HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio V3

HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio – Telemetry Radio Link for Pixhawk, PX4 and ArduPilot

The HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio is a compact telemetry radio system for wireless data transmission between a flight controller and a ground station. It has been developed specifically for UAVs and other unmanned systems and enables telemetry data to be transmitted via a transparent serial radio link.

The system is based on open-source SiK firmware and is optimized for MAVLink data transmission. This makes it particularly suitable for systems based on ArduPilot and PX4 as well as ground station software such as Mission Planner and QGroundControl.

When used with Pixhawk Standard flight controllers, the telemetry system can be integrated easily via the existing JST-GH connector. Depending on the version, the radio system operates in the 433 MHz or 915 MHz frequency range. The applicable national radio regulations must be observed when selecting and operating the appropriate frequency version.

Telemetry Between UAV and Ground Station

The HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio establishes a bidirectional data link between the flight controller and a ground station. During operation, telemetry data can be transmitted and, depending on the autopilot and ground station software being used, parameters, mission data and additional information can be exchanged.

The system operates as a transparent serial radio connection. MAVLink protocol framing is also available for MAVLink-based applications.

For Pixhawk, PX4 and ArduPilot

The HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio is designed for straightforward integration with Pixhawk Standard flight controllers. The 6-pin JST-GH connector allows the radio module to be connected directly to a compatible telemetry port on the flight controller.

• Compatible with Pixhawk Standard flight controllers
• Suitable for ArduPilot
• Suitable for PX4
• Integration with Mission Planner
• Integration with QGroundControl
• Optimized for MAVLink communication

433 MHz or 915 MHz

The telemetry system is available in different frequency versions. The 915 MHz version operates in the 902 to 928 MHz range, while the 433 MHz version supports a frequency range of 414 to 460 MHz.

Permitted frequencies and transmission power depend on the legal regulations of the respective country or region.

• 915 MHz Version: 902–928 MHz
• 433 MHz Version: 414–460 MHz

Range

Under suitable conditions, the HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio can achieve a radio range of more than 300 meters using the standard configuration. With an appropriate antenna setup, such as a directional patch antenna at the ground station, the achievable range can be increased significantly.

Actual range depends on factors including transmission power, antennas, frequency band, data rate, installation position, surrounding environment and existing radio interference.

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

The system supports Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) for radio transmission. Communication can therefore be distributed across multiple frequency channels within the available frequency range.

• Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
• Up to 50 frequency-hopping channels
• Configurable duty cycle
• Network ID from 0 to 255
• Point-to-point network topology

Bidirectional Data Transmission

The HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio enables bidirectional communication via an adaptive TDM-UART interface. Data can therefore be transmitted both from the UAV to the ground station and from the ground station to the flight controller.

• Bidirectional radio communication
• Adaptive TDM-UART interface
• Transparent serial data connection
• MAVLink protocol framing

Configurable RF Data Rate

The radio data rate can be configured according to the specific application. Multiple data rates from 2 to 250 kbps are supported. The default RF data rate is 64 kbps.

• 2 kbps
• 4 kbps
• 8 kbps
• 16 kbps
• 32 kbps
• 64 kbps default
• 96 kbps
• 128 kbps
• 192 kbps
• 250 kbps

Serial Interface

The connection to the flight controller uses a 3.3 V UART interface. The serial data rate can be configured between 1.2 and 115.2 kbps. The default interface data rate is 57.6 kbps.

• Interface: 3.3 V TTL UART
• Default Data Rate: 57.6 kbps
• Configurable: 1.2 to 115.2 kbps
• Connector: 6-pin JST-GH

High Receiver Sensitivity

The HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio provides high receiver sensitivity depending on the selected RF data rate. Lower data rates can therefore support particularly robust radio communication.

• Receiver Sensitivity at 2 kbps: -121 dBm
• Receiver Sensitivity at 64 kbps: -105 dBm

Error Correction

The open-source SiK firmware includes integrated error correction. According to the manufacturer, up to 25% bit errors can be corrected, supporting reliable data transmission under challenging radio conditions.

Configuration

The radio modules can be configured using Mission Planner or corresponding AT commands. This allows data rate, network parameters and additional radio settings to be adapted to the specific application.

Features

• Open-source SiK firmware
• Telemetry radio link for UAVs and unmanned systems
• Plug-and-play for Pixhawk Standard flight controllers
• Compatible with PX4 and ArduPilot
• Optimized for MAVLink
• Supports Mission Planner and QGroundControl
• Bidirectional communication
• Transparent serial connection
• Adaptive TDM-UART communication
• Available in 433 MHz or 915 MHz versions
• Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
• Up to 50 frequency-hopping channels
• Configurable RF data rate up to 250 kbps
• Configurable serial data rate
• Integrated error correction
• Interchangeable air and ground radio modules
• RP-SMA antenna connector

Technical Specifications

• Product: HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio
• Firmware: Open-source SiK
• Communication: Bidirectional
• Protocol: Transparent serial connection / MAVLink framing
• Frequency Range: 902–928 MHz or 414–460 MHz
• RF Data Rate: 2 / 4 / 8 / 16 / 32 / 64 / 96 / 128 / 192 / 250 kbps
• Default RF Data Rate: 64 kbps
• Serial Data Rate: 1.2–115.2 kbps
• Default UART Data Rate: 57.6 kbps
• Serial Interface: 3.3 V TTL UART
• Connector: 6-pin JST-GH
• Antenna Connector: RP-SMA Female
• Network ID: 0–255
• Frequency-Hopping Channels: up to 50
• Network Topology: Point-to-point
• Configuration: Mission Planner or AT commands
• Operating Temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C

Electrical Specifications

• 100 mW and 500 mW Versions: 5 V DC via USB or JST-GH
• 1 W Version: 7–28 V DC via XT30
• Transmit Current: 100 mA at 20 dBm
• Receive Current: 25 mA
• UART Logic Level: 3.3 V

Dimensions and Weight

• Air Radio: 28 × 53 × 10.7 mm without antenna
• Ground Radio: 66.5 × 32 × 16.5 mm without antenna
• Air Radio Weight: 23.5 g including antenna
• Ground Radio Weight: 67 g including antenna

Package Contents – 100 mW Version

• 2 × HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio Modules
• 2 × Antennas
• 1 × Micro-USB to USB-A Cable
• 1 × Micro-USB OTG Adapter Cable
• 1 × Micro-USB to USB-C Adapter
• 1 × JST-GH 6-Pin to JST-GH 6-Pin Cable for Pixhawk Standard flight controllers
• 1 × JST-GH 6-Pin to Molex DF13 6-Pin Cable for compatible older flight controllers

Telemetry for Professional Unmanned Systems

The HOLYBRO SiK Telemetry Radio provides a straightforward way to establish a bidirectional telemetry connection between a UAV and a ground station. Especially when used with Pixhawk flight controllers, PX4 or ArduPilot, the system enables important flight and system data to be transmitted over a dedicated radio link.

With its open SiK firmware, MAVLink support, configurable data rates and FHSS capability, the telemetry system is suitable for both development platforms and custom-built UAV, VTOL and other unmanned systems.