FCC ID: 2ADLE-900X2 RFD900x-US

RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au RFD900x-US Radio Modem User Manual 902-928MHz frequency band 1 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au General Cautions During operation there must be a separation distance of 20cm between all persons and the antenna. Ensure that all used RF connectors are secure and properly terminated. When used in the US - FCC Caution Caution: The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This equipment complies with FCCs RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed and operated to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be collocated or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Installers must ensure that 20cm separation distance will be maintained between the device

(excluding its handset) and users. When used in Canada - ISED Caution This device complies with RSS 210 of the Industry Canada Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Le prsent appareil est conforme aux CNR dIndustrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. Lexploitation est autorise aux deux conditions suivantes :

(1) lappareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) lutilisateur de lappareil doit accepter tout brouillage radiolectrique subi, mme si le brouillage est susceptible den compromettre le fonctionnement. This equipment complies with Canada radiation exposure limits set forth for uncontrolled environments. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm may be adjusted according to actual calculation result between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Dclaration dIC sur lexposition aux radiations:

2 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au Cet quipement est conforme aux limites dexposition aux radiations dfinies par le Canada pour des environnements non contrls. Cet quipement doit tre install et utilis une distance minimum de 20 cm entre lantenne et votre corps. Cet metteur ne doit pas tre install au mme endroit ni utilis avec une autre antenne ou un autre metteur Acceptable Antennas - US This device has been designed to operate with the antenna(s) listed below and having a maximum gain of 3 dBi. Antennas not included in this list or having a gain greater than 3 dBi are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms. Acceptable antenna 3dBi RFD whip. Acceptable Antennas - Canada This radio transmitter 24610-900X2 has been approved by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below, with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device. Acceptable antenna 3dBi RFD whip. 3 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au Table of contents 1 2 Key Features .................................................................................................................................... 5 Specifications .................................................................................................................................. 6 3 OEM Labelling ................................................................................................................................. 7 4 5 6 7 Pin signals and layout ...................................................................................................................... 8 Physical dimensions ........................................................................................................................ 9 Software/GCS Support .................................................................................................................. 10 Diversity ........................................................................................................................................ 11 7.1 7.2 Spatial diversity ..................................................................................................................... 11 Polarisation diversity ............................................................................................................. 11 8 Network options ........................................................................................................................... 12 8.1 8.2 Simple pair (P2P) ................................................................................................................... 12 Asynchronous non-hopping mesh ........................................................................................ 12 8.3 Multipoint synchronised mesh ............................................................................................. 13 9 Frequently asked questions (FAQ) ................................................................................................ 14 9.1 9.2 How many antennas do I need to use? ................................................................................. 14 How do I connect the FTDI cable to the modem? ................................................................ 14 9.3 What do I need to upload the firmware or to change the modem configuration? .............. 14 9.4 I upgraded to asynchronous firmware and the modems don't connect anymore? ............. 14 How do I configure 2 base stations and one Airborne platform with 3 modems?

9.5

(Asynchronous) ................................................................................................................................. 14 10 11 Useful links ................................................................................................................................ 16 Revision History ......................................................................................................................... 16 4 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 1 Key Features Features Out of the box RF communications. Air data rate speeds of up to 224kbps Diversity antenna support Weight of 14g Outdoor RF line-of-site range of 40km or more depending on antenna configuration Operational Operating voltage: 5V, I/O Voltage (3.3V) Temperature range: -40C to +85C Dimensions of 30mm x 57.7mm x 12.8mm Current consumption:

TX mode: ~1A peak at +30dBm, RX mode: 60mA (typical) Applications Telemetry data UAV control Remote weather station House automation Long range RC 5 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 2 Specifications Performance Supported RF Data Rates Indoor Range Line-Of-Sight Range Transmit Power Receiver Sensitivity Low Noise Amplifier Features Serial Data Interface Configuration Method Frequency Band Interference Immunity Serial Interface Data Rate Antenna Connection GPIO Compliance Standards 12 to 224 kbps dependent on type and version of firmware 500m 1km 40km or more depending on antennas and settings 0 to 30dBm in 1dBm steps

