SATPRO V2
Radio Modem Connections
Introduction:
Today we are going to discuss the connection of radio modems from other well-known brands that use Ethernet interface with bandwidths of 4Mb or higher for video or high-speed data and serial port for the C2 link or Radio Control and telemetry.
In this case we will talk about SATPRO V2 and the RM-2025-62M3 / RM-2025-62M4 mini-OEM Helix Mesh Rider Radio – 1625~2500 MHz (M1-M6 Hex bands) radio modem from DOODLE labs.
In this article we will not say how to connect it exactly. The objective is to understand how to connect any radio modem similar to the SATPRO and how to configure the SATPRO.
About SATPROV2:
– SATPRO V2 has its own GPS to know where it is located.
– When starting up the SATPRO, it must point to the North.
– It also has an Offset option to electronically reposition it to North and to level it to the horizon if necessary with the XLRS_SATPRO software.
– SATPRO can make continuous 360º turns. It does not need to be repositioned.
– The usual connection of the SATPRO V2 to a GCS, PC or local network is via ethernet. Nothing else is needed.
– It is automatically positioned using Mavlink messages of the UAV position, and if necessary also from the UAV Home.
– The SATPRO position can be controlled and read with the XLRS_SATPRO software or with other software through the position commands.
Radio modem connections
Ethernet :
Sometimes the radio modem has an RJ45, pins or a JST connector. If you use pins or JST connectors you must prepare an adapter cable to RJ45 because SATPRO uses standard RJ45 connector.
Serial Port :
In this case, the SATPRO V2 will use a CTRCB module connected to the SATPROvia an RCBus Cable already provided with the SATPRO V2 and you will need to make a specific adaptation cable for the serial ports of the SATPRO and the radiomodem.
The CTRCB module is responsible for making a standard TTL serial port compatible with the RCBus port of the SATPRO.
The CTRCB speed is 38400b. If you need another speed, please contact sales@dmd.es.
SATPROV2 connections
Radio modem side:
Ethernet 1:
Connects directly to the radio modem or video receiver
Ethernet 2:
Optional. Connects directly to radio modem or video receiver if you need another connection
TTL Serial Port (on CTRCB):
Connects to radio modem serial port (invert TX and RX). Default 38.400b.
RCBus:
For XLRS devices such as WMX481 radio modem or (CTRCB) to serial port converter.
Ground Station (GCS) or PC side
Ethernet:
Connects to GCSD5, a PC or to local network or Internet through a switch.
RCBus:
For XLRS devices such as GCSD4V2, GCSD5 or GCSDual or CURCB to USB converter.
USB:
For PC or other devices. Through CURCB module supplied with SATPRO V2.
Notes:
Internally the SATPRO has an Ethernet switch with several connections: 2 Ethernet for radio modem or video, 1 for SATPRO and 1 output for GCS or PC or Internet.
The SATPRO V1 is very similar to the V2, except that it has only one Ethernet connection for radio modem or video.
Depending on the order, the SATPRO V2 is supplied with the CURCB and CTRCB modules. (For example, if you buy only the SATPRO without XLRS equipment, the CURCB and CTRCB modules are supplied so that you can make the SATPRO compatible with devices from other brands.
The CURCB module is also used to update the firmware of the SATPRO V2.
Connections Operation
Ethernet:
The radiomodem’s ethernet data with its IP, goes through the internal switch of the SATPRO to the ethernet connection for the Ground Control Station (GCS), PC or local network.
You will have direct and transparent access to the radiomodem’s ethernet.
You can send commands and telemetry to the SATPRO at your IP.
Serial Port:
The data from the radio modem serial port (38400b), converted by SATPRO through the ethernet for the GCS, PC or local network with the SATPRO V2 IP. You can also send commands to the SATPRO via USB through the CURCB module.
It is advisable that on the GCS or PC side, for RC, commands and telemetry, you only use the ethernet, as it is very fast and stable.
The CURCB module is used only for firmware updates and in some cases as ethernet redundancy, only for RC and telemetry or serial port connection data, not video.
Automation
Ethernet:
The SAPRO is prepared to follow the vehicle automatically if you use the Mavlink protocol through the serial port.
You can also automate it with your own software application since the necessary commands are text and very simple.
If necessary, you can control it manually with the XLRS_SATPRO software, which will also help you learn and test the proper functioning of the system.
With Mavlink:
If you use the MAVlink protocol via the radio modem serial data, the SATPRO tracker antenna can use the position of the vehicle (UAV, UGV, etc.) to position itself automatically.
For this you will need to set the HOME reference position. This can be achieved in several ways:
From the SATPRO GPS. Continuously (if moving) or fixed (only once established).
From the HOME of the UAV or vehicle.
These options and much more are configured from the XLRS_SATPRO software for Windows.
If you use Mavlink you will be able to see the GPS position of the vehicle and other data on the SATPRO display.
Without Mavlink:
If you do not use the MAVlink protocol, to position the tracker you will have to provide through an ethernet port (GCS or PC) of the SATPRO configured in CMD mode, position commands such as “DX 35”, “DY 15”. You can do this with your own software or with the XLRS_SATPRO software that is sent when you purchase the SATPRO.
There are many more commands available to provide position information and tracker features that can be seen in the manual or intuitively in the XLRS_SATPRO software.
Custom solutions
Are you looking for a personalized solution in remote control, radio control, base stations or antenna tracking systems? At DMD we are ready to help you design and develop the system that perfectly suits your needs. Contact us for more information or request a quote through our email: sales@dmd.es.
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