RFDesign RFD TX Pole User manual

PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
RFD TX Pole
User Manual
RFDesign Pty Ltd
7/1 Stockwell Place
Archerfield, QLD 4108
rfdesign.com.au

TX Pole User Manual
Page 1of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
Table of contents
Document revision history......................................................................................................................2
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Features ..................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Applications.............................................................................................................................3
1.3 Description..............................................................................................................................3
1.4 Package Contents..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.5 Typical application diagram ....................................................................................................3
1.6 Getting to know the product ..................................................................................................4
2 Getting Started................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Product Setup .........................................................................................................................6
2.2 Wi-Fi Configuration.................................................................................................................8
2.2.1 Change Network Settings................................................................................................8
2.2.2 TX Pole as a station .......................................................................................................10
2.2.3 Wi-Fi Troubleshooting:..................................................................................................11
2.3 TX Pole Internal RFD900x Modem settings ..........................................................................11
2.3.1 Modifying parameters with the TX Pole web interface................................................14
2.4 Firmware Update ..................................................................................................................14
2.5 Vehicle Modem.....................................................................................................................16
3 Applications...................................................................................................................................18
3.1 Ground Control Station.........................................................................................................18
4 Antenna Recommendation...........................................................................................................19
5 Technical Specifications................................................................................................................20
5.1 Power Consumption .............................................................................................................20
5.2 Modem Specification............................................................................................................20
5.3 Wi-Fi Specifications...............................................................................................................21
5.4 Module Compliance..............................................................................................................21
5.5 Ordering Guide......................................................................................................................22
5.6 Physical Dimensions..............................................................................................................22
6 Useful Links ...................................................................................................................................23
Appendix A –TXP-HRN-01 –External Mast Harness 5m ..................................................................24

TX Pole User Manual
Page 2of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
Document revision history
Version
Date
Changes
1.0
01/09/2020
Initial release

TX Pole User Manual
Page 3of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
1Introduction
1.1 Features
•Long range using RFD900x telemetry
modem
•Wi-Fi host or client
•Easy configuration by web-based wizard
•TCP and UDP packet format support
•Wide range 9 to 16 V input supply
•Built-in battery
•Expandable I/O port
•IP66 rated enclosure
1.2 Applications
•Ground Control Station (GCS) telemetry
gateway over Wi-Fi
•Long range remote control (RC) via PPM
•Permanent field installations
1.3 Description
The RFD TX Pole is a rugged data and control
system for long term outdoor deployment.
Providing long range connection through RFD
900x long range modem the system can be
used for functions ranging from messaging to
sensor monitoring to equipment controls.
The wide range of supported input voltages
and internal battery system accommodates a
wide range of power solutions. The heavy-
duty sealed enclosure protects the system in
punishing outdoor conditions. The module’s
built-in Wi-Fi allows for simple webpage-
based configuration of the system even in the
most inaccessible installations.
1.4 Typical application diagram
Figure 2 - Typical application
Ground
Control Station
Drone fitted
with RFD900x
900MHz
Wi-Fi

