Doodle Labs is excited to announce the upcoming release of new multi-band Mesh Rider Radios in our lowest frequency range yet, unlocking longer range and superior propagation through obstacles for advanced military drones.
The radios cover the 340-410 MHz range, in addition to M3, M4 and M6 bands. This is the widest spectrum covered by any Mesh Rider Radio model, to date.
This new multi-band combination will be available in Mini, OEM and Wearable form-factors and is due for full release later in October.
Benefits
Better propagation through obstacles
Lower frequencies in the 340-410 MHz range are superior options for propagation in environments where line-of-sight is obscured by objects like trees or walls.
This is especially useful in battlefield scenarios where terrain is varied and unpredictable and where line-of-sight operation is not always feasible.
Longer range
Lower frequencies offer superior range characteristics, allowing for longer communication. But these frequencies are more notably impacted by the Fresnel zone, requiring higher clearance from ground level for top performance.
These characteristics make this new offering a great fit for high-altitude, long-range applications like fixed-wing drones.
Clean and clear connectivity
ISM bands can become crowded and bog down drone performance in urban environments.
2.4 GHz experiences consistent congestion in most urban settings due to the prevalence of WiFi-enabled devices.
Most drones in Ukraine and other guerilla warfare settings also operate in 2.4 GHz, attracting the majority of Russian EW jamming attention.
Even 900 MHz operation can encounter interference in city settings from high-tech devices and competing long-range communications.
Our new multi-band offering with available 340-410 MHz presents yet another available alternative for potentially cleaner signal and more reliable operation.
Use-cases
The most clear-cut use-case for this new multi-band Mesh Rider Radio model is for fixed-wing and large quadcopter drones for military use.
Use of the 400 MHz band of spectrum must be licensed and is heavily regulated by the FCC, so use of this band in the United States is reserved nearly exclusively for government use.
Regulations vary across Europe and in other areas, so use of this band for commercial or industrial applications depends entirely on the locality of deployment.
Fresnel zone considerations in lower frequencies require higher clearance from the ground. And operating in low frequencies and this wide a swath of available spectrum requires larger antennas and considered antenna configuration.
For those reasons, this new model is a great fit for larger craft like fixed wing drones and large quadcopters, tasked with flying high and far and less impacted by additional antenna configuration consideration.
Release Details
The new low-frequency multi-band Mesh Rider Radio will be available in late October. Pre-orders are open now.
