Instillmotion ISM Microhard IP Radio

Introduction

The ISM PMDDL IP radio is a feature-rich, high-power, 2x2 MIMO, wireless data link. The radio integrates a swappable microhard pMDDL series radio with ports for usage in UAV applications in a lightweight and robust package.

The PMDDL radio can be configured using Microhard's built-in web UI, which does not require any additional tools or software for setup. The unit can operate as a master, slave, or relay (future) to establish a high throughput, high-speed data link between GCS and UAV, as well as between UAVs. The unit comes stock with the PMDDL 2350.

Figure 1: IP Radio Footprint and Views.

Package List

Performance

• >50km range with direction and tracking antennas.
• 25+ Mbps data rates.
• 36dBm total power output (4W).
• 2x2 MIMO. Simultaneous IP and serial data.
• 2.304-2.390 GHz.
• Maximal ratio combining (MRC), maximal likelihood decoding (ML).
• Low-density parity check (LDPC).
• Small footprint of 47mm x 39mm.
• Low weight of 18g (minus antennas).
• Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, mesh.
• Dual Ethernet ports - LAN, WAN.
• Port forwarding, ACL, firewall.
• Extended operational temperature range (-45C to 85C).
• 128-bit AES Encryption (256-bit AES Encryption optional).
• Local/remote firmware upgrades.
• Configurable via Telenet, web browser, and local console.

Interfaces

• LAN port - 4-pin JST GH
• WAN port - 4-pin JST GH
• Pixhawk standard serial port - 6 pin JST GH - 3.3v UART
• USB C port - USB 2.0 data, USB power delivery sink, Ethernet, and Serial over USB.
• Battery Connector - 2-pin Molex Nano Fit - 4.5 to 55V input.
• 5v and GND pads for fan.
• Configuration and Reset buttons.
• LED indicators for power, wireless TX RX, RSSI, and LAN link status.
• Reverse polarity protection.

Quick Start Guide Steps

To set up the Microhard pMDDL series module, follow these detailed steps:

1. Insert the Module: Place the Microhard pMDDL series module into the holder. Apply thermal paste to the bottom of the module. Ensure the antennas face the rear of the module, away from the connectors.
2. Attach Antenna Extensions: Connect the Ipex-SMA extensions to the ant1 and ant2 ports on the MH chipset of the radio module.
3. Secure Antennas: Screw the antennas onto the extensions. Warning: Never power on the module without the antennas connected to avoid damage.
4. Connect to Computer: Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the LAN port on the radio module.
5. Connect Autopilot Telemetry: Use a 6-pin cable to connect the autopilot's telemetry/serial port to the Serial port on the radio module.
6. Power the Module: Connect an appropriate power supply (ranging from 4.5V to 55V) to the power port on the radio module or connect power via the USB C port.
7. Initialization: Power on the module. Wait for the module to initialize. The green status LED should become solid, indicating successful initialization.
8. Configure Network Settings: Ensure your PC's network settings are configured as follows: DHCP: The modem will assign an IP address automatically. Static IP (alternative option): Set the IP address to 192.168.168.10 and the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0.
9. Access the Module via Browser: Open a web browser and enter 192.168.168.1 in the address bar.
10. Login: Use the factory default credentials: ID: admin, Password: ilpl123
11. Configuration: Follow the setup guide provided by Microhard to configure the radio module with settings tailored to your application. Use the suggested parameters for standard Point-to-Point (P2P) operation as supplied.

By following these steps, you will successfully set up and configure your Microhard pMDDL series module for operation.

Suggested Wiring Setup for UAVs

The following setup will allow you to use the ISM IP Radio as a conduit for HD video and telemetry P2P communication. The standard set out of the box at maximum power output will allow up to 20 km of range. Ensure the setup has adequate cooling.

Air Unit (Master)

Ground Unit (Slave)

Suggested Configuration for UAVs P2P Communication

AIR UNIT

Master Configuration:

• The air unit is set as the master.
• Default IP for the master: 192.168.168.101.