Page 4of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-001
1.5 Getting to know the product
Figure 2 - TX Pole product parts description
Table 1 - TX Module Description
Item
Description/Operation
1. Long-Range
Modem
Antenna Ports (x2)
Female RPSMA antenna connector. Connect an antenna matched to the
902-928MHz ISM band. For antenna recommendations refer to section 4.
Use of both antennas enables diversity operation.
2. Wi-Fi Antenna
Port
Female RPSMA antenna connector. Connect an antenna matched to the
2.4 GHz ISM band. For antenna recommendations refer to section 4.
3. Status LED
Red
Solid
Low battery warning, no Wi-Fi connection
Alternating with blue
Battery low, connected to Wi-Fi
Green
Solid
Healthy battery, no Wi-Fi connection
Alternating with blue
Healthy battery, connected to Wi-Fi
4. Main
Connector
External supply connector to power and/or charge device. Two different
harnesses can be used depending on application. Refer to section 7 for more
information about the harnesses. For connector pinout refer to table 2.
5. Expansion
Connector
Not implemented –Reserved for future models
6. Power
Button
Press for 5 secs while OFF
Turn on the device.
Hold for 5 seconds while ON
Turn off the device.
Press 5 times within 5 seconds
Perform a factory reset.
7. Mounting
Mechanism
A kit with a variety of mounting mechanisms is supplied with the TX Pole.
Use the enclosure mounting holes to attach the one that best suits your
application.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 5of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
Table 2 –Main connector pinout
PINOUT
PIN
Name
I/O
Description
Main connector
Front View
1
ESP_TX0
O
ESP transmit serial 0
2
+V_PLUG
-
Device external supply with priority over
internal battery.
3
ESP_RX0
I
ESP receive serial 0
4
GND
-
Ground
5
EXT_ON_N
I
A switch can be connected across
EXT_ON_P and EXT_ON_N to turn on the
device while mounted far up to a pole.
6
EXT_ON_P
I
7
ESP_EN_BOOT
I
Connect to GND during power up to enter
ESP bootloader.
8
DIO3
I/O
GPIO pin
Table 3 - Expansion connector pinout –Reserved for future models
PINOUT
PIN
Name
I/O
Description
Expansion connector
Front view
1
RSVD1
-
Reserved
2
RSVD2
-
Reserved
3
RSVD3
-
Reserved
4
RSVD4
-
Reserved
5
RSVD5
-
Reserved
6
RSVD6
-
Reserved
7
RSVD7
-
Reserved
8
RSVD8
-
Reserved
9
RSVD9
-
Reserved
10
RSVD10
-
Reserved
Table 4 - Power Supply Ratings
Parameter
Minimum
Maximum
Units
Supply Voltage (+V_PLUG relative to GND)
+9
+16
V
DC Plug Current Consumption (I _PLUG)
0.12
3*
A
*Maximum current consumption occurs when internal modem constantly transmits, and internal battery is being charged.
For further detail about power consumption depending on mode of operation, see section 5.1.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 6of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
2Getting Started
2.1 Product Setup
The TX Pole has two communication links that require configuration before operation: Wi-Fi and
900 MHz telemetry. The easiest way to set up your TX Pole for its initial use is through the ‘First Run
Wizard' as explained in this section. Further configuration will be explained in detail in sections 2.2
and 2.3.
Ensure the TX Pole is charged, or it is being supplied externally via the main connector. Power up the
device by pressing the mode button for at least 5 seconds or connect the EXT_ON_N and EXT_ON_P
wires together on the power.
The system defaults to be a Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) and self-assigns the IP 192.168.4.1. Use your
computer or smart device to search for and connect to the access point Wi-Fi network generated by
the TX Pole (SSID: TXPOLE-XX-XX-XX, Password: txpole123 , by default). It may be necessary to disable
mobile data on tablets and phones to force the browser to use the TX Pole network. If the TX Pole is
properly powered up, but the access point is not visible from your personal device, a factory reset may
help bringing the Wi-Fi settings back to a known state.
Figure 1 - Network settings. A) Windows 10. B) Android.
Once connected to the TX Pole, point your preferred browser to the device IP address, which by
default is http://192.168.4.1/, to access the configuration homepage of figure 2.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 7of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
Click on ‘Go to First Run Wizard!’ button to access the wizard on figure 8 which will guide you through
the steps to get your module ready to use.
Figure 3 - First run wizard
To complete the wizard, the remote modem on the aircraft should be powered up, have the same
firmware version, and be bound to the TX Pole. If the remote RFD900x modem is the one supplied
along the TX Pole, both devices are ready to proceed. If it is not, refer to section 2.5 to flash on the
Figure 2 - Configuration homepage.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 8of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
remote modem the same firmware version being used on the TX Pole, which is displayed on the
‘Device Info’ section of the homepage interface of figure 2 under ‘Internal modem version:’. If both
firmware versions are already the same, reset remote modem to default settings and the green LED
on the modem should go green indicating it has been bound to the TX Pole. If that were not case,
press the button on the TX Pole 5 times rapidly to reset default values. After that, the wizard can be
reengaged.
Follow on-screen instructions and once the wizard is successfully completed, your device is ready to
be used and further configuration is optional.
2.2 Wi-Fi Configuration
It is strongly recommended to change the default Wi-Fi settings to ensure the security of the radio link
and overall system. This section explains how to do this.
2.2.1 Change Network Settings
While on the configuration homepage of figure 2, click on the ‘Wi-Fi/Network Setup’ button, to access
the Wi-Fi settings configuration page of figure 4.
Figure 4 -Wi-Fi settings configuration page.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 9of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
The Wi-Fi settings of figure 4 are described in table 5:
Table 5 - Wi-Fi Settings Description
Parameter
Description
Wi-Fi mode
This sets the module to act as an access point (default) or as a station on
an existing access point, such as a home network.
AP SSID
Is the SSID used for creating the Access Point (AP).
AP Password
This is the password that will be used for the access point. It must be a
minimum of 8 character long
Wi-Fi Channel
Allows the user to set the channel as per the Wi-Fi 802.11 standard
definitions. This can be used as needed to prevent interference or to meet
the requirements of the network that the module is joining. The default is
channel 11 a part of the most commonly used channel set of 1, 6 and 11.
StationSSID
The SSID of the network that the TX Pole should attempt to join.
Station Password
The password of the network that the TX Pole should attempt to join.
Station IP
The static IP address to assign the TX Pole when joining the network. (Note
this may require appropriate settings to be made on the network router.
Once assigned as a station the landing page for the TX Pole settings
becomes the Station IP address that was assigned.)
Station Gateway
The Gateway IP address of the network that the TX Pole should attempt to
join.
Station Subnet
The Subnet Mask of the network that the TX Pole should attempt to join as
a station.
Host Port
This is the UDP host port number. This is the port that you will direct a
connection to in UDP mode
Client Port
This is the UDP client port number.
Baudrate
Baudrate of the serial link with the modem. It must match the modem
serial speed setting to allow the two to communicate.
After changing the desired settings, press ‘Save Settings’ and power cycle the TX Pole either by holding
the mode button for 5 seconds to power off and then 1 second to power up again, maintaining
EXT_ON_N and EXT_ON_P or by pressing the button ‘Reboot’ of the ‘Advanced options’ on the
configuration interface of figure 2 .
Note that after the changes take place, it might be required to change the network settings saved on
your computer or personal device in order to reconnect to the TX Pole. It may be required to force the
system to forget the old password/settings and then try to connect again with the new Wi-Fi settings.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 10 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
2.2.2 TX Pole as a station
To use the TX Pole on an existing Wi-Fi network to provide telemetry data to a GCS while still allowing
access to the internet, for example to download maps, there are a couple of possible implementations.
Basic users
Windows and Linux users will require the installation of a support software. For Windows, the
Bonjour Service from Apple (https://support.apple.com/kb/DL999?locale=en_US) and for Linux the
Avahi service are suitable. Windows users may also need to use Chrome (or Chrome based) browsers
as this has more consistent interoperability with the Bonjour service.
Once this has been installed, connect to the TX Pole in default AP mode go to Wi-Fi settings and choose
‘Station’ in ‘Wi-Fi Mode’, set the correct SSID (in StationSSID) and password of the network in “Station
Password”, leave “Station IP”, “Station Gateway” and “Station Subnet Mask” as 0.0.0.0 then press
“Save” and finally reboot the device. You can connect now your computer or smart device to the Wi-
Fi network with the name specified on StationSSID in the previous step. On your device open a
Chrome-based browser and enter the following address http://TXPOLE-XX-XX-XX.local where the Xs
are the same as the Xs in the access point network name. Analogously on Android download Bonjour
Browser app to find and access to the TX Pole IP address.
Advanced users
The module must be set up by choosing ‘Station’ in ‘Wi-Fi Mode’, set the correct SSID (in StationSSID)
and password of the network in “Station Password”.
You will need to find the Gateway and Subnet mask of the network then to write the appropriate
values in ‘Station Gateway’, ‘Station Subnet’. Assigning the ‘Station IP’ requiring that a static IP is set
on the DHCP server, normally the network router, this is so the device will be at a known address on
the network allowing for the user to connect using this new fixed IP in place of the 192.168.4.1 of
access point mode. Network information such as the Subnet Mask and Gateway address can be found
on a network connected device. For instance, in windows launch a command prompt, type ‘ipconfig’
and press enter. Information similar to figure 5 will be shown. In Linux-based devices typing ‘ifconfig’
to the terminal should give similar results.
Figure 5 –Command Prompt.
Default Gateway →‘Station Gateway’
Subnet Mask →‘Station Subnet’

