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Lab 8 - Believer Comms and Firmware

The purpose of this lab was to set up RFD 900x, as well as install firmware onto the Believer controller. Using guided questions and the resources provided, we as a team were able to successfully complete these tasks, moving us one step closer to flying the Believers.

Questions about the specifications of the telemetry module:

1. What frequency are these set to? Why?

The RFD900x uses 902 - 915 MHz and 915 - 928 MHz

This frequency is commonly used in North America for unlicensed long-range communication and provides a good balance between range and data transmission reliability.

2. Why do the antennas need to be connected before powering?

The antennas needs to be connected before powering it on to prevent it from getting damaged. Once you power on the RFD900x the Radio Frequency has no where to go if there isn’t an antenna. This can cause the RFD900x to overheat.

3. What is special about the USB Serial plug?

The USB serial Plug is special because it can use 3.3v compared to the normal 5.5 volts for regulars usb serial plugs.

4. What is pin one on the RFD900 USB Serial Connector, and what color wire connects to it? Please attach a photo before plugging it into your computer's USB.

Pin one is denoted by the arrow marker on the connector, corresponding with modem pin 1, bottom left pin of the modem pin header and denoted by the square solder pad and white ‘1’ marking on the PCB. The black wire connects to the pin 1.

1mb ram 2mb flash memory

5. What is BAUD?

A BAUD rate is the number of signal changes transmitted per second. A higher BAUD rate means faster communication speeds, and reduce latency between communicating systems.

Questions about Installing the Firmware:

The file provided by Windracers has a .apj file extension. What does this mean and why?

The .hex files are only meant to be used by DFU/JTAG/SWD methods. The .apj file has also been tested by developers and in most cases been test flown.

What is Mission Planner? What are the alternatives to Mission Planner?

Mission Planner is a full featured ground station application. It can be used as a dynamic control supplement or a configuration utility. Other programs include QGroundControl, APM Planner, UGCS, Betaflight, PX4, etc.

Do you expect the Windracers flight controller firmware to work with Mission Planner?

Yes, because even if the default software is not built for specific vehicle types and firmware, ArduPilot allows us to build using a custom firmware server.

How much memory does the Blue Cube have?

1 megabyte of ram, 2 megabytes of flash memory

Reflection:

These questions acted as guiding steps as we were adjusting the settings needed. Providing us with the understanding needed to complete the set up and installation. Once we completed the initial set up and installing, we were able to test our work. Making sure to confirm our connection and firmware was correct and working.

Photos!

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