www.rfdesign.com.au
RFD TX Pole
User’s Manual
RFDesign Pty Ltd
7/1 Stockwell Place
Archerfield, QLD 4108
rfdesign.com.au
RFD Tx Pole User Manual
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Table of contents
Revision History ...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Features .................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Applications ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Typical Application Diagram ................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Description .............................................................................................................................. 2
1.5 Package Contents .................................................................................................................... 2
1.6 Getting to know the product .................................................................................................. 3
2 Getting Started ................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Quick start ............................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Wi-Fi Configuration ................................................................................................................. 7
2.3 Tx Pole Internal RFD900x Modem settings ........................................................................... 10
2.4 Firmware Update .................................................................................................................. 12
2.5 Vehicle Modem ..................................................................................................................... 13
3 Applications ................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Ground Control Station ......................................................................................................... 15
4 Antenna Recommendation ........................................................................................................... 16
5 Technical Specifications ................................................................................................................ 17
5.1 Power Consumption ............................................................................................................. 17
5.2 Modem Specification ............................................................................................................ 17
5.3 WiFi Specifications ................................................................................................................ 18
5.4 Module Compliance .............................................................................................................. 19
5.5 Physical Dimensions .............................................................................................................. 20
6 Useful Links ................................................................................................................................... 21
7 Harnesses Pinout .......................................................................................................................... 21
7.1 HRN-01-A - Desktop Harness (1.5m) ..................................................................................... 22
7.2 HRN-01-B – External Mast Harness (5m) .............................................................................. 23
Revision History
Version
Date
Changes
1
30 - 05 - 2019
DRAFT prototype release
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1.Introduction
1.1 Features
• Long range using RFD900x telemetry modem
• WiFi host or client
• Easy configuration by web-based wizard
• TCP and UDP packet format support
• Wide range 9 to 16 V input supply
• Built-in battery
• Expandable I/O port
• IP66 rated enclosure
1.2 Applications
• Ground Control Station (GCS) telemetry
gateway over Wi-Fi
• Long range remote control (RC) via PPM
• Permanent field installations
• Long range backbone for remotely deployed
sensors and controls
• Remote messaging network
1.3 Typical Application Diagram
1.4 Description
The RFD Tx Pole is a rugged data and control
system for long term outdoor deployment.
Providing long range connection through RFD
900x long range modem the system can be used
for functions ranging from messaging to sensor
monitoring or equipment controls.
The wide range of supported input voltages and
internal battery system accommodates a wide
range of power solutions. The heavy duty sealed
enclosure protects the system in punishing
outdoor conditions. The module’s built-in Wi-Fi
allows for simple webpage based configuration
of the system even in the most inaccessible
installations.
1.5 Package Contents
• Tx Pole
• (x2) 900MHz 3dBi Dipole Antenna (RPSMA)
• 2.4GHz 5dBi Dipole Antenna (RPSMA)
• Mounting bracket kit
• 5m pole mounting harness
• Power cable
Figure 1 - Typical Application Diagram.
**Only necessary when
Tx Pole is to be charged.
*Only necessary for
antenna diversity.
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1.6 Getting to know the product
8
3
4
6
7
5
2
1
Figure 2 - TX Pole product parts description
Table 1 - TX Module Description
# Description /Note
1
WiFi Antenna
Port
Female RPSMA antenna connector. Connect an antenna matched to the
2.4 GHz ISM band. For antenna recommendations go to section 4.
2
Modem
Antenna
Ports (x2)
Female RPSMA antenna connector. Connect an antenna matched to the
902-928MHz ISM band. For antenna recommendations go to section 4. Ise
of both antennas provides antenna diversity operation.
3
Status LED
Red
Solid
Low battery warning / no Wi-Fi connection.