TX Pole User Manual
Page 11 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
2.2.3 Wi-Fi Troubleshooting:
If you forget your settings or the device is not available on the network, resetting your TX Pole unit to
default settings may be required. This is done by pressing the button 5 times rapidly within 5 seconds.
The TX Pole unit will then reset to factory default configuration and reboot.
In some cases, user connection settings may prevent devices from accessing the Wi-Fi addresses. It
may therefore be necessary to do some basic troubleshooting such as removing the existing network
settings from the device memory, resetting the wireless adaptor, turn off mobile data and disconnect
other networking devices such as LAN cables. In other cases, running the Windows Network
Diagnostics may help.
2.3 TX Pole Internal RFD900x Modem settings
A description of the parameters that define the communication between TX Pole and remote RFD900x
modem is presented in Table 6 - RFD900x parameters. For further information regarding the internal
modem on which the TX Pole is based on, refer to the RFD900x Peer to Peer Firmware and RFDesign
Modem 900x Datasheet documents using the links in section 6.
Table 6 - RFD900x parameters
Reg
#
S Register
Description
Default
Value
Maximum
Value
Minimum
Value
Must be the same
at both ends of
the link?
S0
FORMAT
This is for EEPROM version, it should not
be changed. It is set by the firmware
Firmware
dependant
N/A
N/A
No
S1
SERIAL_SPEED
Serial speed in ‘one-byte form’.
Accepted values are 1, 2, 4, 9, 19, 38, 57,
115, 230, 460 and 1000 corresponding to
1200bps, 2400bps, 4800bps, 9600bps,
19200bps, 38400bps, 57600bps,
115200bps, 230400bps, 460800bps and
1000000bps respectively.
57
1000
1
No
S2
AIR_SPEED1
Air data rate in ‘one-byte form’.
Accepted values are 12, 56, 64, 100, 125,
200, 224, 500 and 750 corresponding to
12000bps, 56000bps 64000bps,
100000bps, 125000bps, 200000bps,
250000bps, 224000bps, 500000bps and
750000bps respectively.
64/2004,8
750
12
Yes
S3
NETID
Network ID.
25
255
0
Yes
S4
TXPOWER1
Transmit power in dBm.
30
30
0
No
S5
ECC2
Enables or disables the Golay error
correcting code.
0
1
0
Yes
S6
MAVLINK3
Enables or disables the MAVLink framing
and reporting
1
1
0
No