>121dBm at low data rates

>20dB gain

+3.3V nominal, 3.3V tolerant AT Commands, APM Planner, RF Design Modem Tools 902MHz - 928MHz FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) 2400 to 1000000 bps dependent on type and version of firmware 2 x RPSMA diversity switched ports 6 pins (Digital, PPM capable) FCC Part 15.247, AS/NZS 4268:2012 Networking and Security Addressing Options Channels Supported Network Topologies Network ID: 0 255 Up to 51 Frequency Hopping Channels Point-to-point and asynchronous mesh1 and multipoint synchronous mesh1 1 Only available in separate firmware versions available on the RFD website Power Requirements Supply Voltage Transmit Current Receive Current

+5V nominal (+5V min, +5.5V Max, +6V ABS Max),

~1A peak at max power

~60mA 6 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 3 OEM Labelling For equipment containing the RFD-900x-US where the RFD-900x-US label is not visible the following applies. Equipment using the RFD 900x-US in the USA must display a label referring to the enclosed module. This label must contain the words Contains FCC ID: 2ADLE-900X2. Equipment using the RFD 900x-US in Canada must display a label referring to the enclosed module. This label must contain the words Contains IC ID: 24610-900X2. 7 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 4 Pin signals and layout Pin #

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Name GND GND CTS Vcc Vusb Vusb RX GPIO5/P3.4 TX GPIO4/P3.3 RTS GPIO3/P1.3 GPIO0/P1.0 GPIO2/P1.2 GPIO1/P1.1 GND Direction

Either

Input Either Output Either Either Either Either Either Either

Description Ground Ground Clear to send Power supply Power supply from USB Power supply from USB UART Data In Digital I/O UART Data Out Digital I/O Request to send Digital I/O Digital I/O Digital I/O Digital I/O, PPM I/O Ground Max Voltage 0V 0V 3.3V 5V 5V 5V 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V 0V Figure 5-1: Physical pin layout of the RFD900x Radio Modem GPIO pins will configure for 40kOhm pull down or pull up based on setting as input or output. They can sink or source approximately 5 mA each. 8 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 5 Physical dimensions 9 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 6 Software/GCS Support The default firmware (see Useful Links) is a development of the open source project called SiK and was created by Mike Smith. It has been further developed and modified by Andrew Tridgell and RFDesign. The modems feature a boot loader to facilitate field upgrade of the modem firmware via the serial port. This is most easily performed by using the latest version RFD Modem tools (see Useful links) Parameters such as power levels, air data rates, serial speeds, GPIO pins etc can all be custom set by the user using the AT Command set, the RFD Modem Tools V2 or later and APM Planner. Default serial port settings are as follows:

57600 baud No parity 8 data bits 1 stop bit The RFD900x Radio Modem has many software features including:

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Transparent Serial Link Configuration by AT commands for local radio, RT Commands for remote radio User configurable serial data rates and air data rates Error correction routines 128-bit AES hardware encryption with user settable key MAVLink protocol framing (user selectable) MAVLink radio status reporting (Local RSSI, Remote RSSI, Local Noise, Remote Noise) Automatic antenna diversity switching on a packet basis in real-time Automatic duty cycle throttling based on radio temperature to avoid overheating PPM (R/C signal) pass through (Control vehicle across radio). GIPO pin mirroring 10 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 7 Diversity The RFD900x has two antenna ports and firmware which supports diversity operation of antennas. During the receive sequence the modem will check both antennas and select the antenna with the best receive signal. The antenna selected during receive is then also used for subsequent transmission. In the case of only one antenna connected, it will automatically select the port with the antenna connected. Testing by Silicon Labs has shown that link budgets can be improved up to the order of 8dB by employing a diversity scheme. 7.1 Spatial diversity Spatial diversity is the case where the antennas are separated by some distance from one another. It is recommended that two antennas connected to the RDF900 modem be separated by at least 25cm, more if possible. 7.2 Polarisation diversity Polarisation diversity is the case where the antennas are perpendicular to each other. i.e. one vertical, and one horizontal. This is effective in reducing multipath effects which affect one or the other polarisation. This scheme also helps to maintain the link between non-static objects such as aircraft performing acrobatics by increasing the likelihood that one antenna will maintain the same polarisation as an antenna on the other side of the link. Figure 8-1 depicts how two right-angle monopole antennas can be positioned to achieve polarisation diversity. Figure 8-1: Antenna configuration to achieve polarisation diversity 11 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 8 Network options RFD900x support firmware for simple pair (peer to peer), asynchronous mesh network and multipoint network. Available for download from the website (see Useful Links). 8.1 Simple pair (P2P) The out-of-the-box firmware of the RFD900x radio modem is set to work in simple pair mode. If you purchased a bundle, you are only required to connect the antennas and supply to initiate the link. As soon as the pair synchronises, the on-board LED will become solid green. Nodes within range Node 1 Node 2 Figure 8-1 Peer to peer modem pair network 8.2 Asynchronous non-hopping mesh The asynchronous non-forwarding mesh firmware offers a straight forward communication option that allows the user to quickly transmit and receive data across a great distance between two or more nodes. Figure 9-2 depicts this communication topology. If all the nodes are within range and have compatible parameters, communication between them will succeed. 12 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au All nodes within range Node 0 Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4 Figure 8-2 Asynchronous mesh topology It is also possible to establish forwarding between nodes in the network. (See the asynchronous firmware datasheet for details) 8.3 Multipoint synchronised mesh The network requires that one of the devices assumes a base role to control the timeslot distribution of the surrounding radios. If one the nodes is out of the bases range, communication is still possible if the parameter SyncAny is properly set. Within base node range Node 0 Base Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Figure 8-3 Multipoint mesh topology 13 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 9 Frequently asked questions (FAQ) 9.1 How many antennas do I need to use?

