4G LTE Cellular BVLOS Drone Control From Any Location
The XRD is a drop-in replacement for your drone radio, allowing drone control from anywhere in the world via an LTE network.
The Botlink XRD offers LTE command and control capabilities, allowing safe beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights. Additionally, the XRD enables real-time data upload for quick access to your drone.
The Botlink XRD allows drone operators to control and monitor their drones using a 4G LTE connection from anywhere in the world through the cloud.
The Botlink XRD system consists of two components — a desktop or laptop based connection application, and a small hardware device on the drone, making integration simple and effective. For more detailed information, please refer to the XRD Public Documentation.
Botlink Relay App
Botlink Relay is an app that runs on your Windows or Mac computer that handles the process of connecting to your drone using the Botlink system. Once Botlink Relay is running, connecting to a drone is as simple as launching the ground control software.
Video Streaming (Beta)
The Botlink XRD now supports video streaming over a cellular network utilizing Wi-Fi enabled GoPro cameras. Video streaming services are considered in Beta testing currently, and as we receive more feedback from current customers, we will continue to make improvements to the XRD capabilities.
Customers currently flying using the XRD
Connected
The architecture of the Botlink XRD system makes it easy to integrate custom applications for command and control (C2) and payload control. The Botlink connection application provides a TCP or UDP stream for custom application programmers to use to interact with their drone over the 4G LTE cellular network.
Hands-Free
No more swapping SD cards. XRD (eXtended Range Data) has a feature allowing pilots to integrate a camera with the XRD device giving the pilot the ability to process the photos as the drone is taking them.
Compatible
The Botlink XRD system is designed to be compatible with common drone autopilots that support serial communication and the MAVLink protocol, such as the Pixhawk, as well as common ground control stations like QGroundControl and Mission Planner.
Secure Drone Operations
The Botlink XRD system adds another layer of security to your drone operations.
End-to-end encryption
All command and control data processed by the Botlink XRD system is encrypted before being sent between the operator and the drone. This lets you spend less time worrying about eavesdropping and hostile takeovers, and more time getting the mission accomplished.
Built-in authentication
The Botlink XRD system helps you ensure that only authorized individuals are able to connect to your drone. Each XRD has a unique signature that is used to identify and authenticate it in the Botlink network, and every operator must log in and authenticate before they are allowed to connect to their drone using the Botlink network.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Ready
The Botlink XRD enables operators to fly their drones anywhere they have 4G LTE cellular coverage and an internet connection. Around the corner or across the globe, the Botlink XRD system gives you the freedom to operate your drone BVLOS, and do so reliably and securely.
Supported Drone Configurations
The XRD is compatible with drones that use MAVLink autopilots such as the Pixhawk, Pixhawk 2, and ArduPilot Mega, running PX4 or APM firmware.
Multi-Rotor
Fixed-Wing
VTOL
Additionally, if you’re interested in a ready-to-fly quadcopter, with the XRD and camera integrated and tested, we can help. We’ve built custom drones for customers around the world, and we are offer a ready-to-fly 4G drone.
QGroundControl or Mission Planner Support
The Botlink XRD system can be used to add cellular C2 capabilities using QGroundControl or Mission Planner, meaning you can keep using the applications you’re familiar with to enable LTE drone operations.
Size and Weight
2.9 x 2.2 x 0.87 inches
73.6 x 55.9 x 22.1 mm
61 gm
Tech Specs
2 Micro USB Ports
1 Serial Port
4GB Flash / 1GB DDR3 Memory
Dual Core Processor
1 Micro SD Card Slot
Modem
4G LTE Cellular + WiFi Connectivity
100 Mbps down/50 Mbps up
Power
XT-60 Connector
5.46V to 30.19V battery cells
1.5W typical power consumption
Up to 10W +2.5W per USB port
Supported Cellular Bands
Carriers Supported
Verizon
AT&T, T Mobile
Various European
4G Bands
B4, B13
B2, B5, B4, B17
B3, B7, B20
3G Bands
None
B2, B5
B1, B5, B8
Installation and Configuration of XRD
The XRD is designed for a relatively easy integration. Additionally, our team in Fargo is available to help during the onboarding experience. For more detailed information on install and configuration, please refer to the XRD Public Documentation.
XRD FAQs
Wondering if the XRD is right for your mission? Check out our FAQ page for more information.
Updates
To ensure that we get you exactly what you need, please reach out to support@botlink.com for any updates.
Make sure to be familiar with your local aviation authority’s rules and regulations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.