459MHz UHF legal Tx and Rx - Arduino based programability.

thundead · July 28, 2011, 12:03:20 PM

Good news everyone :D

Just got my openLRS today yeeey
just have to finish work and I can start playing muhaha \0/
Got my LCD screen aswell so can start the telemetry proj asap

I'll keep u goys posted,
Cheers,
Mihai.

sheep600fx · July 28, 2011, 01:51:30 PM

Cool i nearly bought chainlink but will wait till i hear how your testing goes

thundead · July 28, 2011, 02:08:28 PM

Quote from: sheep600fx on July 28, 2011, 01:51:30 PM
Cool i nearly bought chainlink but will wait till i hear how your testing goes

i've got a chainlink aswell and it's a good system. Too bad it's illegal in the UK. I usually use it when I'm on holiday anywhere else in europe lol.

Not too sure if i have time today but I'll try testing the range with the stock antennas and hopefully I'll make some tuned antennas tomorrow and give it another go.

Cheers,
Mihai.

sheep600fx · July 28, 2011, 02:14:14 PM

Thanks ;)

tiggerbiker · July 28, 2011, 08:41:48 PM

so, let me get this right - all you clever programmer types do all the hard work and get this longer range system working legally in the uk then upload the software into the public domain, programming halfwits like me can the buy the hardware, download the software created and programme the system and the total cost is at least $100 less than the cheapest (illegal) UHF system?

thundead · July 28, 2011, 09:14:32 PM

Quote from: tiggerbiker on July 28, 2011, 08:41:48 PM
so, let me get this right - all you clever programmer types do all the hard work and get this longer range system working legally in the uk then upload the software into the public domain, programming halfwits like me can the buy the hardware, download the software created and programme the system and the total cost is at least $100 less than the cheapest (illegal) UHF system?

to put it simple, yup :D

Devonian · July 28, 2011, 10:31:20 PM

If you use the modified settings I posted in the first couple of posts of this thread, it will work on 459MHz :)

It's the really clever stuff to come that's going to be interesting ;)

Shame we can't attach anything to the forum posts, otherwise I would post my Tx and Rx files for all to share.

Total cost is ~$150 or ~£90 (make your own antennas and bin the 433 rubber duck ones).

Nigel

tiggerbiker · July 28, 2011, 10:36:51 PM

would you be so kind as to email the files to me if i PM you my email address?

is it only flytron that sells the items? i have set up an email reminder with them when stock arrives but i would like to get my hands on the hardware now!!

thundead · July 28, 2011, 10:39:16 PM

hey guys :)

bare with me 10-15 mins and ill show u something cool ;)

Mihai.

Devonian · July 28, 2011, 10:57:16 PM

Tigger - be quick, I'm packing my suitcase to leave for hols tomorrrow morning and may not have time as the files are on my laptop in the mancave...
and yes, only Flytron sells the OpenLRS (more short to medium range than long range! I reckon it will be about the same as a good 35MHz setup) about 7-10 days for delivery.
Might be easier for Mihai to send you his files?

Mihai - you got my attention...

Nigel.

thundead · July 28, 2011, 11:16:04 PM

still debugging......

Devonian · July 28, 2011, 11:21:49 PM

Tigger - 459 files sent.

Mihai - no worries, I'm taking my netbook and mobile broadband dongle on holiday (but no Arduino files on the netbook!).

Nigel.

simondale · July 28, 2011, 11:44:50 PM

Awesome stuff. This is going to be very interesting. I can't wait until they're back in stock of OpenLRS again so I can get involved too.

thundead · July 29, 2011, 12:07:57 AM

Oki, finally have something that works :D

Module running at 459Mhz << Thanks Nigel :)

did a small range test around my flat (tx inside flat, 2nd floor -- rx outside app) and was surprised the connection was working through all the walls haha. Proper range test coming tomorrow

Now for the interesting part: did a bit of coding and managed to hook up a Serial LCD onto the tx.

In the process i found that my 3.3v tx pin actually outputs my futaba's batt voltage (10v )!! so Nigel please check his and we have to let Melith know about this bug.

the LCD is currently showing RX RSSI. during the range test ive set the packet loss to 40 and indeed the tx started beeping when the display showed <40 yaay

here's a short clip of the thing in action :)

OpenLRS with LCD Display

enjoy :d,

Mihai.

Devonian · July 29, 2011, 10:01:03 AM

Pretty neat Mihai.
What's not so clear in the video is that you are actually getting the Rx RSSI from the Tx module via telemetry.
Goes to show that the Rx is a Tx at the same time - actually a transceiver (and so the Tx is also an Rx).

I cannot test anything for the next week (regarding the 3v3 Tx pin having 10v on it), but if you register on the Flytron forum and make a post in the OpenLRS section, I'm sure you will get some responses pretty quick.

Now all you need to do is put the LCD code in the Tx code to use the onboard Arduino, then there's no need for the external Mega.

Nigel.