Blinking
Battery low / connected (alternating with blue or
green)
Green
Solid
Station (STA) mode
Blinking
Connected while in STA mode
Blue
Solid
Access Point (AP) mode
Blinking
Connected while in AP mode
4
Heat
Dissipater
Do not cover this side of the product to ensure efficient heat removal.
5
Expansion
Connector
Not implemented – Reserved for future models
6
Main
Connector
External supply connector to power and/or charge device. Two different
harnesses can be used depending on application. Refer to section 7 for more
information about the harnesses. For connector pinout refer to table 2.
7 Mode
Button
Press for 1s while
device is OFF
Turn on the device.
Hold for 5 seconds
Turn off the device.
Press 5 times
within 5 seconds
Perform a factory reset.
7
Mounting
Mechanism
A kit with a variety of mounting mechanisms is supplied with the Tx Pole. Use
the enclosure mounting holes to attach the one that best suits your
application.
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Table 2 – Main connector pinout
PINOUT
PIN
Name
I/O
Description
Face view
1
OPTO_OUT_PWR_P
O
Output optocoupler, drain
2
GND
-
Ground
3
ESP_RX0
I
ESP receive serial 0
4
+V_PLUG
-
Device external supply with priority
over internal battery.
5
OPTO_OUT_PWR_N
O
Output optocoupler, source
6
ESP_TX0
O
ESP transmit serial 0
7
ESP_EN_BOOT
I
Connect to GND during power up to
enter ESP bootloader.
8
EXT_ON_N
I
A switch can be connected across
EXT_ON_P and EXT_ON_N to turn on
the device while mounted far up to a
pole.
9
EXT_ON_P
I
10
GND
-
Ground
Table 3 - Expansion connector pinout – Reserved for future models
PINOUT
PIN
Name
I/O
Description
Face view
1
NC - Not connected.
2
NC - Not connected.
3
NC - Not connected.
4
NC - Not connected.
5
NC - Not connected.
6
NC - Not connected.
7
NC - Not connected.
8
NC - Not connected.
9
NC - Not connected.
10
NC - Not connected.
Table 4 - Power Supply Ratings
Parameter
Minimum
Maximum
Units
Supply Voltage (+V_PLUG relative to GND)
+9
+16
V
DC Plug Current Consumption (I _PLUG)
0.12
3*
A
*Maximum current consumption occurs when internal modem constantly transmits and internal battery is being charged.
For further detail about power consumption depending on mode of operation, see section 5.1.
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2 Getting Started
2.1 Quick start
The Tx Pole has two communication links that require configuration before operation: WiFi and
900 MHz telemetry. The easiest way to set up your TX Pole for its initial use is through the ‘First Run
Wizard' as explained in this section. Further configuration will be explained in detail in sections 2.2
and 2.3.
Ensure the Tx Pole is charged or it is being supplied externally via the main connector. Power up the
device by pressing the case button for at least 1 second or connect the EXT_ON_N and EXT_ON_P
wires together on the power / interface cable.
The system defaults to be a Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) and uses 192.168.4.1 as its IP address. Use your
computer or smart device to search for and connect to the access point WiFi network generated by
the Tx Pole (SSID: TXPOLE-XX-XX-XX, Password: txpole123 , by default). It may be necessary to disable
mobile data on tablets and phones to force the browser to use the TX Pole network. If the Tx Pole is
properly powered up, but the access point is not visible from your personal device, a factory reset may
help bringing the WiFi settings back to a known state.
Figure 1 - Network settings. A) Windows 10. B) Android.
Once connected to the Tx Pole, point your preferred browser to the device IP address, which by default
is http://192.168.4.1/, to access the configuration homepage of figure 2.
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Click on ‘Go to First Run Wizard!’ button to access the wizard on figure 8 which will guide you through
the steps to get your module ready to use.
Figure 3 - First run wizard
Figure 2 - Configuration homepage.
