News XLRS 2019
¡Stay up to date and get informed! Periodically of the latest XLRS news, their professional systems Radio Control.
September
About firmware versions and updates.
4/September/2019
Firmware: From version 4.50, The versions of the products involved in the XLRS system to be compatible must be the same in the first two digits. The third and last digit represents minor changes in the version that does not affect compatibility. V: 4.5x.
The use of incompatible versions it may mean that the XLRS system doesn’t work or abnormal or unexpected operations.
¡Smart Redundant Base Station SMRBTS for GCSD4-V2 !
¡ Coming soon in September 2019 !
20/August/2019
SMRBTS is a double and redundant transmitter with 12dBi biquad antenna that increases the range of the system.
It is an optional system to improve performance, safety and range in Ground Control Station D4 Version 2 (GCSD4V2), allowing to place the antenna further and without RF losses.
It’s a new concept: Until now the XLRS radio system was in the GCSD4 suitcase. The antenna was connected to the GCSD4 system with a coaxial cable and the length was limited to approximately 3m so asn’t to increase the cable losses, so the antenna should be very close to GCSD4. Limiting the possibilities of installation in vehicles and other cases. In addition, RF losses can reach 1 to 2 dBm depending on the type of cable and length, both in transmission and reception, reducing the range of the XLRS system.
Cable Longer and lossless: Now with the new version of the GCSD4-V2 optionally, the radio transmitter isn’t in the GCSD4V2 suitcase, it is in the antenna itself (Smart antenna). There aren’t more RF losses. It connects with a CAT5E ethernet cable or higher and can measure from 3 to 10m or more, allowing a more comfortable installation of the antennas, especially in vehicles.
Maximum range improvement: Coaxial cable losses are avoided, winning up to 2dB and with the biquad antenna we will have up to 12dBi compared to the 6dBi of the SMP-4G-LTE pacth or 9dbi for the SMP-918 patch that isn’t longer manufactured. Obtaining a gain of 7-8dB that improve the range almost doubling the current one.
Increase the range of the system: You can easily add one or two biquad elements by increasing the overall gain of the antenna and therefore the range of the XLRS system. Consult the current regulations of your country to correct the maximum power allowed in the transmitters.
Improved working range: Correction of package errors in real time. When using two XLRS receivers on the plane or drone, packet reception errors are corrected immediately by the secondary receiver. When the plane is far away
and is coming the radio signal at the level of RF noise, the individual packet faults increase reducing to the maximum range, but if we use two receivers (much better if we also use two redundant transmitters), the packet faults are greatly reduced increasing the working range of 50% of the maximum range to approximately 80-90%. In other words, if with a maximum range of 200Km the recommended working range was 100km with this solution the recommended working range can reach 160-180Km.
Security Improvement: SMRBTS carries two XLRS transmitters of up to 1W of power, so you will need two antennas and two redundant receivers on the plane or drone, increasing system security. It also allows you to use two different frequency bands (according to standards and countries you can only use different frequencies in a single band) for example in 433Mhz and 915Mhz increasing the security against interference if there were any and reflections of the RF signal. Also if one of the two transmitters fails, it would not be noticed.
Ready for XLRS Antenna Tracker: The new system is ready to anchor to a standard horizontal or vertical antenna bar. It will allow use without the loss of the RF cable, the new professional antenna tracker of the XLRS system that we expect is available before the end of this year.
¡ Increase security and reach with redundant RXLRS receivers in real timer !
9/August/2019
You can now use two RXLRS receivers to create a redundant receiver in real time that increases the security and range of the XLRS system. It is equivalent to an increase in sensitivity in the sensitivity limit (-113dBm @100kb or -116dBm @50kb) of 3 to 9 dBm depending on conditions.