TX Pole User Manual
Page 12 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
Reg
#
S Register
Description
Default
Value
Maximum
Value
Minimum
Value
Must be the same
at both ends of
the link?
S7
OP_RESEND
Opportunistic resend allows the node to
resend packets if it has spare bandwidth
0
1
0
No
S8
MIN_FREQ1
Min frequency in KHz
915000
/8680004,8
927000
/8700004
902000
/8650004,8
Yes
S9
MAX_FREQ1
Max frequency in KHz
928000
/8700004
928000
/8700004
903000
/8650004,8
Yes
S10
NUM_CHANNELS1
Number of frequency hopping channels
20/14,8
518/84,8
1
Yes
S11
DUTY_CYCLE1
The percentage of time to allow transmit
100
100
10
No
S12
LBT_RSSI1
Listen before talk threshold
0
220
25
Yes
S13
RTSCTS
Ready-to-send and Clear-to-send flow
control.
0
1
0
No
S14
Max Window
Max transit window size used to limit
max time/latency if required otherwise
will be set automatically
131
400
20
Yes
S15
Encryption Level
Encryption level 0=off, 1=128bit AES
0
1
0
Yes
S16
GPIO1.1 R/C input
Set GPIO 1.1 (pin 15) as R/C(PPM) input
0
1
0
No
S17
GPIO1.1 R/C output
Set GPIO 1.1 (pin 15) as R/C(PPM) output
0
1
0
No
S18
GPIO1.1 SBUS input7
Set GPIO 1.1 (pin 15) as R/C(PPM) input
0
1
0
No
S19
GPIO1.1 SBUS output7
Set GPIO 1.1 (pin 15) as R/C(PPM) output
0
1
0
No
S20
ANT_MODE
0= Diversity, 1= Antenna 1 only, 2=
Antenna 2 only, 3= Antenna 1 TX and
antenna 2 RX
0
3
0
No
S21
GPIO1.3 Status LED output
Set GPIO 1.3 (pin 12) as output with state
that mirrors the status LED on the
modem
0
1
0
No
S22
GPIO1.0 485 TX control output6
Set GPIO 1.0 (pin 13) as control signal on
DINIO and RS485 interface boards.
0
1
0
No

