, etc).
  • Output Power 5-200mW
  • Sensitivity (@ full RF data rate) -110dB
  • RF Data Rate up to 76.8 Kbps
  • INterface Data Rate Up to Up to 115.2 Kbps
  • Power Draw (typical) 68 mA
  • Supply Voltage 3.3v & 5.5V
  • Range (typical, depends on antenna & environment) Up to 6.4 kilometers line-of-sight
  • Dimensions 42 x 48 x 5mm
  • Weight < 20 grams
  • Interface 20-pin mini connector
  • Antenna MMCX jack Connector or internal
  • price : ~80$
AC4868 OEM Modem

AC4790-1000

  • Frequency 902-928MHz (North America, Australia, etc).
  • Output Power 5-1000mW
  • Sensitivity (@ full RF data rate) -99dB
  • RF Data Rate up to 76.8 Kbps
  • INterface Data Rate Up to Up to 115.2 Kbps
  • Power Draw (typical) 650 mA
  • Supply Voltage 3.3V only
  • Range (typical, depends on antenna & environment) Up to 32 kilometers with high-gain antenna
  • Dimensions 42 x 48 x 5mm
  • Weight < 20 grams
  • Interface 20-pin mini connector
  • Antenna MMCX jack Connector
  • price : ~80$

Pinout

Aerocomm AC4868 modem pinout
Aerocomm AC4490 wiring example


Wiring the Aerocomm AC4868 to the Tiny
AC4868 20-pin Header Name Color Tiny Serial-1 Notes
2 Tx green 7 (Note 1)
3 Rx blue 8 (Note 1)
5 GND black 1 -
10+11 VCC red 2 +3.3v
17 C/D white 3 Low = Command High = Data

Note 1 : names are specified with respect to the AEROCOMM module

Documentation

Radiotronix

These Radiotronix modems are used in transparent mode. Use the WI232EUR Evaluation Software for configuring the modems for the set speed. Connect /CMD and CTS for programming. The DTS version for the US market might cause severe interference with GPS reception, it is not recommended. For a nice ground station modem just add a FTDI232 USB->serial cable, a 3.3V regulator with 100nF capacitors from supplies to ground, solder a SMA cable/connector and put it in a nice case. Make sure you only connect RTS to /CMD if you want to reprogram the modem with the Evaluation software (see the open jumper connection in the picture, green wire) and leave it floating otherwise as connected RTS/CTS sporadically leads to a reprogramming of the modem. The ANT-GXD105-FME/F from Roundsolutions was used as a ground station antenna at many competitions.

WI232EUR

  • Frequency Band 868MHz (for Europe)
  • Output Power 32 mW
  • RF Data Rate Up to 76.8 kbps
  • Interface Data Rate up to 115.2 kbps
  • Power Draw (typical) 65 mA TX / 20 mA RX
  • Supply Voltage 3.3v
  • Range (typical, depends on antenna & environment) 500 meters line-of-sight
  • Dimensions 24 x 21 x 4mm
  • Weight ~2 grams
  • Interface solder connector
  • Antenna solder connector
  • price : ~25$
WI232EUR Modem (picture shows connection to Tiny 1.1)

Pinout


Wiring the WI232EUR to the Tiny
WI232 pins Name Tiny Serial-1 Notes
6 TxD 7 (Note 1)
5 RxD 8 (Note 1)
15-18 GND 1 -
19 VCC 2 +3.3v
4 /CMD - (Note 2)
7 CTS - (Note 3)

Note 1 : names are specified with respect to the Radiotronix module

Note 2 : connect to RTS to program device with Evaluation software

Note 3 : connect to CTS to program device with Evaluation software

WI232EUR Modem in BOPLA case

Documentation

Bluetooth

These modems do not give you a great range but Bluetooth can be found in a lot of recent laptops built-in. Maybe not useful for fixed wing aircrafts it might be used for in-the-shop testing or quadcopters. Make sure you get a recent Class 1 EDR 2.0 stick if you buy one for your computer.

"Sparkfun" Roving Networks (WRL-08497)

  • Frequency Band 2.4GHz
  • Output Power 32 mW
  • RF Data Rate up to ~300 kbps in SPP
  • Interface Data Rate up to 921 kbps
  • Power Draw (typical) 50 mA TX / 40 mA RX
  • Supply Voltage 3.3v
  • Range (typical, depends on antenna & environment) 100 meters line-of-sight
  • Dimensions 26 x 13 x 2mm
  • Weight ~1.5 grams
  • Interface solder connector
  • price : ~45$
Roving Networks modem wiring

To connect to it, get the MAC address of the bluetooth modem 

me@mybox:~$ hcitool scan
Scanning ...
       00:06:66:00:53:AD       FireFly-53AD

and make a virtual connection to a Bluetooth serial port 

sudo rfcomm bind 0  00:06:66:00:53:AD

now you can use Bluetooth as /dev/rfcomm0 with the Paparazzi 'link'. You might need to restart 'link' in case you get out of range and it disconnects (tbd). Set the Tiny serial speed to 115200 as the modules come preconfigured to that.

Coronis WaveCard

These relatively inexpensive and light modules implement a Coronis proprietary protocol. Low power consumption - high latency - I would not recommend these modules mostly because of the low quality of the distribution and support. The documentation is rather poor and not easily available.

Suport for these modems has been removed from the airborne code on Dec 10th, 2007.

  • Frequency Band 400MHz, 868Mhz and 915MHz (3 versions)
  • Output Power 25mW and 500mW (2 versions)
  • Sensitivity -110 dBm (@ 9600 bps)
  • Data Rate 100 Kbps
  • Power Draw (typical) 45mA (25mW), 450mA (500mW) TX / 15 mA RX
  • Supply Voltage ...
  • Range (typical, depends on antenna & environment) Up to 1km (25mW) , 5km (500mW) line-of-sight
  • Dimensions 30 x 28 x 7mm (25mW), 37 x 30 x 7mm (500mW)
  • 50 ohm RF port for antenna connection

Coronis Wavecard

Documentation

Video Transmitter Telemetry

2.4GHz Video Transmitter

In order for the UAV to transmit video from an onboard camera, a video transmitter is needed. These vary in power, and thus range, and run normally on 2.4Ghz. Small UAVs can get about 600m of range from the 50mW version, and extended range can be achieved using units up to 1W. Weight for these units varies from a couple grams to about 30 for the 1W with shielding. Please check for your countries regulations on 2.4Ghz transmission, as each is different.

Antennas

Here are some examples of lightweight and efficient 868MHz antennas developped by the RF laboratory at ENAC.

868MHz copper foil antenna attached to the aircraft tail
868MHz copper foil antenna bottom view
868MHz ground antenna


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