Work range improvement: Correction of package errors in real time. When using two receivers on the plane or drone, packet reception errors are corrected immediately by the secondary receiver. When the plane is too far away and the radio signal is close to the RF noise level, the individual packet faults increase reducing to the maximum range, but if we use two receivers (much better if we also use two redundant transmitters), the packet failures are greatly reduced, increasing the working range from 50% of the maximum range to approximately 80-90% depending on cases and conditions. In other words, if with a maximum range of 200Km the recommended working range was 100km with this solution the recommended working range can reach 160-180Km. The average range of work is the one that really interests.
Safety improvement: In case of failure of one of the two receivers the system will continue to work the same, the pilot will not notice faults. It may be safer if you use two SMRBTS transmitters because you can use two different frequency bands (according to standards and countries you can only use different frequencies in a single band) for example in 433Mhz and 915Mhz or 903Mhz and 915Mhz, increasing the security against interference if there would be and to reflections of the RF signal. Also if one of the two transmitters fails, it would not be noticeable either.
Easy and simple assembly: Update the RXLRS receiver firmware, connecting the two receivers, the main and the secondary through FRCBus (Fast RCBus to 4Mb or RCBus2 connection) and installing separate antennas or different types of antenna is also possible.
The secondary receiver has independent mixtures: In case of need, the secondary receiver has 16 extra channels (8 CH direct with ppm and the rest with sppm) with its independent mixtures of the main receiver. These servo outputs do not have the redundant security level, only that of the secondary receiver itself, but in some cases it may be interesting to have extra mixtures.
XLRS improvements: The XLRS system is continually being improved, in range as in security, if we count the redundant receivers, the redundant transmitters, the new biquad antenna with more gain… and more news that we are preparing, the security and the range are gradually increasing… allowing to use the XLRS system on flights more and more distant and demanding.
¡ Help in the case of not reaching 100% with the XLRS system !
7/Agust/2019
On this page you have several links to technical articles that you may need, if after some tests you consider that the system does not reach 100% than you expected.
You will get a step-by-step guide to perform additional tests and, above all, to easily document them and send the information to the DMD technical service, saving time and frustrations.
2/August/2019
In our eagerness to improve XLRS products we have introduced several changes in the GCSD4 that greatly improve the performance of this product.
Video Monitor: The video monitor has been changed to a full HD with IPS technology and twice as bright as the previous one, but reducing consumption by 35%. Really the change is better, if before it looked great outside, now it looks much better, even with the analog video. With digital video, of course it looks great. We have separated the monitor 5mm more than the sticks of the Joysticks, to avoid problems in the transport and blows. We are very happy with these changes.
New 5.8Ghz analgo video receiver instrument: The previous monitor already had a 5.8Ghz analog video receiver incorporated. With the new monitor we decided that the analog video receiver should be independent, to improve the controls, the information for the pilot and the interactivity with a display and a single button of direct control.
For that we create an 8-channel video receiver in flight instrument format with added functionalities for the GCSD4 as measurement and temperature control with the local fan, independent voltmeter, automatic or manual commutation of the receiver with the external video input, timer, display of the 5.8Ghz RSSI, etc. All controlled with a single encoder button with push button.
It is compatible with the XVID3 analog video system and digital videos with HDMI output.
Video and audio inputs: Analog video: 5.8Ghz A/V receiver and Jack A/V input. HDMI for digital video.
Batteries and duration: New option with long battery life of 4 cells and between 15Ah and 20Ah that increase the battery life of the current 2.5-3h until 13h approximately. When the battery is 4 cells, the voltmeter is different, only numeric. We believe that increasing the battery life to 13h for long flights or several continuous flights without recharging, provide more peace of mind and flexibility to the pilot.
Improvement of range and safety with option of external transmitter: We have added a waterproof ethernet connector (not an ethernet interface) on one side, to use as an option the new SMBTS (Smart Base Station) and SMRBTS (Smart Redundant Base Station) which are external transmitters to GCSD4V2, integrated with a biquad antenna and that eliminate the need to use the coaxial, eliminating the losses of the RF cable and improving the antenna gain compared to the previous ones and the working range between 50% and 90% according to cases.
Safety switches: Now we have two safety switches, one red and one black. We add some plastic safety cover to the KR and KL switches so that aren’t handled by mistake. It is an added functionality that may be necessary and interesting for some users.
Internal improvements: We have improved the internal box to place the PC is now more compact and easy to assemble. We have also improved the 7 “monitor chassis of the PC. New boxes more robust and compatible for the different types of battery that can now be from 3 cells and 5Ah to 4 cells and 20Ah.
Ready for XLRS Antenna Tracker: It can be used the new professional antenna tracker of the XLRS system that we hope is available before the end of this year.
¡New article to learn more about XLRS radio links!
30/July/2019
In this article we talk about several interesting topics if the reader is new to the XLRS system or isn’t an expert or has experience in long range radio control.
XLRS Radio links. Basic notions.
- Why buy system more powerful to stop worrying of radio system and what happens next.
- Learn XLRS for yourself.
- Check the quality of the Radio link RC.
- About Transmitters and receivers.
- Frequency Bands.
- RC Power.
- Receiver sensitivity.
- RSSI. Received Signal Strength Indicator.
- Measurements in mW or dBm.
- Simplified calculations of the RF link.
- Constants and Data to remember.
- Antennas and cables.
¡Article: Learn more about analog video 2.4Ghz range and repeaters!
4/July/2019
Interesting article to review and assess the factors that affect the range in analog video with XVID3 at 2.4Ghz.
We talk about the basic differences in range, cost, noise and delay between analog and digital video.
When to select analog video at 5.8Ghz (XVID3 at 5.8Ghz, now available) or at 2.4Ghz (XVID3).
Examples analog video signal reception.
How to get the best range in analog video. Power, sensitivity, diversity, antennas, cables, humidity, etc.
LOS Flights.
NLOS Flights and repeaters.
¡ Articles to learn more about antennas, XLRS range and RF ISM bands!
2/July/2019
Collection of articles with little theory and lots of outdoor and indoor test practice with abundant photos and videos to learn more about XLRS radio systems, antennas and how to achieve the greatest reach and performance of your equipment in the bands 433, 869, 915 and 950Mhz. Learn more about:
- Range, Rssi, Noise in UAV – Drones environments.
- Indoor testing of antennas
- Outdoor testing of antennas
- XLRS range tests.
- RF ISM-ICM Band.
¡New Page gallery photos and videos!
24/June/2019
In this section you can see images and videos of XLRS products, you will also see some projects of our users and partners.
If you are using XLRS systems and want to show your project with images or videos, you can contact us at dmd@dmd.es and we will add the information on the gallery page.
¡New XLRS Updates!
21-29/May/2019
We have updated most devices, adding new useful and interesting features.
Go to the Updates page of May 21, 2019…
SUMMARY IMPROVEMENTS IN XLRS TRANSMITTERS, RXLRS RECEIVERS, XOSD3W VIDEO TRANSMITTER AND DMD STUDIO 21-May-2019:
- XOSD3W:
Visualization and alarms:
Main battery up to 65.5V in OSD.
Alarm level setting of battery 1 and battery 2 from DS/XOSD/MSG.
Displays alarm messages and Mavlink notification with 30seconds, up to 5 simultaneous messages are displayed between Mavlink telemetry and XLRS telemetry.
DMDStudio/XOSD/OBJ:
New buttons “P1 (Page 1), P2 (Page 2), P3 (Page 3)” are added to configure the objects / instruments of each page by default.
A “P3WI (Empty Page 3)” delete the objects / instruments on page 3 to work without OSD.
Important: When updating XOSD it is necessary to update the pages since some old objects have been moved in order to add new objects. To add the new objects/instruments you can click on the buttons of the default pages or you can also download the new pages here: XOSD Pages(Objetos) 02.rar.
