RFD900X Radio Range

Hardware Radios
1

RFD900x Link Optimization

Hello, sorry if there’s been a post about this before that I’ve overlooked. I’m working on optimizing an RFD900x telemetry link for maximum range and link reliability on a UAV platform using a Pixhawk Cube Orange+ flight controller. I’ve attached .bin logs and full parameter files for reference.

The main issue that I am having is that there are signal drops even with the drone being somewhat close (within 100m) to the GCS side and with a pretty good line of sight. On the GCS side, I’ve tried to implement a Yagi antenna with an omnidirectional backup that could just follow the drone along, and it’s helped somewhat, but not enough to give full confidence. On the drone side, there are two omnidirectional antennas.

Are there any parameter changes that anyone has had success with? The hope is to eventually have this drone travel to a distance of up to 2 - 3 km. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Param and .bin

Current Radio Configuration on the drone:

  • Airspeed: 64 kbps

  • Serial baud: 57 kbps

  • Frequency band: 902–920 MHz

  • Channel count: 22

  • Duty cycle: 100%

  • TX Power: 30 dBm

  • AES: Enabled

  • MAVLink framing: Enabled

  • Max window: 131ms

  • Airframe length: 120 bytes

  • Antenna mode: 1 & 2 (diversity)

2

There are reports of users achieving 40km range with those radios.

Make sure they get at least 2A current.

3

On the drone side, the power distribution board can supply the module with enough current. Do you know if it would be useful to ensure it can get that much current on the GCS side as well?

4

Hmmm…something is wrong with your installation, me with the same RFD with stock antenna can deliver 6km, not because of the limitation but only that’s enough for me, and FYI i’m using this RFD not only for telemetry but also for RC Control (RC Override)

this is my setup

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