TX Pole User Manual
Page 13 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
Reg
#
S Register
Description
Default
Value
Maximum
Value
Minimum
Value
Must be the same
at both ends of
the link?
S23
Rate and Frequency Band
Switches between valid settings for the
frequencies, channels and airspeeds that
can be set on compliant modems
ensuring compliance is maintained. See
section 3.4 for FCC-related information.
0
3
0
Yes
R0
TARGET_RSSI
Optimal RSSI value to try to sustain
(255/08disables the feature) V3.09 and
earlier this is based on RSSI figures. After
v3.12 this changes to being based on
receiver dBm
255/1108
50/08
255/08
No
R1
HYSTERESIS_RSSI
Amount of change before power levels
altered. V3.09 and earlier this is based
on RSSI figures. After v3.12 this changes
to being based on receiver dBm
50/158
20/28
50/58
No
Notes:
1The listed values are the full range of options available on unrestricted modems. The range of settings available may be altered on
compliant systems to maintain compliance to the appropriate standards
2ECC - Software Detection and correction, extra packet information, twice the packet length, is sent to allow the recovery of corrupted
packets. Disabled in version 3.15 and up. Error detection is handled by CRC since at least version 3.01
3Injects RSSI packet when MAVLink protocol used and heartbeat packet detected.
4868 modems
5Experimental feature settings not currently available
6This setting controls modem functionality linked with 485 interface and DINIO products it is not intended for use outside of this application.
7Version 3.09 the SBUS function is mapped to GPIO1.3
8Version 3.15 or higher

TX Pole User Manual
Page 14 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
2.3.1 Modifying parameters with the TX Pole web interface
The settings described in table 6 can be set up on the TX Pole and on any modem it may be bond to
by using the browser interface. The TX Pole will appear as local and the aircraft modem as remote.
Click on ‘View/Edit 900x Radio Setup’ to access the modem’s setup interface of figure 6. If the TX Pole
has not been paired yet with any other modem, the remote side will appear empty and the message
“Sorry no parameters available” will be shown.
Figure 6 –T Pole modem configuration page.
Settings can be refreshed using the ‘Load Fresh parameters’ button. Parameters can be adjusted in
the text boxes as required and then applied by means of the ‘Save parameters’ button. Changes on
the AIR_SPEED, NETID, TXPOWER, MIN_FREQ, MAX_FREQ and NUM_CHANNELS parameters should
be applied to remote radio settings as well to avoid losing the radio link.
2.4 Firmware Update
Updating the TX Pole requires two different files; the ‘firmware.bin’ and the ‘spiffs.bin’ files which can
be found through the links in section 6. Before proceeding with the firmware update ensure the device
is charged at least 80%. On the browser configuration landing page shown in figure 2, select ‘Update
Firmware’ and follow the on-screen commands on figure 7 to flash the files onto the device.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 15 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
Once the new SPIFFS is uploaded, you will be required to reboot your TX Pole. The subsequent bootup
might also update the internal radio firmware. For that reason, ensure you have no other RFD900x or
RFD900ux modems on at the same time, and allow up to 10 minutes for the device to bootup
completely.
Figure 7 - Update page

