REMOTE PILOT UAV COMMUNICATIONS
Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight UAV & Remote Pilot Communications
Leveraging SyTech RADIUS for Beyond-Line-of-Sight VHF and Tactical Radio Communications.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral part of many industries, including agriculture, construction, and photography. However, for commercial UAVs to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, they must offer a means of communication with ATC and registered aircraft while airborne. Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) radio communications provide a solution to this challenge. SyTech RADIUS has enabled UAV operators to comply with FAA regulations while communicating on VHF or tactical radios for non-line-of-sight range extension.
The SyTech RADIUS nPoint RoIP over Satellite Communications
The SyTech RADIUS solution enables remote pilots to communicate via radio-over-IP to the airborne radio installed on the UAV. The communications link allows the remote pilot to communicate with ground control while complying the FAA frequency management. The encompassing network creates a Radio-over-IP (ROIP) environment unbound by distance, platform, or location.
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The RADIUS Solutions incorporates four key subsystems: (1) the Radius nPoint installed on the uncrewed aircraft, (2) the satellite or alternative IP link, (3) the Radius Distribution Service, and (4) the Radius Remote Pilot Radio Software.
The Radius Distribution Service
The Radius Distribution Service (DS) functions as the operating system for the encompassing RoIP network. Built from the Linux kernel and ARM technology, Radius DS form factors including a (1) Radius DS server node or gateway, (2) a dedicated Linux server, (3) or an instance of the Radius DS software accessible from the cloud. The Radius DS manages all nets, users, and status messages operating throughout the Radius network.
The Radius Client / Remote Radio Software
The Radius Client functions as the graphical user interface for the Radius system. The Radius Client offers easy-to-use features designed for radio-over-IP communications as well as advanced features for multi-operator dispatch and command and control.
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The Radius Client features remote radio control for select radio models. The Radius Virtual Control Head (VCH) enables virtual radio control features such as channel selection, zone selection, and other available functions of the radio.
The Radius UAV nPoint
The RADIUS UAV nPoint is an analog-to-digital radio interface gateway installed onboard the aircraft. It connects directly to the airborne radio’s auxiliary port, enabling full two-way transmit and receive functionality. The nPoint operates on 5 V DC with a power draw of 300–600 mA, and the combined weight of the radio and nPoint is approximately 0.8 lb. Its compact form factor and low power requirements make it well suited for UAV applications.
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The UAV nPoint captures incoming radio audio and digitizes the signal. An onboard Linux processor compresses the audio to 9.6 kbps, which is then encapsulated as UDP packets to minimize bandwidth usage over the satellite link. The audio is transmitted through the aircraft modem, across the satellite network, and into the RADIUS DS and RADIUS Client systems. SyTech’s proprietary processing methodology ensures clear, smooth audio in both directions—supporting reliable communications from the remote pilot to the aircraft and from air traffic control (ATC) back to the remote pilot.
The Radius nPoint offers the ability to communicate via RS-232, RS-485, or USB to the onboard radios, enabling remote radio control capabilities from the Radius Client. The resulting configuration allows the remote pilot to change frequencies as directed by ground control.
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The SyTech RADIUS solution provides UAV operators with a means of complying with FAA regulations while communicating via VHF or tactical radios to enable non-line-of-sight range extension. The solution leverages the Iridium Satellite Network, providing global coverage while enabling operators to communicate with their aircraft from anywhere in the world.
