uAvionix microLink Manual
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microLink
User and Installation
Guide
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© 2021 uAvionix Corporation. All rights reserved.
uAvionix Corporation
300 Pine Needle Lane
Bigfork, MT 59911
http://www.uavionix.com
support@uavionix.com
Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this guide may be
reproduced, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any
storage medium, for any purpose without the express written permission of
uAvionix. uAvionix grants permissions to download a single copy of this
guide onto an electronic storage medium to be viewed for personal use,
provided that the complete text of this copyright notice is retained.
Unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto
is strictly prohibited.
uAvionix®and Ping® are registered trademarks of uAvionix Corporation,
and may not be used without express permission of uAvionix.
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1 Revision History
Revision
Date
Comments
A
6/23/2019
Initial release
B
07/17/2019
Modified the FCC and added the IC regulatory
statement
C
08/09/2019
Updated the skyStation statistics definitions and
modified for uav files updating
D
08/12/2019
Updated the FCC and IC statements per the
TCB
E
08/28/2019
Updated the RF exposure limits per the TCB
F
12/18/2019
Added Updating instructions for skyStation and
microLink radios
G
7/21/2020
Updated configuration item descriptions.
Updated firmware upgrade instructions.
H
10/27/2020
Add Transmit and Receive Masking
configuration instructions.
I
1/25/2021
Quick Start and Here2 appendices moved to
separate documents. Updated screen captures.
Added remote configuration instructions.
J
5/15/2021
Corrected USER connector pin-out table.
Updated skyLinkApp and web page screenshots.
K
07/12/2021
Updated images for skyStation 2.
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2 Limited Warranty
uAvionix products are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for one year from purchase. For the duration of the warranty
period, uAvionix, at its sole option, will repair or replace any product which
fails under normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no
charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall
be responsible for any transportation cost.
This warranty does not apply to cosmetic damage, consumable parts,
damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, water, fire or flood, damage
caused by unauthorized servicing, or product that has been modified or
altered.
IN NO EVENT, SHALL UAVIONIX BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE
PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO
NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Warranty Service
Warranty repair service shall be provided directly by uAvionix.
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3 Contents
1Revision History...................................................................................3
2Limited Warranty..................................................................................4
3Contents..............................................................................................5
4Introduction..........................................................................................7
5Specification........................................................................................8
5.1 microLink Radio Technology.........................................................8
5.2 Regulatory Statements .................................................................9
5.2.1 FCC Statement........................................................................9
5.2.2 Industry Canada Statement.....................................................9
5.3 Ground Radio System (GRS) –skyStation .................................11
5.4 Airborne Radio System (ARS) ....................................................12
5.5 Typical System Configuration .....................................................12
5.6 Mechanical Specifications...........................................................13
6Configuration.....................................................................................15
6.1 skyStation...................................................................................15
6.2 Connection to the POE Network .................................................16
6.3 skyStation Start-up and Connection............................................17
6.3.1 Run skyLinkApp.exe..............................................................17
6.3.2 Connecting to Mission Planner..............................................18
6.3.3 skyLinkApp.exe.....................................................................20
6.3.4 Status Tab.............................................................................21
6.3.5 Maps Tab..............................................................................23
6.3.6 Configuration Tab..................................................................23
6.4 skyStation Configuration and Health Webpage...........................31
6.4.1 Configuration Items...............................................................33
6.4.2 Status....................................................................................34
6.5 Updating Devices........................................................................34
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4 Introduction
microLink is an aviation grade, miniature, Beyond Visual Line Of Sight
(BVLOS) data link radio specifically designed for long range, robust,
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) telemetry data links. Ideal for size,
weight, power and performance sensitive applications, microLink operates
in the 902-928MHz license-free ISM band.
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5 Specification
5.1 microLink Radio Technology
•Dual radio architecture for true diversity
oPath (spatial) diversity
oFrequency diversity
oPolarization gain
•Dynamic Medium and Multiple access, time and position
synchronized, to support 100s of simultaneous links
oAdaptive time and frequency spreading
•Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
link synchronization
•Status, integrity and health monitoring
•Environmental RTCA/DO-160G
•Software RTCA/DO-178C Level C
•Complex Hardware RTCA/DO-254 Level C
•FCC 47 CFR Part 15.247 ID 2AFFTC2XISM
Radio Specifications
Band
902-928MHz ISM Band
Architecture
Dual Diversity Radios
Transmit Power
1W (4W EIRP)
Spreading
Code and Frequency
Bandwidth
200kHz
Receiver Sensitivity
User Receiver
-118dBm
Control Receiver
-121dBm
Doppler Capture Range
±16kHz
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5.2 Regulatory Statements
5.2.1 FCC Statement
FCC ID: 2AFFTC2XISM
This device meets the FCC requirements for RF exposure in public or
uncontrolled environments.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
5.2.2 Industry Canada Statement
IC ID: 25261-C2XISM
In order to comply with FCC / ISED RF Exposure requirements, this
device must be installed to provide at least 20 cm separation from the
human body at all times.
