Эканамічныя радыёпрыёмнікі без частоты 2,4 ГГц для рояў беспілотнікаў

Q: Q1: Can LoRa modules reliably reach 4 km with 20 drones?

Yes, LoRa modules on 868/915 MHz can reach 4 km in ideal line-of-sight conditions. However, real-world range depends on antenna placement, height, and interference. For 20 drones, proper airtime scheduling is needed to avoid collisions.

Q: Q2: Why avoid 2.4 GHz for this swarm?

2.4 GHz is crowded and more susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other devices. Lower frequencies like 433 MHz, 868/915 MHz, or 1.2 GHz provide better propagation and reliability, especially for long-range telemetry and control.

Q: Q3: Can this setup stay under $100 per drone?

Yes, hobbyist-grade LoRa, ExpressLRS, or 433/900 MHz telemetry radios can often be sourced under $100 per unit. Costs may rise if you need higher transmit power, professional-grade modems, or specialized antennas for guaranteed range.

Змест

Choosing Cost‑Effective Non‑2.4 GHz Radios for a 20‑Drone Master‑Slave Swarm

Нядаўна, we received an inquiry from a UAV operator looking to implement a master–slave drone swarm with very specific requirements:

“Do you have any communication systems that should not work on 2.4 GHz for swarm 20 дроны?
We are using master–slave configuration looking for a 4 km LOS and 1.5 km AGL height.
Looking for a cost-effective solution, video transmission is not required.
Is there any solution under 100 USD or below per unit? These are for target drones; they will be destroyed.
Ёсць 19 slave drones which will be in a pattern and placed 5 meters apart.
The master drone will be 20 meters apart. Must be gas, non‑2.4 GHz.”

Let’s break down the requirements and explore practical, low-cost communication solutions for this scenario.

Key Requirements

Master–Slave Swarm: 1 master + 19 slave drones.
Drone spacing: Slaves ~5 m apart; master ~20 m apart.
Communication range: Надзейны 4 км (line-of-sight) links.
Altitude: Да 1.5 km AGL.
Data type: Telemetry/control only — no video.
Frequency constraints: Must avoid 2.4 ГГц.
Budget: Ideally ≤ $100 per unit, since drones are expendable.

Technical Considerations

Frequency Band Trade-offs

Lower frequencies such as 433 МГц, 868/915 МГц, альбо 1.2 ГГц propagate farther and are more reliable than 2.4 ГГц, making them ideal for long-range telemetry. These bands are commonly used in hobbyist and industrial UAV telemetry systems.

Range vs. Antenna and Power

А 4 km LOS link is achievable with moderate transmit power, good antennas, and clear LOS. Antenna height, атрымаць, and polarization are crucial for maintaining reliable connections.

Network Topology

In a star topology з 19 slaves, collision management is important. Using LoRa, ExpressLRS, or similar radios, you need to consider protocol design to avoid packet collisions and latency issues.

Regulatory Considerations

Frequency bands and transmit power are regulated by country. Always check local rules (FCC, ГЭТА, і г.д.) before deployment. This is particularly important for low-cost long-range radios.

Cost and Performance Trade-offs

While hobbyist modules can achieve 4 km LOS under ideal conditions for <$100, professional long-range telemetry radios often exceed $100. Testing is essential to validate performance in real operational conditions.

Practical Options

Лора / SX127x Modules (868/915 МГц)
- Pros: Very low cost ($30–$60 per unit), long-range in LOS, robust interference immunity.
- Cons: Low data rates, potential duty cycle restrictions, longer latency.
900 MHz Telemetry Radios / ExpressLRS Modules
- Pros: Нізкая затрымка, widely used in UAV control, robust link, can support multiple nodes.
- Cons: Modules with guaranteed long-range may exceed $100; cheaper modules require careful setup and tuning.
433 МГц / 1.2 GHz Modules
- Pros: Excellent propagation, ideal for low-cost expendable drones.
- Cons: Large antennas may be required, regulatory limits vary by region.

Recommendations

Prototype First: Test a small swarm (1 master + 3–5 slaves) to verify range, latency, and collision management.
Choose the right protocol: Ensure the radio supports multiple slaves or implement a simple polling schedule.
Optimize antennas: Proper placement, атрымаць, and polarization often have a bigger impact than transmit power.
Stay legal: Follow local frequency and power regulations.

FAQ

Q1: Can LoRa modules reliably reach 4 km with 20 дроны?

Так, LoRa modules on 868/915 MHz can reach 4 km in ideal line-of-sight conditions. Аднак, real-world range depends on antenna placement, height, and interference. For 20 дроны, proper airtime scheduling is needed to avoid collisions.

Q2: Why avoid 2.4 GHz for this swarm?

2.4 GHz is crowded and more susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi, VCAN1170 IPTV бокс для Android, і іншыя прылады. Lower frequencies like 433 MHz, 868/915 MHz, or 1.2 GHz provide better propagation and reliability, especially for long-range telemetry and control.

Q3: Can this setup stay under $100 per drone?

Так, hobbyist-grade LoRa, ExpressLRS, or 433/900 MHz telemetry radios can often be sourced under $100 per unit. Costs may rise if you need higher transmit power, professional-grade modems, or specialized antennas for guaranteed range.

Выснова

For a cost-effective, non-2.4 GHz master-slave swarm, the most practical solutions are:

LoRa/SX127x modules (868/915 МГц) for low-rate telemetry.
900 MHz telemetry radios / ExpressLRS for low-latency control.

Both approaches can fit a <$100 budget per drone in open-field LOS. Real-world performance depends on antennas, protocol design, and regulatory limits. А prototype test is essential before scaling to 20 дроны.