One is the minimum. Two is recommended. 9.2 How do I connect the FTDI cable to the modem?

The black cable of the FTDI (pin 1) should connect to pin 1 on the modem as shown in Figure 10-1. Figure 10-1: An FTDI cable connected to the RFD900x modem 9.3 What do I need to upload the firmware or to change the modem configuration?

Download the latest firmware (see Useful Links). Download the RFD900x Modem Tools (see Useful Links). Connect the FTDI cable to the modem and to a computer. Use the RFD900x Modem Tools to upload the latest firmware or to change the modem configuration (see RFD900x Modem Tools User Manual). 9.4 I upgraded to asynchronous firmware and the modems don't connect anymore?

The default setting for a modem is to have a NODEID set to 1 and DESTID set to 2. As communication is addressed NODEID must be different for all units and DESTID will set the modems to connect to. 9.5 How do I configure 2 base stations and one Airborne platform with 3 modems? (Asynchronous) Set the Airborne platform as follows:

14 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au NODEID = 1 DESTID = 65535, (32768 from version 2.45F) MAVLINK = 1 Set the ground station as follows:

NODEID = 2 or 3 DESTID = 1 MAVLINK = 1 This will allow the airborne modem to handover to multiple ground stations as it flies from the coverage area of one ground station, to another. Both ground stations can be connected and can control the Airborne platform simultaneously. (APM Planner using MAVLink) 15 21/2/2022 RFD900x-US User Manual V2.0 www.rfdesign.com.au 10 Useful links RFD900x-US Firmware http://rfdesign.com.au/firmware/

RFD SiK firmware is default RFD Asynchronous firmware RFD Multipoint firmware RFD900x-US Flash Programmer http://rfdesign.com.au/downloads/

FTDI Cable documentation http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Cables/DS_TTL-232R_CABLES.pdf 11 Revision History Version 1.0 1.1 2.0 2.1 2.2 Date 22/09/17 22/05/18 1/11/18 8/1/2019 21/2/2022 Changes Release document Updated to correct typos, mistakes and changes in new versions Updated for Compliance Add label details Update for Version 2 16 21/2/2022

RFDesign Pty. Ltd. 1/373 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110 AUSTRALIA Ph: +617 3255 6042 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 21st Feb 2022 Due to the lack of space on the EUT, the compliance statement will be placed in manual. Figure 1 Showing label placement www.rfdesign.com.au email: info@rfdesign.com.au

SGS North America Inc. 620 Old Peachtree Road SUITE 100 Suwanee, Georgia 30024 United States Applicant Declaration 1/373 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge, QLD 4110 Australia Applicant Legal Business Name RFDesign Pty Ltd Address Grantee Code FCC ID Contact Email Contact Phone Authorized Contact Name 2ADLE 2ADLE-900X2 Seppo Saario saario@rfdesign.com.au

+61732556042 a) b) c) d) e) I, the undersigned, certify that I am an authorized signatory for the Applicant and therefore declare;

in accordance with 47CFR2.911(d), all of the statements herein and the exhibits attached hereto are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. in accepting a Grant of Equipment Authorization issued by a TCB, under the authority of the FCC, as a result of the representations made in this application, the Applicant is responsible for:

(1)

(2)

(3) labeling the equipment with the exact FCC ID as specified in this application, compliance statement labeling pursuant to the applicable rules, compliance of the equipment with the applicable technical rules, if the Applicant is not the actual manufacturer of the equipment, appropriate arrangements have been made with the manufacturer to ensure that production units of this equipment will continue to comply with the FCCs technical requirements. in accordance with 47 CFR 2.909 and KDB394321, the Applicant has read, understood and agrees to accept that they are the responsible party and agree to abide by their responsibilities as specified under 47 CFR 2.909 and KDB394321. in accordance with ISO17065, FCC KDB641163, FCC KDB610077, KDB394321 and RSP-100, the Applicant has read, understood, accepts and agrees to abide by the post market surveillance requirements.

(1)

(2)

(3) the Applicant understands, accepts and agrees that a sample may be requested for surveillance testing. the Applicant shall make provisions to always have a production sample available upon request by SGS, FCC and/or ISED. the Applicant shall, upon request by SGS, at the Applicants expense, provide a production sample of the requested product to SGS, FCC and/or ISED as instructed. The sample shall include all support devices, cables, software, accessories or other hardware or software required for evaluation, review, certification and audit surveillance of products certified by SGS. f) neither the Applicant nor any party to the application is subject to a denial of Federal benefits, that includes FCC benefits, pursuant to Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, 21 U.S.C. 862 because of a conviction for possession or distribution of a controlled substance. See 47CFR 1.2002(b) for the definition of a party for these purposes. g) the Applicant has read, understood, accepts and agrees to abide by the SGS North America, Inc.(TCB) terms and conditions. Link to CFRs: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/technologies-systems-and-innovation-division/rules-regulations-title-47 Link to KDBs: https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm Link to RSP-100: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01130.html Applicant Signature:

Date: 9th Dec 2021 Print Name:

Title:

Seppo Saario Director

*NOTE: This declaration cannot be signed by an Agent, it shall be signed by an authorized person listed in the FCC database Applicant Declaration Rev:0.0

RFDesign Pty. Ltd. 1/373 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110 AUSTRALIA Ph: +617 3255 6042 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 21st Feb 2022 To:

Federal Communication Commission Equipment Authorization Branch 7435 Oakland Mills Road Columbia, MID 21046 RE: Letter for Authorization for SGS for FCC ID: 2ADLE-900X2 To whom it may concern:

We, the undersigned, hereby authorize SGS Hong Kong Limited and YW Yung in SGS Hong Kong Limited to act on our behalf in all manners relating to application for equipment authorization with respect to the FCC ID above, including signing of all documents relating to these matters. Any and all acts carried out by the agent on our behalf shall have the same effect as acts of our own. We, the undersigned, hereby certify that we are not subject to a denial of federal benefits, that includes FCC benefits, pursuant to Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, 21 U.S.C. 853(a). Where our agent signs the application for certification on our behalf, I acknowledge that all responsibility for complying with the terms and conditions for Certification, as specified by SGS North America, Inc., still resides with RFDesign Pty. Ltd. This authorization is valid until further written notice from the applicant. Sincerely, Name: Seppo Saario Title: Director Signature:

On behalf of RFDesign Pty Ltd Telephone: +61732556042 www.rfdesign.com.au email: info@rfdesign.com.au

RFDesign Pty. Ltd. 1/373 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110 AUSTRALIA Ph: +617 3255 6042 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 21st Feb 2022 To:

SGS North America Inc. 620 Old Peachtree Road SUITE 100 Suwanee, Georgia United States RE: Confidentiality Request for FCC ID: 2ADLE-900X2 Dear Sir / Madam, LONG TERM CONFIDENTIALITY Pursuant to 47 CFR Section 0.459 and 0.457 of the commissions rules, the applicant hereby requests confidential treatment of the documents listed below, associated with the certification application referenced above. Schematic(s) Block Diagrams Operational Descriptions The documents above contain proprietary information not released to the public. Public disclosure of this information may prove harmful to the business of the applicant. SHORT TERM CONFIDENTIALITY Additionally, the applicant requests the following documents be held confidential until the device is marketed or 180 days from the grant date, whichever is less. If the device is marketed within 180 days of the Grant Date, the applicant will notify the TCB per FCC KDB 726920 D01 Confidentiality Request Procedures. Name: Seppo Saario Title: Director External Photos Internal Photos Test Setup Photos User Manual Sincerely, Signature:

On behalf of RFDesign Pty Ltd Telephone: +61732556042 www.rfdesign.com.au email: info@rfdesign.com.au

RFDesign Pty. Ltd. 1/373 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110 AUSTRALIA Ph: +617 3255 6042 _____________________________________________________________________________________ To:

Federal Communication Commission Office of Engineering and Technology Date: 21st Feb 2022 RE: Modular Approval Application for FCC ID: 2ADLE-900X2 Dear Sir / Madam, We would like to have your authorization for a modular approval for the RFD900x-US. The specific product as below, RFD900x-US with its designed features and specified description, meets special requirements for full modular approval on FCC KDB996369 by cross-reference list below. Company Model Name Model Number FCC ID RFDesign Pty. Ltd. RFD900x-US RFD900x-US 2ADLE-900X2 The information regarding the modular approval for FCC ID 2ADLE-900X2 is detailed below. Requirement of FCC KDB99369 Modular Approval Requirement ComplyY/N 1. The modular transmitter must have its own RF shielding. 2. The modular transmitter must have buffered modulation/data inputs (if such inputs are provided) to ensure that the module will comply with Part 15 requirements under conditions of excessive data rates or over-modulation. 3. The modular transmitter must have its own power supply regulation. 4. The modular transmitter must comply with the antenna and transmission system requirements of Sections 15.203, 15.204(b) and 15.204(c). The antenna must either be permanently attached or employ a unique antenna coupler (at all connections between the module and the antenna, including the cable). The professional installation provision of Section 15.203 is not applicable to modules but can apply to limited modular approvals under paragraph (b) of this section. 5. The modular transmitter must be tested in a stand-alone configuration, i.e., the module must not be inside another device during testing. Y - The EUT provides the RF shielding. See EUT photo. Y - The EUT has its buffered modulation.The data is buffered by the radio and Processor IC (U3). Y - The EUT has its own power supply regulation. U7, U8 act as the power regulator. Y - The EUT meets the FCC antenna requirements; unique antenna connector and photo of antenna are shown in the test report. Y - The EUT was tested with a test cable, see test report and setup photo www.rfdesign.com.au email: info@rfdesign.com.au 6. The modular transmitter must be labelled with its own FCC ID number, and, if the FCC ID is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module. This exterior label can use wording such as the following: Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: 2ADLE-900X or Contains FCC ID: 2ADLE-900X Any similar wording that expresses the same meaning may be used. The Grantee may either provide such a label, an example of which must be included in the application for equipment authorization, or, must provide adequate instructions along with the module which explain this requirement. In the latter case, a copy of these instructions must be included in the application for equipment authorization. 7. The modular transmitter must comply with any specific rule or operating requirements applicable to the transmitter and the manufacturer must provide adequate instructions along with the module to explain any such requirements. A copy of these instructions must be included in the application for equipment authorization. 8. The modular transmitter must comply with any applicable RF exposure requirements. For example, FCC Rules in Sections 2.1091, 2.1093 and specific Sections of Part 15, including 15.319(i), 15.407(f), 15.253(f) and 15.255(g), require that Unlicensed PCS, UNII and millimeter wave devices perform routine environmental evaluation for RF Exposure to demonstrate compliance. In addition, spread spectrum transmitters operating under Section 15.247 are required to address RF Exposure compliance in accordance with Section 15.247(b)(4). Y - Please see exhibition label sample for the FCC ID of this module. And also in the exhibition Users manual, there are instructions to the OEM on how to label the end product. Y - The EUT is compliant with all applicable FCC rules. Details instructions for maintaining compliance are in the User Manual. Y - The EUT complies with RF exposure requirement. Title: Director Sincerely, Name: Seppo Saario Signature:

On behalf of RFDesign Pty Ltd Telephone: +61732556042 www.rfdesign.com.au email: info@rfdesign.com.au