Display and configuration of flight mode messages:
Now there are up to 23 possible modes and the text is configurable up to 6 characters.
The DS/XOSD/APMSG tab has also been updated to facilitate the configuration of each flight mode.
A new button “DEFAULT PIXHAWK CUBE” is added to add the default flight modes.
Changing video channel in XOSD:
Now you can change the video channel of the XOSD transmitter from the XLRS transmitter, adding in channel 15 the values:
190 (Video channel +)
200 (Video Channel -)
- AES128 encryption in TX and RX:
AES128 encryption, update radio packages.
- SPPM input activation in XLRS Transmitters:
XLRS transmitter, SPPM input and Head Tracker video glasses:
Article: SPPM. Head Tracker video glasses.
- RXLRS receiver:
Changing video channel in XOSD:
Now you can change the video channel of the XOSD transmitter from the XLRS transmitter, adding in channel 15 the values:
190 (Video channel +)
200 (Video Channel -)
Gain configuration Slider left and right of the transmitter D3, D4:
The Slider configuration is added from DS/SRV/JOY, (Default +500).
- GCSD4:
Configuration number cells in series of the internal battery (DS/DEV/ADJ):
The measurement of the graphical part of the battery of 3S and 4S has been improved.
Alarm GCSD4 (Battery 3S, 11.2V): When the voltage is Highest (13.2V) or Lowest (10.5V), the XLRS transmitter will emit an alarm beep (BEEP) and it will also show on the screen the battery icon will flash.
Alarm GCSD4 (Battery 4S, 14.8V): When the voltage is Higher (17.5V) or Lower (14V), the XLRS transmitter will beep (BEEP) alarm and will also show on the screen the battery icon will flash.
- XLRS transmitters (Screen 6. Video system control):
From version V341b831, the screen 6 “Video system control” to control RXVID or RXVIDXP from the XLRS transmitter has been deactivated.
Since the RXVIDXP product is obsolete, this screen isn’t longer necessary and for the RXVID configuration it is not necessary since it can be done from the device itself.
- DMD_Studio:
Communication with XOSD3W1 is improved.
The settings of the tab are added DS/Device_Name/AES (AES128 Encryption) in XLRS transmitters and receivers.
Multiple improvements to support new devices as IRXVID58.
¡New distributor XLRS in Africa!
17/May/2019
We welcome Elite Defense Solutions, as a new DMD distributor in Africa.
Elite Defense Solutions Providing a holistic safety & security solution to residents, business, key-infrastructure & other
parties within the Urban, Suburbs, Town, Cities & Rural Areas, Via a Centralised – Command & Control Center. Providing solutions to existing security service providers under a cooperative “umbrella” in order to
provide a complete service to the residents of their areas of influence.
Contact:
Main Office: AFRICA
EMAIL: Lionel@team-elite.co.za
PHONE: +27 81 322 5299
¡ New XVID3 video system, Now available!
15/March/2019
New analog video system XVID3.
It can already be purchased in DMD Store or by sending an email to dmd@dmd.es, approximate delivery time from 15 days.
It is the third generation of XVID systems with many improvements in hardware.
Video Transmitter improvements (XOSD3W1):
- More Power TX 2.4Ghz: The new video transmitter has a built-in TX video module of 2.4Ghz 1000mW (+30dBm). Optionally 2000mW (+33dBm).The previous XOSD2 only had 500mW (+27dBm).
- Less Consumption: The new transmitter of 1000mW consumes something less than XOSD2 of 500mW, generating less heat and with more power!!!.
- Box: New design, better refrigeration, new plastic material, better finish and more robust.
Video Receiver improvements (RXVID3):
- More sensitivity and range RX 2.4Ghz: The two receiver modules are more sensitive (+9dB) so the range of the 2.4Ghz video system will increase.