Default Settings:

• The ISM IP radios come pre-configured and are already bound out of the box.
• The master unit is set to the lowest power setting initially to avoid damage during bench testing.

Power Settings:

• If you need to use higher power settings, ensure the unit has adequate cooling.
• Utilize the heatsink and fan if necessary to prevent overheating.
• Make sure to adjust the power settings appropriately and monitor the temperature to maintain the equipment's safety and performance. If you have any specific questions or need further details on configuring or operating the units, feel free to ask or refer to the Microhard's Operational Manual!

System Information

LAN Status

RF Status

GROUND UNIT

Configuration and Binding:

• The ground unit is set up as the slave device.
• All ISM IP radio pairs are pre-configured and come bound out of the box.

Default IP Address:

• The default IP address for the slave (ground unit) is 192.168.168.100.

Power Settings:

• The radios are set to the lowest power setting by default to prevent damage during bench testing.
• If higher power settings are required, ensure the following: Adequate cooling is in place. Use the heatsink and fan as necessary to avoid overheating.

These steps are crucial for safe and efficient use of the ISM IP radio pairs, particularly during initial testing and setup. If you have any specific questions or need further details on setup or troubleshooting, feel free to ask or refer to the Microhard's Operational Manual!

System Information

LAN Status

RF Status

Network Configuration Details

AIR UNIT

Network >> LAN Settings

LAN Configuration

• Spanning Tree (STP): Off
• IGMP Snooping: On
• Connection Type: Static IP
• IP Address: 192.168.168.101
• Netmask: 255.255.255.0
• Default Gateway: 192.168.168.102
• Default Route: Yes
• DNS Mode: Manual

LAN DHCP

• DHCP Server: Enable
• Start IP Address: 192.168.168.101
• Number of Address: 150
• Lease Time (in minutes): 720

Network >> WAN Settings

WAN Port Configuration

• Working Mode: Bridge with LAN Port

Network >> USB Settings

USB Port Configuration

• Working Mode: Bridge with LAN Port

Wireless >> RF Settings

Wireless Configuration

• Radio: On
• Channel Bandwidth: 8MHz
• Channel-Frequency: 68-2377 MHz
• Tx Power: 20 dbm
• Wireless Distance: 3000 (m)
• TX Antenna Chains: 1+2
• RX Antenna Chains: 1+2
• Operation Mode: Master
• TX Rate: Auto (recommended)
• Ceiling Rate: [Not Specified]
• Extended Addressing: ON
• Network ID: PMDDL
• Encryption Type: AES-128
• Encryption Key: [Hidden]

GROUND UNIT

Network >> LAN Settings

LAN Configuration

• Spanning Tree (STP): Off
• IGMP Snooping: On
• Connection Type: Static IP
• IP Address: 192.168.168.100
• Netmask: 255.255.255.0
• Default Gateway: 192.168.168.101
• Default Route: Yes
• DNS Mode: Manual

LAN DHCP

• DHCP Server: Enable
• Start IP Address: 192.168.168.100
• Number of Address: 150
• Lease Time (in minutes): 720

Network >> WAN

WAN Port Configuration

• Working Mode: Independent WAN
• WAN Configuration: Connection Type: DHCP, Default Route: No, DNS Mode: Auto

Network >> USB

USB Port Configuration

• Working Mode: Bridge with LAN Port

Wireless >> RF

Wireless Configuration

• Radio: On
• Channel Bandwidth: 8MHz
• Channel-Frequency: 68-2377 MHz
• Tx Power: 20 dbm
• Wireless Distance: 3000 (m)
• TX Antenna Chains: 1+2
• RX Antenna Chains: 1+2
• Operation Mode: Slave
• TX Rate: Auto (recommended)
• Ceiling Rate: [Not Specified]
• Extended Addressing: ON
• Network ID: PMDDL
• Encryption Type: AES-128
• Encryption Key: [Hidden]