RFDesign RFD900A 915MHz 40KM Long Range Telemetry Module

The RFDesign RFD900A is a long-range 900 MHz telemetry radio that links a drone's flight controller to its ground station, carrying altitude, GPS position, battery voltage and sensor data. With up to 1 W of output and dual-antenna diversity, it suits mapping, survey and agricultural UAVs that fly well beyond the reach of short-range telemetry radios.

Key features

• Line-of-sight range of 40 km or more, depending on the antennas fitted and the air data rate chosen.
• Transmit power adjustable up to 1 W.
• High-sensitivity LNA and SAW filter ahead of the receiver for clean reception in noisy RF environments.
• Built-in USB serial chip with automatic USB/UART switching (USB takes priority), so the same module works on the aircraft or plugged straight into a laptop.
• Configured with AT commands for the local radio and RT commands for the remote one.
• Temperature monitoring trims the duty cycle automatically to prevent overheating.

Specifications

• Frequency: 902–928 MHz ISM band
• Transmit power: up to 1 W, adjustable
• Air data rate: up to 250 kbps
• Range: 40 km+ line of sight
• Processor: 32-bit
• Interfaces: USB, 3.3 V TTL UART
• Supply voltage: 4–5.5 V
• Antennas: dual RP-SMA ports with diversity
• Operating temperature: -40 to +85 °C
• Dimensions: 33 x 53 x 9.5 mm
• Weight: 23 g

A link needs one radio on the aircraft and one at the ground station; every module can take either role. Confirm that 915 MHz operation at 1 W is permitted for your flights before installing it.