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To complete the wizard, the remote modem on the aircraft should be powered up, have the same
firmware version and be bound to the Tx Pole. If the remote RFD900x modem is the one supplied
along the Tx Pole, both devices are ready to proceed. If it is not, refer to section 2.5 to flash on the
remote modem the same firmware version being used on the Tx Pole, which is displayed on the
‘Device Info’ section of the homepage interface of figure 2 under ‘Internal modem version:’. If both
firmware versions are already the same, reset remote modem to default settings and the green LED
on the modem should go green indicating it has been bound to the Tx Pole. If that were not case, press
the button on the Tx Pole 5 times rapidly to reset default values. After that, the wizard can be
reengaged.
Follow on-screen instructions and once the wizard is successfully completed, your device is ready to
be used and further configuration is optional.
2.2 Wi-Fi Configuration
It is strongly recommended to change the default Wi-Fi settings to ensure the security of the radio link
and overall system. How to do so is explained throughout this section:
a) Change Network Settings
While on the configuration homepage of figure 2, click on the ‘WiFi/Network Setup’ button, to access
the WiFi settings configuration page of figure 4.
Figure 4 -WiFi settings configuration page.
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The WiFi settings of figure 4 are described in table 5:
Table 5 - WiFi Settings Description
Parameter
Description
WiFi mode
This sets the module to act as an access point (default) or as a station on an existing
access point, such as a home network.
AP SSID
Is the SSID used for creating the Access Point (AP).
AP
Password
This is the password that will be used for the access point. It must be a minimum of
8 character long
WiFi
Channel
Allows the user to set the channel as per the WiFi 802.11 standard definitions. This
can be used as needed to prevent interference or to meet the requirements of the
network that the module is joining. The default is channel 11 a part of the most
commonly used channel set of 1, 6 and 11.
StationSSID
The SSID of the network that the Tx Pole should attempt to join.
Station
Password
The password of the network that the Tx Pole should attempt to join.
Station IP
The static IP address to assign the Tx Pole when joining the network. (Note this may
require appropriate settings to be made on the network router. Once assigned as a
station the landing page for the Tx Pole settings becomes the Station IP address that
was assigned.)
Station
Gateway
The Gateway IP address of the network that the Tx Pole should attempt to join.
Station
Subnet
The Subnet Mask of the network that the Tx Pole should attempt to join as a station.
Host Port
This is the UDP host port number. This is the port that you will direct a connection
to in UDP mode
Client Port
This is the UDP client port number.
Baudrate
Baudrate of the serial link with the modem. It must match the modem serial speed
setting to allow the two to communicate.
After changing the desired settings, press ‘Save Settings’ and power cycle the Tx Pole either by holding
the main button for 5 seconds to power off and then 1 second to power up again, maintaining
EXT_ON_N and EXT_ON_P or by pressing the button ‘Reboot’ of the ‘Advanced options’ on the
configuration interface of figure 2 .
Note that after the changes take place, it might be required to change the network settings saved on
your computer or personal device in order to reconnect to the Tx Pole. It may be required to force the
system to forget the old password/settings and then try to connect again with the new Wi-Fi settings.
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b) Tx Pole as a station
To use the TX Pole on an existing WiFi network to provide telemetry data to a GCS while still allowing
access to the internet, for example to download maps, there are a couple of possible implementations.
Basic users
Windows and Linux users will require the installation of a support software. For Windows, the
Bonjour Service from Apple (https://support.apple.com/kb/DL999?locale=en_US) and for Linux the
Avahi service are suitable. Windows users may also need to use Chrome (or Chrome based) browsers
as this has more consistent interoperability with the Bonjour service.
Once this has been installed, connect to the TX Pole in default AP mode go to WiFi settings and choose
‘Station’ in ‘WiFi Mode’, set the correct SSID (in StationSSID) and password of the network in “Station
Password”, leave “Station IP”, “Station Gateway” and “Station Subnet Mask” as 0.0.0.0 then press
“Save” and finally reboot the device. You can connect now your computer or smart device to the WiFi
network with the name specified on StationSSID in the previous step. On your device open a chrome
based browser and enter the following address http://TXPOLE-XX-XX-XX.local where the Xs are the
same as the Xs in the access point network name. Analogously on Android download Bonjour Browser
app to find and access to the Tx Pole IP address.