TX Pole User Manual
Page 16 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
2.5 Vehicle Modem
If the vehicle modem to be used is the one supplied with the TX Pole, unless changed by the user, it
will have a compatible firmware version and it will be bound to the modem in the TX Pole. If that is
the case, the easiest way to configure it is through the browser interface already explained in the
previous section.
On the other hand, if the modem is not the one supplied with the kit or both modems are not bound,
the vehicle modem should be flashed with the same firmware and configured with the same
parameters as the modem on the TX Pole to ensure a proper communication link. To do so, an FTDI
cable, a jumper and the RFD900 tools or a serial terminal program are needed.
Connect the FTDI cable and the jumper as per figure 8 or 9 depending on the remote modem model.
The black wire of the FTDI, i.e. pin 1, should connect to pin 1 on the modem and the jumper should
connect pins 2 and 3 on the top row together.
Figure 8 - Modem connected to FTDI cable (pins 1,3,5,7,9,
and 11) to enable serial communications, and jumper
connected to pins 4 and 6.
Figure 9 –RFD900ux Modem connected to FTDI cable
To configure the modem using the RFD900 tools, download and install the software using the links on
section 6 if it is not installed on your computer yet. Launch the program and the configuration interface
of figure 8 should pop-up.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 17 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
Figure 8 –Vehicle modem configuration on RFD900 tools.
First ensure the firmware on the vehicle modem is the same as the one on the TX Pole, the version of
which can be obtained in the first page of the browser interface of figure 2. If both versions don’t
match download the one currently in use on the TX Pole through the links in section 6.
Then on the RFD900 tools click on ‘Upload Firmware’ and choose the *.bin file you just downloaded.
Wait until the process finishes (a message will appear at the bottom of the page) and reboot the
modem. You have successfully updated the firmware.
Then use the interface to configure the parameters described in Table 6 - RFD900x parameters. The
AIR_SPEED, NETID, TXPOWER, MIN_FREQ, MAX_FREQ and NUM_CHANNELS parameters should be
the same as the ones in the TX Pole modem. When connected directly through the FTDI cable the
vehicle modem will appear as local. If these parameters have been not modified on the TX Pole side
or they have been reset to default values by pressing the button 5 times rapidly, the easiest way to
configure them on the remote modem is by pressing ‘Reset to Defaults’ button.
Another important step is to set modem GPIO1.1 as a PPM output. This allows the modem pin 15 to
output the PPM stream received from the TX Pole modem. This will be configured automatically by
the First Run Wizard. In case the wizard were not to be used, enable this by checking the
‘CPI1_1R/COUT’ box in any and ensure later on that ‘CPI1_1R/CIN’ is unchecked on the TX Pole. Then
save the settings to upload the configuration onto the modem.
After the modem has been configured correctly it will be able to link with the TX Pole modem,
indicated by a solid green LED on both devices. From this point onwards the FTDI cable is no longer
needed to configure the vehicle modem. Instead this can be done over the air via the TX Pole using
the browser interface. This only works while the modem in the vehicle and TX Pole are linked as
indicated by a solid green LED.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 18 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
3Applications
3.1 Ground Control Station
The immediate application for the TX Pole is to set up a ground station for unmanned aircraft
applications were long range and reliable communications are a must.
In this scenario, the TX Pole will allow control of the aircraft from your computer or personal device
and at the same time display on your preferred software the telemetry data received from the aircraft.
In this section, the process is explained using Mission Planner for Windows and Tower for Android.
However, this process can be extrapolated to other software supporting Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
Once the TX Pole is configured as described throughout section 2, connect your computer or smart
device to the configured Wi-Fi network; that is either the TX Pole Access Point or the linked network
when using the module as a station. Then open Mission Planner on your computer or Tower App on
your Android device and choose TCP or UDP and press the button “CONNECT” as per figure 11.
Parameters should start loading provided that the TX Pole is properly bond to the modem on the
aircraft (solid green LED) and both devices are powered up.
Figure 11 –Mission planner connection options.
When prompted, enter the IP address and port number in the pop-up boxes as shown in figure. Default
values in AP mode are IP 192.168.4.1, TCP port number 23 and UDP 14550. After that, if properly
connected, telemetry data should be available, and the control software should run missions as
normal.
Ground
Control Station
Drone fitted
with RFD900x
900MHz
Wi-Fi
Figure 10 - Typical Application Diagram.

TX Pole User Manual
Page 19 of 24
–Version 1 –Status –ISSUED FOR USE
Document Number –PRJ-TXP-MAN-002
Figure 12 - Tower configuration on Android.
4Antenna Recommendation
The RFD TX Pole has three antenna connectors: one for the Wi-Fi and two for the 900 MHz
communication link. Any antenna with a male RPSMA fitting and matched to the 2.4 GHz and to the
902-928MHz ISM band respectively can be used, however the ones supplied along with the
TX Pole and shown in figure 13 are recommended for almost every application. For other antenna
options visit our store at http://store.rfdesign.com.au/.
Figure 13 –a) 900MHz 3dBi Half Wave Dipole Antenna (RPSMA) , b) Antenna 2.4GHz 5dBi Dipole (RPSMA)
Any of the two 900 MHz antennas can be left unmounted if antenna diversity is not to be used. For
further detail about the diversity options that the modem inside TX Pole provide, refer to the RFDesign
Modem 900x Datasheet, the link of which can be found in section 6 of this document: