RF Design RFD 868x Long Range Telemetry Modem BundleRFD868x Long Range Telemetry Modem Kit (UK) Weve spent 10 years supplying commercial UAV radio systems to the UK, so we know your headaches. You need a reliable drone communication link that doesn't quit when your client demands a mission in freezing rain. The RFD868x is a professional grade long range telemetry modem built to keep your Ground Control Station (GCS) locked in. Powered by an ARM 32 bit core and open source SiK firmware, it delivers a

RFD868x Long-Range Telemetry Modem Kit (UK)

We’ve spent 10 years supplying commercial UAV radio systems to the UK, so we know your headaches. You need a reliable drone communication link that doesn't quit when your client demands a mission in freezing rain. The RFD868x is a professional-grade long-range telemetry modem built to keep your Ground Control Station (GCS) locked in. Powered by an ARM 32-bit core and open-source SiK firmware, it delivers a massive 500kbit/s air data rate. Say goodbye to mid-flight panic and hello to rock-solid Mavlink protocol framing and FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) reliability. With simultaneous RC PPM pass-through, this telemetry kit actually gets your data home, keeping CAA paperwork off your desk.

Key Highlights

• Unapologetic Range: >40km depending on antennas and GCS setup (80km demonstrated on a weather balloon), supported by real-time automatic antenna diversity switching.
• Heavy-Duty Processing: ARM 32-bit core pushing 500kbit/s air data rates with fully working AES hardware-accelerated encryption.
• Bulletproof Design: Every single I/O port is fully ESD protected and filtered, backed by automatic duty cycle throttling to prevent overheating.

Why You Want This Long-Range Telemetry Modem

Because dealing with signal loss mid-survey is bad for your blood pressure and worse for your margins. The RFD868x isn't just about raw power—though it has a full 1 Watt (+30dBm) of it. It’s engineered with a transmit low-pass filter, a >20dB low-noise amplifier (high IP3), and an RX SAW filter to punch through the noise floor. Add in Mavlink radio status reporting (Local/Remote RSSI and Noise) and beta support for asynchronous multipoint firmware, and you have a radio link that outsmarts the environment. Tested to survive operational temperatures from -73°C to +123°C, this modem will outlive your airframe, your client's patience, and probably you.

Specifications

• Weight: 14.5g
• Dimensions: 30 mm (wide) x 57 mm (long) x 12.8 mm (thick) - Including RF Shield, Heatsink, and connectors
• 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, 250, and 500 kbit/sec (User selectable, 64k default)
• UART Data Transfer Rates: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 400k, 921k baud (User selectable, 57600 default at N, 8, 1)
• Receive Sensitivity: >121 dBm at low data rates
• Power Supply: +5 V nominal (+3.5 V min, +5.5 V max), ~800 mA peak at maximum power
• Interfaces: 2 x RP-SMA RF connectors (diversity switched), Logic level TTL (+3.3v) Serial, 6x GPIO (Digital, ADC, PWM capable)
• RF Architecture: Transmit low-pass filter, >20dB Low noise amplifier, RX SAW filter
• Mounting: 3 x M2.5 screws, 3 x header pin solder points
• Temperature Range: -40 to +85 deg C (Tested operational from -73 to +123 deg C)
• Compatibility: 3DR / Hope-RF radio modules, integrated APM Planner support

FAQ

Can I use the RFD868x for both RC control and telemetry at the same time?

Yes. The RFD868x natively supports RC PPM pass-through concurrently with your telemetry data. It's designed specifically to streamline your payload wiring and reduce the number of potential failure points on your commercial rig.

What’s in the Box*

• 2× RFD868x Radio Modems
• 1× 868-900MHz Quarter wave monopole antenna (2.1dBi)
• 1× 868-900MHz Right Angle Quarter wave monopole antenna (2.1dBi)
• 4× 868-900MHz Half wave dipole antennas (3dBi)
• 1× FTDI USB cable

Disclaimer

Designed for compliance with FCC Part 15.247 and AS/NZS 4268:2012, but you are strictly responsible for ensuring compliance with your local UK/European radio transmission laws. We supply the high-end hardware; we do not pay your fines if you decide to illegally blast 1W of transmit power in a restricted zone. Check your local regulations.

Still Here?

The research balloon guys hit 80km with this exact setup. You're just trying to map a quarry without dropping packets. Put it in the cart and go get the job done.