Advanced users
The module must be set up by choosing ‘Station’ in ‘WiFi Mode’, set the correct SSID (in StationSSID)
and password of the network in “Station Password”.
You will need to find the Gateway and Subnet mask of the network then to write the appropriate
values in ‘Station Gateway’, ‘Station Subnet’. Assigning the ‘Station IP’ requiring that a static IP is set
on the DHCP server, normally the network router, this is so the device will be at a known address on
the network allowing for the user to connect using this new fixed IP in place of the 192.168.4.1 of
access point mode. Network information such as the Subnet Mask and Gateway address can be found
on a network connected device. For instance, in windows launch a command prompt, type ‘ipconfig’
and press enter. Information similar to figure 5 will be shown. In linux based devices typing ‘ifconfig’
to the terminal should give similar results.
Figure 5 – Command Prompt.
Default Gateway ->‘Station Gateway’
Subnet Mask ->‘Station Subnet’
c) WiFi Troubleshooting:
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If you forget your settings or the device is not available on the network, A reset of the TX Pole unit to
its default WiFi settings may be required. This is done by pressing the button 5 times rapidly within 5
seconds. The TX pole unit will then reset to factory default configuration and reboot.
In some cases, user connection settings may prevent devices from accessing the WiFi addresses. It
may therefore be necessary to do some basic troubleshooting such as removing the existing network
settings from the device memory, resetting the wireless adaptor, turn off mobile data and disconnect
other networking devices such as LAN cables. In other cases, running the Windows Network
Diagnostics may help.
2.3 Tx Pole Internal RFD900x Modem settings
A description of the parameters that define the communication between Tx Pole and remote RFD900x
modem is presented in Table 6 - RFD900x parameters. For further information regarding the internal
modem on which the Tx Pole is based on, refer to the RFD900x Peer to Peer Firmware and RFDesign
Modem 900x Datasheet documents using the links in section 6.
Table 6 - RFD900x parameters
Reg
#
S Register
Description
Default
Value
Maximum
Value
Minimum
Value
Must be the same
at both ends of
the link?
S0
FORMAT
This is for EEPROM version, it should not
be changed. It is set by the firmware
Firmware
dependant
N/A
N/A
No
S1
SERIAL_SPEED
Serial speed in ‘one-byte form’.
Accepted values are 1, 2, 4, 9, 19, 38, 57,
115, 230, 460 corresponding to 1200bps,
2400bps, 4800bps, 9600bps, 19200bps,
38400bps, 57600bps, 115200bps,
230400bps, 460800bps and 1000000bps
respectively.
57
10004 1 No
S2
AIR_SPEED
Air data rate in ‘one-byte form’.
Accepted values are 4,64,125,250,500,
750 corresponding to 4000bps,
64000bps, 125000bps, 25000bps,
500000bps and 750000bps respectively.
64
7504 4 Yes
S3
NETID
Network ID. The same on both modems
in the pair
25
255 0 Yes
S4
TXPOWER1
Transmit power in dBm. Maximum is
30dBm
30
30 0 No
S5
ECC2
Enables or disables the Golay error
correcting code. When enabled, it
doubles the over-the-air data usage
0 1 0
Yes
S6
MAVLINK3
Enables or disables the MAVLink framing
and reporting
1 1 0
No
S7
OP_RESEND
0 1 0
No
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Opportunistic resend allows the node to
resend packets if it has spare bandwidth
S8
MIN_FREQ
Min frequency in KHz
915000
/8680005
927000
/8690005
902000
/8680005
Yes
S9
MAX_FREQ
Max frequency in KHz
928000
/8690005
928000
/8700005
903000
/8690005
Yes
S10
NUM_CHANNELS
Number of frequency hopping channels
20
50 1 Yes
S11
DUTY_CYCLE
The percentage of time to allow transmit
100
100
10
No
S12
LBT_RSSI
Listen before talk threshold
(This parameter shouldn’t be changed)
0
220
25
Yes
S13
RTSCTS
Ready-to-send and Clear-to-send flow
control.
