WMX481
In this article we will present the WMX481 data link. The versions, their most relevant features, the composition of the product and in later articles we will write about applications and use.
WMX481 V1
In its first version was specifically designed as an independent RC + telemetry Data Link to be used with the XPAD2 V3 radio control transmitter.
The objective was to remove the radio frequency system from the XPAD2 V3 and connect the WMX481 V1 with a 7 meter cable. A long USB cable was also used. In this way, no RF cable was used to place the antenna far from the XPAD2 since it accumulates quite a lot of RF losses (around 1dBm per meter) with this length, in addition to the inconvenience of continually moving the RF cable, causing possible breakdowns.
WMX481 V2
Was adapted to be installed together with a QB89 antenna in the SATPRO antenna tracker together with the GCSD4 and GCSD5 ground stations. This simplified and standardized the GCS by removing the RF module and the XLRS system was modularized in such a way that it could be used with radios from other manufacturers.
Initially, the SATPRO had the RF module inside, leading out an RF patch cord to the antenna, but with the advent of WMX481, the RF module was removed from the SATPRO, eliminating the RF cable and its losses. Now the SATPRO was modular and could be used with any system from other brands.
WMX481 V3
The next step was the new version V3 of the WMX481.
More powerful, 3 options: normal, redundant and repeater.
More modular internally, with a good 4.3″ TFT touch screen which continuously reports the RF link parameters of both the receiver and the WMX481, such as RSSI, % data packets, RF channel, Frequency, FHSS, RF noise, etc.
A more robust box made of aluminium and plastic. Prepared to be easily screwed to an antenna base or directly to the SATPRO arms. In case of failure it is easy to change the internal parts.
We added 3 interfaces: USB, RCBus and Ethernet.
3 forms of power supply from 9 to 24Vdc: Direct external battery, RCBus connector and Ethernet Poe.
It is prepared for long distance portable systems and fixed systems, with C2 links up to 250Km.
It can be connected directly to a GCSD5 or a SATPRO, also to a local network and to the Internet, so that UAVs or any type of vehicle can be controlled remotely.
Of course, it can be used for long distance point-to-point or network (RF) digital communications by RF IP addressing.
It can be used to control UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), drones, USVs (unmanned surface vehicles), UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles), robotics and industrial vehicles.
It is prepared for automatic or manual control since if you connect it to a GCSD4, GCSD5 or GCSDual the data from the joysticks and multiple buttons are sent by radio. Data from a PC Joystick can also be sent to the WMX481 via commands.
It works as a transparent radio modem or with Mavlink protocol for telemetry while being able to send Radio Control (RC) data.
The usual RF modulation speed is 100kb for the mentioned ranges.
It is compatible with the RXLRS receiver or they can communicate with each other for large vehicles.
It is prepared to be used with the BQ89 antenna.
It has a sophisticated message system on the display and acoustic alarms on many parameters of the radio link, interfaces and power supply.
WMX481R V3 is the redundant option. It has 2 RF modules each with its independent and modular microprocessor.
You can choose two frequency bands 433Mhz or 868-950Mhz. Consult other bands.
You can use two different frequency bands simultaneously.
On the receiving side you will need 2 RXLRS Receivers.
WMX481Re V3 is the repeater option. It is the same hardware as the redundant system, only the firmware changes.
In a future article we will talk about the applications, connections and equipment associated with a WMX481.
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