Botlink XRD2

The Botlink XRD2 is UAS command and control hardware and software solution, allowing drone control from anywhere in the world via cellular networks. An enabling technology for safe beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, the XRD2 uses carrier-approved LTE components for airborne operations. The Botlink XRD2 system consists of two components — a PC connection application, and a small hardware device that’s connected to the drone autopilot, making integration simple and effective with the ability to read live data, track telemetry, and control multiple UAVs, the XRD2 is ideal for managing large drone fleets. The flight-proven XRD2 system allows you to easily integrate LTE command and control in the same nature as traditional point-to-point radios.

Proprietary network architecture designed to reduce command and control and payload latency and reliability.

Specifically designed to support MAVLink based drones, including copters, fixed-wing, and VTOL.

All data is encrypted, and XRD device is NDAA Section 889 certified. Hardware and software US developed and assembled.

Easily integrate with QGroundControl, Mission Planner, or custom GCS with available SDK.

Socketed cellular modem allowing use with different carriers throughout different countries
Modems operate on multiple frequency bands
1.8GHz Quad Cortex™-A53 NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor
Includes 1080p camera and supports out-of-the-box video streaming over LTE network
USB connectivity for autopilot, cameras, and peripherals
Easily updated via USB-C port
All data processed by XRD2 is encrypted from end-to-end using 128 or 256-bit TLS
Built-in authentication for enhanced security
All communication data is routed through AWS servers based in USA
Compatible with MAVLink autopilots such as the Pixhawk, Pixhawk 2, and ArduPilot Mega, running PX4 or APM firmware
Fully compliant with Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act
Dedicated UAS support team based in Fargo, ND

The XRD2 has been shipped to customers around the world, and flown on dozens of different cellular networks. Every decision made during the design of the second-generation XRD2 was to make it as simple and reliable to use as possible.

Connecting XRD2 to QGroundControl

Connecting XRD2 to Mission Planner

Dimensions





Metric
Imperial

Weight (without enclosure)
54 grams
1.90 oz

Weight (with enclosure)
88 grams
3.10 oz

Height
25.4 mm
1.0 in
Width
68.6 mm
2.7 in
Depth
58.6 mm
2.7 in

Power

XT-60 Connector

5.46V to 30.19V battery cells

4.5W typical power consumption

Up to 20.5W +2.5W per USB port

Operating Limits

-20 to 50 C (32 to 104F)

0 - 85% Relative Humidity

Botlink Relay displayed with QGroundControl

Relay Features

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.

Available Botlink Relay SDK makes integrating cellular connectivity directly into your custom flight control software quick and easy.

Default Port settings are automatically connected to QGroundControl or Mission Planner
Easily connects to QGroundControl or Mission Planner
Custom SDK available for custom integration
Live video feed from drone displayed in Relay

Control video feed quality directly from interface
Intelligent graphs return real-time communication statistics and health reports
Can connect multiple Botlink Relays to a single XRD, ideal for video broadcasting
Download the most recent version of Relay

All communication between the XRD2, cloud services, and Relay App/SDK are encrypted using 128 or 256-bit TLS, and all connections are authenticated. These requirements are enforced by the Botlink cloud services, which operate as a bridge for all connections between XRD2s and clients, ensuring that no unauthorized parties are able to connect to drones over the cellular network. Each XRD2 is registered to a specific organization, and only users in that organization are allowed to connect to and control a drone using that XRD2. The Botlink system does not store the contents of the C2 data that passes through the system. It is simply passed from one end of the authorized connection to the other.

Optional Video Camera

Botlink’s included high-definition camera takes the guesswork out of video-streaming over a cellular network. Out-of-the-box compatibility means less time integrating, and more time streaming live video during operations.

The XRD’s processor allows for H265 video encoding, including video downsampling to 480p at 5 FPS allows users to choose the minimal video quality necessary for flight while minimizing the data transmission rates.

Botlink XRD2 Technical Specifications


Power Requirements
Input Voltage
6.5V to 30V
Typical Power
4.5W
Peak Power
Up to 20.5W + 2.5W per USB Port

Dimensions
Weight (without enclosure)
54 grams (1.90 oz)
Weight (with enclosure)
88 grams (3.10 oz)
Height
25.4 mm (1.0 in)
Width
68.6 mm (2.7 in)
Depth
68.6 mm (2.7 in)

Supported Message Protocols

MAVLink 1

MAVLink 2

Supported Groundstation

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Custom (SDK Available)

Processor
CPU
1.6GHz Quad Cortex™-A53 NXP i.MX 8M Plus
High Speed Interfaces
2x USB3.0, 2x GbE, PCIe, HDMI
Multimedia
1080p H265/H264 encode/decode, AI/ML acceleration, HD 2D/3D GPU
RAM
4 GB LPDDR4
eMMC
8 GB

Cellular Modem
Throughput
150 Mbps Download/42 Mbps Upload
Network Technology
4G LTE with 3G Fallback

Camera
Sensor
SONY 2MP IMX291
Resolution
2MP 1945H x 1109V
Frame Rate (H264)
30fps@1920×1080 (Maximum)
View Angle
120 degree wide view angle (diagonal)
Dimensions
1.73”×1.4”
Weight (with enclosure) 
83 grams (1.70 oz)