1. In a earlier thread I showed the Russian “magic” Hermes radios for #drones: it resulted in a nice article in Forbes. That thread mostly discussed the receiver mounted on the drone. This is a closer look at the transmitter.
forbes.com/sites/davidham…
2. The Hermes transmitter is an external device that plugs into the back of various radio controllers, e.g., a RadioMaster TX16s. Power and signal to the module are over a 5-pin connector.
3. The case is 3D printed. The large volume of production implies they have several 3D printers as printing is a somewhat slow process.
4. Each case contains a fan and a connector for power and a control signal. The fan suggests the transmitter is high power. It is not clear how a circuit board would be mounted in this case.
5. Importantly, a careful examination of the previous photo reveals stacks of radio modules. These are very likely the ones used in the transmitter.
6. These look like the LoRa radio modules (model E22-900M30S) produced by EByte. They have a frequency range of 850 to 930 MHz and transmit 1 Watt (four times normal power). It is also available in a lower frequency (410-493 MHz) version.
7. Not shown is a microcontroller & circuit board. The EByte module communicates over a serial bus (SPI) so a microcontroller is expected, e.g., a STM32F4. A circuit board is required to connect the module, microcontroller and wires for power, fan & LED.
8. A few Russian groups provided product reviews of Hermes. Comments include, “slowdown in control response during aerobatic maneuvers” and “were only able to crush them with real, army electronic warfare. Trench electronic warfare does not take”
t.me/UAVDEV/4881
t.me/uavural/907
9. These comments are expected and there are no surprises. However, it is a little weird seeing product reviews of new Russian military equipment. Hermes seems to be producing a lot of these radios.
10. The Hermes team noticed my previous thread discussing their work. Subsequently, they posted an invitation on Telegram to join them for caviar but I must decline their offer of Russian hospitality.
11. If you enjoyed this thread please read my previous posts (listed under the “Highlights” tab).
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