3DR RFDesign RFD 868x Ultra Long Range Radio Modem Bundle 868MHz 1W Telemetry Radio Matched Pair for UAV Drone MAVLink SiK

Overview

The RFDesign RFD 868x Ultra Long Range Radio Modem Bundle is a professional 868MHz telemetry radio set built for UAV, drone, robotics, and long-range data link applications. Designed as a matched pair, this bundle includes 2 x RFD868x radio modems for use as an air unit and ground unit, delivering a reliable long-range serial telemetry link with support for MAVLink, SiK firmware, RC PPM/SBUS passthrough, and AES hardware-accelerated encryption. With up to 1W transmit power, dual RP-SMA antenna ports with diversity switching, selectable air data rates up to 500kbit/s, and robust ESD-protected I/O, the RFD 868x is a strong solution for professional UAV telemetry, autopilot communication, and long-distance command-and-data transmission.

Key Features

Ultra Long Range 868MHz Telemetry Link

The RFDesign RFD 868x Ultra Long Range Radio Modem operates in the 868-869MHz band, making it suitable for regions where 868MHz is the legal long-range telemetry frequency. Under the right antenna setup and operating conditions, the system can achieve 40km+ range, making it ideal for fixed wing UAVs, industrial drones, robotics platforms, and advanced telemetry projects.

High Power Output up to 1W

This 868MHz telemetry radio supports adjustable transmit power from 0 to 30dBm in 1dBm steps, with a maximum output of 1W (+30dBm). This flexible power control helps users balance range, thermal performance, and local regulatory compliance.

Fast Air Data Rates up to 500kbit/s

Compared with older telemetry radios, the RFD 868x radio modem bundle offers significantly improved bandwidth, with selectable air data rates from 4kbit/s up to 500kbit/s. This helps support more responsive telemetry performance, cleaner data flow, and better integration with modern flight controllers and ground control stations.

Dual Antenna Diversity Design

Each modem features 2 x RP-SMA RF connectors with real-time automatic antenna diversity switching on a packet basis. This improves signal reliability in dynamic environments and helps maintain a stronger link quality for long-range UAV operations.

AES Hardware Encryption

For users who need secure telemetry, the RFDesign RFD 868x supports AES hardware-accelerated encryption, helping protect transmitted data in mission-critical or professional use cases.

RC PPM and SBUS Passthrough

The modem supports RC PPM passthrough with telemetry at the same time, allowing it to carry both control-related data and telemetry in one system. This makes the RFD 868x Ultra Long Range Radio Modem Bundle useful for advanced UAV and autopilot setups.

Robust I/O Protection

All I/O ports are fully ESD protected and filtered, improving durability and reliability in field environments. The modem also provides 6 general purpose GPIO ports that support digital, ADC, and PWM functions, giving system integrators more flexibility.

Open SiK Firmware Ecosystem

The radio is based on re-implemented SiK firmware for a 32-bit ARM processor, with support for field firmware upgrades and configuration through serial tools and AT commands. This makes the RFDesign RFD 868x Ultra Long Range Radio Modem attractive for developers, UAV builders, and integrators who need a configurable long-range telemetry platform.

Specifications

Radio Specifications

Electrical and Interface Specifications

Mechanical Specifications

Software and Functional Features

The RFDesign RFD 868x Ultra Long Range Radio Modem Bundle is designed around an open and configurable software ecosystem. It supports:

• Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)
• Transparent serial data link
• MAVLink framing and telemetry status reporting
• Local and remote radio configuration via AT / RT commands
• User-selectable serial baud rates and air data rates
• Error correction routines
• Real-time antenna diversity switching
• Automatic duty-cycle throttling based on radio temperature
• Firmware upgrade via serial port

This makes the RFD 868x 868MHz telemetry radio suitable for autopilot integration, custom embedded systems, ground control stations, robotics, and UAV telemetry networks.

Applications

The RFDesign RFD 868x Ultra Long Range Radio Modem is suitable for:

• UAV telemetry links
• Long-range drone communications
• Fixed wing drone telemetry systems
• MAVLink data transmission
• Pixhawk and autopilot telemetry setups
• Robotics and unmanned vehicle communications
• Industrial wireless serial links
• Research and development telemetry projects

Package Includes

• 2 x RFD868x Radio Modems
• 1 x Antenna, 868-900MHz Quarter wave monopole 2.1dBi
• 1 x Antenna, 868-900MHz Right Angle Quarter wave monopole 2.1dBi
• 4 x Antennas, 868-900MHz Half wave dipole 3dBi
• 1 x FTDI USB cable

Important Notes

Power Requirements

The RFD 868x radio modem requires 5-6V input power and may draw up to 800mA peak, especially at maximum transmit power. For drone installation, it is often recommended to power the modem from a dedicated regulated supply rather than directly from a flight controller telemetry port.

Configuration

The two modems are hardware-identical and can be configured as either air unit or ground unit using configuration software such as RFD Tools or compatible planner software.

Compatibility

This modem uses the newer 32-bit ARM-based platform and is not compatible with older modem generations in a drop-in sense. Users should verify compatibility within their telemetry system before deployment.

Regulatory Compliance

Because this is a high-power 868MHz telemetry radio, users must ensure operation complies with local laws and spectrum regulations in their country or region.