RFDesign RFD 868ux Telemetry Modem
by RFDesign

RFDesign RFD 868ux Telemetry Modem

Unlock professional-grade long-range communication for your Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with the RFDesign RFD 868ux Telemetry Modem. Engineered for mission-critical applications where link reliability is non-negotiable, the "ux" series takes the legendary performance of the RFD900x/868x family and condenses it into a miniaturized footprint suitable for even the tightest avionics bays.

Operating in the 865-870 MHz frequency band, this modem is the gold standard for telemetry in Europe, India, and other regions requiring 868MHz compliance. It delivers a massive 1 Watt (+30dBm) of transmit power, enabling line-of-sight ranges exceeding 40km. Whether you are coordinating a drone swarm, conducting long-range mapping missions with ArduPilot/Pixhawk, or deploying a UGV for inspection, the RFD 868ux ensures your telemetry stream remains solid.

The modem features dual u.FL connectors with true antenna diversity, automatically switching to the antenna with the best signal reception on a packet-by-packet basis. This is crucial for maintaining a link during banking maneuvers or in high-multipath environments. Despite its small size (25x33mm), it includes an integrated heat sink and RF shield, ensuring thermal stability and protection against interference from onboard electronics.

New to the "ux" generation is support for AES hardware-accelerated encryption, keeping your data secure from interception—a vital feature for government, military, and security-conscious sUAS operators. It also supports PPM passthrough, allowing you to control your aircraft and receive telemetry over a single robust link.

Key Features:

• Ultra-Long Range: Capable of >40km distances with appropriate antennas and settings.

• High Power: Adjustable transmit power up to 1 Watt (+30dBm).

• Compact "ux" Form Factor: Weighing only ~10g, it fits easily into small racing drones or crowded electronics stacks.

• Antenna Diversity: Dual u.FL ports for spatial diversity, drastically reducing dead spots.

• Secure Data: 128-bit AES hardware encryption for secure command and control (C2) links.

• Universal Compatibility: Fully compatible with the standard form-factor RFD868x modems, making it easy to integrate into existing ground stations.

• SiK & Mavlink Native: Runs open-source SiK firmware (V3.x) for plug-and-play integration with Mission Planner, QGroundControl, and PX4/ArduPilot systems.

Specifications

• Frequency Range: 865 – 870 MHz

• Output Power: 1W (+30dBm), adjustable in 1dB steps

• Data Rates (Air): Up to 500kbit/s (User selectable)

• Data Rates (UART): 1200 to 1M baud (57600 default)

• Receive Sensitivity: > -111 dBm @ 12kbps

• Connectors: 2x u.FL (RF), Mini JST (Data/Power)

• Input Voltage: +5V Nominal (+3.5V min, +5.5V max)

• Dimensions: 25mm x 33mm x 10.4mm (including shield/heatsink)

• Weight: ~10g

• Temperature Range: -40 to +85°C

What's Included

• 1x RFDesign RFD 868ux Telemetry Modem

• (Note: Interface cables and antennas are typically sold separately. Please check Recommended Items below.)

Recommended Related Items (Available at ReadyMadeRC)

• RFDesign 868ux/900ux to 8 Way Socket Cable: Required for connecting the modem to your flight controller (Pixhawk/Cube).

• RFDesign u.FL to SMA or RP-SMA Adapter Cables: Essential if you plan to use standard "screw-on" antennas.

• TrueRC 868MHz Antennas: High-quality dipole or Moxon antennas to maximize your range potential.

• Cube Orange+ Flight Controller: The industry standard for ArduPilot missions, perfectly paired with this modem.

• RMRC Strix Batteries: Reliable power for your ground station equipment.