0 1 0
No
S14
Max Window
Max transit window size used to limit
max time/latency if required otherwise
will be set automatically
131
400
20
Yes
S15
Encryption Level
Encryption level 0=off, 1=128bit AES
0 1 0
Yes
S16
R/C input GPIO1.1
Set GPIO 1.1 as R/C(PPM) input
0 1 0
No
S17
R/C output GPIO1.1
Set GPIO 1.1 as R/C(PPM) output
0 1 0
No
S186
ANT_MODE
0= Diversity, 1= Antenna 1 only, 2=
Antenna 2 only, 3= Antenna 1 TX and
antenna 2 RX
0 3 0
No
S196
PKT_DROP_RSSI
Sets a RSSI threshold below which the
packet will be discarded. 0 disables the
feature
0
255 0 No
R0
TARGET_RSSI
Optimal RSSI value to try to sustain (255
disables the feature)
255
50
255
No
R1
HYSTERESIS_RSSI
Amount of change before power levels
altered
50
20
50
No
Notes:
1
When setting up the power level and the frequency band, please check the radiofrequency spectrum plan in your area to operate in
compliance with its legislation.
2
ECC - Software Detection and correction, extra packet information, twice the packet length, is sent to allow the recovery of corrupted
packets.
3
Injects RSSI packet when MAVLink protocol used and heartbeat packet detected.
4
Maximum from version 2.60 onwards
5
868 modems
6
Introduced in V2.55
a) Modifying parameters with the TX Pole web interface
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The settings described in table 6 can be set up on the Tx Pole and on any modem it may be bond to
by using the browser interface. The Tx Pole will appear as local and the aircraft modem as remote.
Click on ‘View/Edit 900x Radio Setup’ to access the modem’s setup interface of figure 6. If the Tx Pole
has not been paired yet with any other modem, the remote side will appear empty and the message
“Sorry no parameters available” will be shown.
Figure 6 – T Pole modem configuration page.
Settings can be refreshed using the ‘Load Fresh Params’ button. Parameters can be adjusted in the
text boxes as required and then applied by means of the ‘Save Params’ button. Changes on the
AIR_SPEED, NETID, TXPOWER, MIN_FREQ, MAX_FREQ and NUM_CHANNELS parameters should be
applied to remote radio settings as well to avoid losing the radio link.
2.4 Firmware Update
Updating the Tx Pole requires two different files; the ‘firmware.bin’ and the ‘spiffs.bin’ files which can
be found through the links in section 6.
Then, on the browser configuration landing page shown in figure 2, select ‘Update Firmware’ and
follow the on-screen commands on figure 7 to flash the *.bin files onto the device. These files should
not be uploaded and flashed simultaneously.
(…)
(…)
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After flashing the ‘spiffs.bin’ file and power-cycling the device, the firmware on the RFD900x modem
inside the module will be automatically updated if required.
Figure 7 - Update page
2.5 Vehicle Modem
If the vehicle modem to be used is the one supplied with the Tx Pole, unless changed by the user, it
will have a compatible firmware version and it will be bound to the modem in the Tx Pole. If that is
the case, the easiest way to configure it is through the browser interface already explained in the
previous section.
On the other hand, if the modem is not the one supplied with the kit or both modems are not bound,
the vehicle modem should be flashed with the same firmware and configured with the same
parameters as the modem on the Tx Pole to ensure a proper communication link. To do so, an FTDI
cable, a jumper and the RFD900 tools or a serial terminal program are needed.