- More range TX 5.8Ghz: Video Transmitter 5.8Ghz 10mW has a SMA-Female connector, you can add an external antenna to increase the range previously it was about 10 to 15m, now it can reach 50-100m.
- More durability (8-10h approx): It incoporate a 3.7V 5000mAh battery, the double than the previous version.
- Box: New plastic material, better finish.
Note: Analog video systems with powers greater than 25 or 100mW at 2.4Ghz, shouldn’t be used in Europe, except authorized users. For governmental or military use, depending on the country you can use frequencies of 1.2 or 1.3Ghz, consult.
¡New XPAD4-CP: D4 transmitter Remote Control Panel!
27/February/2019
Professional RC Remote Control Panel, ideal for integration in fixed or portable professionals Ground Control Stations mainly for applications with FPV & UAV systems.
Based on GCSD4 Ground Control technology.
Radio Control and Telemetry of Long Range up to 200km.
The D4 transmitter has integrated the XLRS radio module of 5th Generation.
Partners: You can customize the control panel with your logo, personalized decoration, texts and specific functionalities (Consult)..
““XPAD4-CP is ideal for companies that need to add a complete professional long range radio control and telemetry system in their Ground Control Stations without the need to make or design a complex system using different pieces of RC transmitters, standard telemetry modules…” V.G
¡New safety switch for GCSD4 and XPAD4-CP!
22/February/2019
With protective cover to not activate or deactivate it inadvertently. 
¡New XLRS Partner in Ecuador!
20/February/2019
We welcome Aeroseedsky, as a new DMD partner in Ecuador.
Dedicated to the design and construction of unmanned aircraft UAVs.
Immediate solutions both in unmanned aircraft systems and in technical assistance and maintenance.
Our experience of more than 25 years in the development and planning of these systems, allows us to be competitive in the national and international market.
Contact:
Main Office: New York USA
4 Prospect Road, Centerport
631 804 0930
Factory: Quito-Ecuador
Avellanas L33 y Av. Eloy Alfaro
(+593) 9 9836 4481
Web: https://www.aeroseedsky.com
¡New XLRS Updates!
8/February/2019
We have updated most devices, adding new very useful and interesting features.
Go to the Updates page of February 2, 2019…
SUMMARY IMPROVEMENTS IN XPADS, RXLRS RECEIVERS AND DMD STUDIO:
New functions (example: PAN, TILT, ZOOM, FLAPS, etc) assigning a servo to the micro joystick. Use and configuration.
The Joystckis micro so far have been used for TRIM, DUAL RATE and for SHIFT R and L for some quick functions such as activating or deactivate the radio control transmission or activating or deactivating MAVLINK via USB or Bluetooth.
Commenting with several partners, we think about giving greater utility to the micro joysticks.
They can be used to assign them to a servo and use them for PAN, TILT and ZOOM and possibly FLAPs.
This is equivalent to adding 8 more buttons to the XPAD without modifying it.
In the case of an XPAD2 whose design is minimalist in buttons, it brings an improvement and important utility.
New function in mode1 can easily control up to 8 flight modes of AutoPilot with a single encoder assigning up to 8 values to one servo in each encoder. You can also control almost all the functions of the XOSD in a single encoder or the functions of a thermal camera in a single encoder, releasing buttons and switches and mixes. When the encoders are used, the display changes to show the parameters. This is equivalent to 16 more buttons on the Xpad. Use and Encoders Configuration.
- Joysticks XPADs:
A bug has been eliminated that does not allow the status of the DUAL-RATE and EXPO LEDs to be displayed and the control of the encoder limits to the new firmware version.
- RXLRS receiver:
Multiple improvements in the MIX (mixer)
adding the control of the micro Joysticks and the new functions of the VL and VR encoders. The control of the KL and KR buttons is added. Initial value is added for the variables.
- RXVID2:
Improvement in the automatic adjustment algorithm of the DASYNC so that diversity can better select.