Afin de se conformer aux exigences d’exposition RF FCC / ISED, cet
appareil doit être installé pour fournir au moins 20 cm de séparation
du corps humain en tout temps.
This device complies with Industry Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference; and
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.
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Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada
applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
2) l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même
si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.”
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5.3 Ground Radio System (GRS) –skyStation
•All-Weather Network-Ready
microLink GRS
•TCP and UDP Power Over
Ethernet (POE) connectivity.
•IP67 grade enclosure.
•Dual Dipole Antennas
•Pole Mounting Kit
Specification
Value
Input Power
POE
13W Peak
Size
122x82x60mm
Weight
500 grams
Operating Temp
-45 to 70°C
Interfaces
User
Protocol
TCP or UDP
Control
Protocol
TCP or UDP
Timing/Position
Position
Internal
Environmental
DO-160G
Temperature Cat B2
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5.4 Airborne Radio System (ARS)
USER Interface (top connector)
Timing/Position, Control Interface
(bottom connector)
Pin
Type
Physical
Port
1
5V
5V
2
RXD
IN
Telem
3
TXD
OUT
Telem
4
RFU
5
RFU
6
GND
Pin
Type
Physical
Port
1
5V
5V
2
RXD
IN
GPS
3
UTC
IN
1PPS
4
RXD
IN
Control
5
TXD
OUT
Control
6
GND
The USER interface is the data connection to the auto pilot. The Control
interface is for changing settings like frequency hop tables, serial port
parameters, etc.
5.5 Typical System Configuration
•Transparent serial user data
interface
•Plug and play with Ardupilot
PixHawk autopilot
•Dual MMCX antenna
connectors
•Supports NMEA/UBX GPS
Sensors such as HERE2
and microFYX
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5.6 Mechanical Specifications
Airborne Radio System (ARS)
Ordering Part Numbers
skyStation 2
UAV-1005539-001
microLink
UAV-1002868-001
GPS Options
microFYX kit
UAV-1002500-001
HERE2 kit
UAV-1002956-001
Replacement Parts
MMCX 100mm
UAV-1003063-001
MMCX 200mm
UAV-1003063-002
GH 6p Cable
UAV-1003061001
GH 8p Cable
UAV-1003062-001
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GRS
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6 Configuration
6.1 skyStation
Connect skyStation to a POE switch or POE power injector.
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6.2 Connection to the POE Network
The skyStation connects to a network via POE using an M12 X-Coded
connector.
POE Specifications:
Parameter
Value
Standard
803.3af (802.3at Type1)
Maximum power
15.4W
Voltage Range
37 –57V
Maximum Current
350mA
Maximum Cable Resistance
20Ω
Supported Cabling
Shielded Cat 3 and Shielded Cat 5
Supported Modes
Mode A (endspan), Mode B (midspan)
Power Management
Power Class 0
Maximum Cable Length
100 meters
Caution!
Absolute maximum DC voltage +57 V. A higher DC voltage value will
permanently damage the equipment!
!
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6.3 skyStation Start-up and Connection
To setup the microLink and skyStation quickly with default configuration,
see the “microLink Quick Start Guide.pdf”. Connect the skyStation to a
POE capable network switch. At power-up an IP address will be assigned
to the skyStation by the local DHCP server. By default, the skyStation will
start broadcasting the User channel information on TCP port 42430 and the
Control channel information on port 42431. An IP Scan can be used to find
the IP address of the skyStation. MAC addresses are printed on the
skyStation.
6.3.1 Run skyLinkApp.exe
In the skyLinkApp.exe, configure the COM Settings to TCP, enter the IP
address of the skyStation, and enter the default Control port 42431. When
the data arrives, skyLinkApp.exe will begin graphing the radio link statistics.
NOTE: If you are not able to connect to the skyStation it is likely your
firewall is blocking the broadcast on port 42431. Please setup your
firewall to allow skyLinkApp.exe broadcast access to port 42431.
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6.3.2 Connecting to Mission Planner
Download and install Mission Planner from:
http://firmware.ardupilot.org/Tools/MissionPlanner/
http://ardupilot.org/planner/docs/mission-planner-installation.html
Verify that the flight controller and skyStation are powered and running and
that skyLinkApp.exe is receiving data. Run Mission Planner and select the
communications drop down menu.
Select TCP as the communication mode and hit the Connect button on the
upper right-hand corner.
Enter the skyStation IP address as found earlier in skyLinkApp.exe and
click OK.
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Enter port 42430 which is the skyStation default TCP port for Mission
Planner and click OK.
The TCP connection will now take off and you will see the system retrieving
parameters as follows for the flight controller.
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The skyStation is now in place and ready to host missions.
6.3.3 skyLinkApp.exe
skyLinkApp.exe is the uAvionix Control channel monitoring application
used for showing Status, Maps, and Configuration information. It can be
connected to the skyStation in TCP mode and the ports are configurable for
network flexibility. The port selection must match the skyStation
Configuration page setup and the IP address is always the IP address of
the skyStation.
The Device Name field allows the user to enter a name for a set of
connection parameters and save them for easy switching between radio
connections. Just type in a name and press Save.
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