Connect the FTDI cable and the jumper as per figure 8. The black wire of the FTDI, i.e. pin 1, should
connect to pin 1 on the modem and the jumper should connect pins 2 and 3 on the top row together.
Figure 8 - Modem connected to FTDI cable (pins 1,3,5,7,9,11) to enable serial communications. *Jumper (pins 4&6).
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To configure the modem using the RFD900 tools, download and install the software using the links on
section 6 if it is not installed on your computer yet. Launch the program and the configuration interface
of figure 8 should pop-up.
Figure 8 – Vehicle modem configuration on RFD900 tools.
First ensure the firmware on the vehicle modem is the same as the one on the Tx Pole, the version of
which can be obtained in the first page of the browser interface of figure 2. If both versions don’t
match download the one currently in use on the Tx Pole through the links in section 6.
Then on the RFD900 tools click on ‘Upload Firmware’ and choose the *.bin file you just downloaded.
Wait until the process finishes (a message will appear at the bottom of the page) and reboot the
modem. You have successfully updated the firmware.
Then use the interface to configure the parameters described in Table 6 - RFD900x parameters. The
AIR_SPEED, NETID, TXPOWER, MIN_FREQ, MAX_FREQ and NUM_CHANNELS parameters should be
the same as the ones in the Tx Pole modem. When connected directly through the FTDI cable the
vehicle modem will appear as local. If these parameters have been not modified on the Tx Pole side
or they have been reset to default values by pressing the button 5 times rapidly, the easiest way to
configure them on the remote modem is by pressing ‘Reset to Defaults’ button.
Another important step is to set modem GPIO1.1 as a PPM output. This allows the modem pin 15 to
output the PPM stream received from the TX Pole modem. This will be configured automatically by
the First Run Wizard. In case the wizard were not to be used, enable this by checking the
‘CPI1_1R/COUT’ box in any and ensure later on that ‘CPI1_1R/CIN’ is unchecked on the TX Pole. Then
save the settings to upload the configuration onto the modem.
After the modem has been configured correctly it will be able to link with the TX Pole modem,
indicated by a solid green LED on both devices. From this point onwards the FTDI cable is no longer
needed to configure the vehicle modem. Instead this can be done over the air via the TX Pole using
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the browser interface. This only works while the modem in the vehicle and TX Pole are linked as
indicated by a solid green LED.
3 Applications
3.1 Ground Control Station
The immediate application for the Tx Pole is to set up a ground station for unmanned aircraft
applications were long range and reliable communications are a must.
In this scenario, the Tx Pole will allow control of the aircraft from your computer or personal device
and at the same time display on your preferred software the telemetry data received from the aircraft.
In this section, the process is explained using Mission Planner for Windows and Tower for Android.
However, this process can be extrapolated to other software supporting Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
Once the Tx Pole is configured as described throughout section 2, connect your computer or smart
device to the configured WiFi network; that is either the Tx Pole Access Point or the linked network
when using the module as a station. Then open Mission Planner on your computer or Tower App on
your Android device and choose TCP or UDP and press the button “CONNECT” as per figure 10.
Parameters should start loading provided that the Tx Pole is properly bond to the modem on the
aircraft (solid green LED) and both devices are powered up.
Figure 9 - Typical Application Diagram.
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Figure 10 – Mission planner connection options.
Then, when asked for, enter the IP address and port number in the pop-up boxes. Default values in AP
mode are IP 192.168.4.1, TCP port number 23 and UDP 14550. After that, if properly connected,
telemetry data should be available, and the control software should run missions as normal.
Figure 11 - Tower configuration on Android.
4 Antenna Recommendation
The RFD Tx Pole has three antenna connectors: one for the WiFi and two for the 900 MHz
communication link. Any antenna with a male RPSMA fitting and matched to the 2.4 GHz and to the
902-928MHz ISM band respectively can be used, however the ones supplied along with the
Tx Pole and shown in figure 12 are recommended for almost every application. For other antenna
options visit our store at http://store.rfdesign.com.au/.
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Figure 12 – a) 900MHz 3dBi Half Wave Dipole Antenna (RPSMA) , b) Antenna 2.4GHz 5dBi Dipole (RPSMA)
Any of the two 900 MHz antennas can be left unmounted if antenna diversity is not to be used. For
further detail about the diversity options that the modem inside Tx Pole provide, refer to the RFDesign
Modem 900x Datasheet, the link of which can be found in section 6 of this document:
5 Technical Specifications
5.1 Power Consumption
Table 7 – Power Consumption vs Mode of Operation
Mode of operation
Average
Consumption [A]
Expected Battery
Life [Hours]
Modem constantly transmitting while connected via
WiFi in AP
0.53
11
Modem constantly receiving MAVLINK stream while
connected via WiFi in AP
0.2
30
Modem not transmitting (jus bound) and WiFi in AP
0.19
32
Modem not bound (trying to connect) and WiFi in AP
0.18
33
Modem Disconnected
0.12
50
Powered off
19E-6
-
*The product has an internal battery of 6Ah, 7.4 V. Expected battery life assumes no external charge is applied.
Recommended external power supply:
In order to charge the device, an external power supply of +9V to 16V is needed and must be able to
supply at least 2A. If additionally the device is to be used while charging, the power supply must supply
the nominal current consumption. For this reason a power supply of +9V to 16V and 3A is
recommended.
5.2 Modem Specification
Table 8- Performance
Supported RF Data Rates
4, 64, 125, 250 and 500 kbits/sec
Indoor Range
500 m – 1 km
Line-Of-Sight Range
40km or more depending on antennas
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Transmit Power
0 to 30dBm in 1dBm steps
Receiver Sensitivity
>121dBm
Table 9 - Features
Configuration Method
AT Commands, APM Planner, Customized Configuration Tool
Frequency Band
902 MHz – 928 MHz
Interference Immunity
FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum)
Serial Interface Data Rate
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200,
230400, 450800, 1000000 baud/s
Table 10 - Networking and Security
Addressing Options
Network ID: 0 –255
Channels
Up to 50 Frequency Hopping Channels
Supported Network Topologies
Point to point
5.3 WiFi Specifications
Table 11 - WiFi Parameters
WiFi Protocols
802.11 b/g/n (802.11n up to 150 Mbps)
A-MPDU and A-MSDU aggregation and 0.4 µs guard interval
support
Frequency Range
2.4 GHz - 2.5 GHz
Wi-Fi mode
Access Point (AP) /station (STA)
Security
WPA/WPA2
Encryption
WEP/TKIP/AES
Firmware Upgrade
OTA (via network)
Network Protocols
IPv4, TCP/UDP/HTTP/FTP
User Configuration
Browser interface
Table 12 – WiFi Radio Characteristics
Parameters
Condition
Min
Typical
Max
Unit
Input Frequency
-
2412
2484
MHz
Output Impedance
- - 50
-
Ω
Tx Power
11n, MCS7
12
13
14
dBm
11b mode
17.5
18.5
20
dBm
Sensitivity
11b,1 Mbps
-
-98
-
dBm
11b,11 Mbps
-
-89
-
dBm
11g, 6 Mbps
-
-92
-
dBm
11g, 54 Mbps
-
-74
-
dBm
11n, HT20, MCS0
-
-91
-
dBm
11n, HT20, MCS7
-
-71
-
dBm
11n, HT40, MCS0
-
-89
-
dBm
11n, HT40, MCS7
-
-69
-
dBm
Adjacent Channel Rejection
11g, 6 Mbps
-
31
-
dB
11g, 54 Mbps
-
14
-
dB
11n, HT20, MCS0
-
31
-
dB
11n, HT20, MCS7
-
13
-
dB
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5.4 Module Compliance
Table 13 - Compliance
Radio
AS4268 : 2017
FCC 47CFR 15.247
FCC 47CFR Part 1.1307
FCC 47CFR 1.1310
IC RSS247
WiFi
FCC/CE-RED/IC/TELEC/KCC/SRRC/NCC
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5.5 Physical Dimensions
The TX Pole physical dimensions in mm are presented below:
132
120
65.0
18.5
12.3
14.5
16.0
51.5
11.8
56.15
125
.5
134
138
Ø6.50
48.0
22.3
11.544.5
6.00
57.0
Ø6.50
Figure 13 - TX Pole physical dimensions.
*Units in mm.
Figure 13 - TX Pole physical dimensions.
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6 Useful Links
TX Pole WiFi firmware - Pending
http://files.rfdesign.com.au/firmware/
RFDesign Modem 900x
Datasheet
http://files.rfdesign.com.au/Files/documents/RFD900x%20DataSheet.pdf
Firmware
http://files.rfdesign.com.au/firmware/
Peer to Peer firmware - User Manual
http://files.rfdesign.com.au/Files/documents/RFD900x%20Peer-topeer%20User%20Manual%20V1.1.pdf
RFDesign Programming Tools
Software:
http://files.rfdesign.com.au/tools/
Manual:
http://files.rfdesign.com.au/Files/documents/RFD%20Modem%20Tools%20Manual%20V1.1.pdf
Mission Planner
http://ardupilot.org/planner/docs/common-install-mission-planner.html
7 Harnesses Pinout
In this section the different harnesses that can be used with the Tx Pole are presented:
- HRN-01-A – Desktop Harness (1.5m)
- HRN-01-B – External Mast Harness (5m)
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7.1 HRN-01-A - Desktop Harness (1.5m)
1
7
8
2
3
4
5
10
6
9
1
Table 14 – Main connector pinout Table 15 – Main connector pinout
PINOUT
PIN
Name
I/O
Description
PIN
Name
I/O
7
8
2
3
4
5
10
6
9
1
Face view
1
NC - Not connected
Connector TBD
by user
GND
2
NC - Not connected
3 TXP_RX0
I
TXPOLE receive serial 0
+V_PLUG
4
+V_PLUG
-
Device external supply with priority
over internal battery.
5
NC - Not connected
Switch
EXT_ON_N
I 6 TXP_TX0
O
TXPOLE transmit serial 0
EXT_ON_P
-
7
TXP_EN_BOOT
I
Connect to GND during power up to
enter TXP bootloader.
Face view
Optional
1
GND
- 2 Not connected
- 8 EXT_ON_N
I
A switch can be connected across
EXT_ON_P and EXT_ON_N to control
the Tx Pole power mode when
installed on an antenna mast.
3 Not connected
-
9
EXT_ON_P
-
4
TXP_TX0
O
5
TXP_RX0
I
10
GND
-
Ground
6 Not connected
-
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7.2 HRN-01-B – External Mast Harness (5m)
7
8
2
3
4
5
10
6
9
1
Table 16 – Main connector pinout Table 17 – Main connector pinout
PINOUT
PIN
Name
I/O
Description
PINOUT
PIN
Name
I/O
7
8
2
3
4
5
10
6
9
1
Face view
1
NC - Not connected
Connector TBD
by user
GND
-
2
GND
-
Ground
3 NC - Not connected
4
+V_PLUG
-
Device external supply with priority
over internal battery.
+V_PLUG
-
5
NC - Not connected
6 NC - Not connected
EXT_ON_N
I
7
NC - Not connected
8
EXT_ON_N
I
A switch can be connected across
EXT_ON_P and EXT_ON_N to switch
on and off Tx Pole when connected far
up to a pole.
9
EXT_ON_P
-
EXT_ON_P
-
10
GND
-
Ground
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