- XVOSD:
Adaptation to the new firmware and RCBus packages of the RXLRS receiver.
- DMD_Studio:
Multiple improvements to support new devices like RXVID3 and new features that have been added to devices in general. Improvement in the selection of elements with the mouse of the tables.
¡New XLRS Partner in Germany!
4/February/2019
We welcome ViaFly, as a new DMD partner in Germany.
VIAFLY develops intelligent drone systems for the economy of the future.
NEXT GENERATION DRONES
Based on the Knowledge Cube of the University of Applied Sciences OWL, under the umbrella of the CENTRUM INDUSTRIAL IT (CIIT) in Lemgo, we are literally next to our partners in research, development and rapid prototyping. Among other things, this direct access allows us to create your technological future in a professional, profitable and scalable way.
Contact:
VIAFLY GMBH Vattmannstr. 6
33100 Paderborn
Germany
PHONE + 49-176-642 328 58
EMAIL info@viafly.de
ADDRESS Wolf-Henning Ohly, Dr. Ing. Aaron Gryzia
Web: www.viafly.de
¡New XLRS Partner in Italy!
23/January/2019
We welcome Nimbus Srl as a new DMD partner in Italy.
With eleven years of experience in the design and construction of SAPR, Nimbus has reached the highest levels of competence and efficiency in the aerospace industry. The objective of the company is to develop aircraft that are relevant to the aeronautical world and the world of unmanned aircraft.
Contact:
Nimbus Srl
Address:
Via Bertola Poligono, 19.
10040 Lombardore (TO) – Italia
Tel: +39 011 99 56 481
E-mail: info@nimbus.aero
Web: http://nimbus.aero/
¡ New XVID3 video system, COMING SOON… !
Available end of January
10/January/2019
We advance information about the new analog video system XVID3.
It will be available at the end of January, it can be purchased from the DMD Store or by sending an email to dmd@dmd.es, approximate delivery time from 7-15 days.
The third version of the XVID systems comes with hardware improvements over the previous version XVID2 that is currently obsolete, since the new XVID3 system will replace the XVID2.
The operation is similar to previous versions, only the video modules have been modified and improved:
Video Transmitter improvements (XOSD3W1):
- More Power TX 2.4Ghz: The new video transmitter has a built-in TX video module of 2.4Ghz 1000mW (+30dBm). Optionally 2000mW (+33dBm).The previous XOSD2 only had 500mW (+27dBm).
- Less Consumption: The new transmitter of 1000mW consumes something less than XOSD2 of 500mW, generating less heat and with more power!!!.
Video Receiver improvements (RXVID3):
- More sensitivity and range RX 2.4Ghz: The two receiver modules are more sensitive (+9dB) so the range of the 2.4Ghz video system will increase.
- More range TX 5.8Ghz: Video Transmitter 5.8Ghz 10mW has a SMA-Female connector, you can add an external antenna to increase the range previously it was about 10 to 15m, now it can reach 50-100m.
- More durability (8-10h approx): It incoporate a 3.7V 5000mAh battery, the double than the previous version.
More infomation soon.
Note: Analog video systems with powers greater than 25 or 100mW at 2.4Ghz, shouldn’t be used in Europe, except authorized users. For governmental or military use, depending on the country you can use frequencies of 1.2 or 1.3Ghz, consult.
¡New Video XLRS, GCSD4, modify joystick Mode2 to Mode1.
28/December/2018
In this example, we modified the GCSD4 transmitter joysticks from Mode2 to Mode1.
¡New Video XLRS, Assembly XPAD2V2, XPAD3 transmitter with FJ_XPAD-0001, FJ_XPAD-0002 and video receiver RXVIDXP!
07/December/2018
In this example we show the assembly of the XPAD2V2 and XPAD3 transmitters with FJ_XPAD-0001 and FJ_XPAD-0002 (XPAD support for SMP-918-9 antenna and video monitor) and RXVIDXP video receiver.