LQ12 Data Link User Manual
Safety Statement Product Overview Product Specifications Product Features Product Model Description Core Specifications Kit Contents Component Description Interfaces and Buttons…
9 min read · English documentationContents
- Safety Statement
- Product Overview
- Product Specifications
- Component Description
- Basic Instructions
- Common Applications
- Application Examples
- VII. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Safety Statement
Thank you for choosing the LQ12 link kit. Before using this product, be sure to comply with local radio regulations and carefully read this statement. By using this product, you acknowledge that you have understood and agreed to the contents of this statement.
Install and use the product strictly in accordance with this manual. Our company assumes no legal liability for any consequences or losses caused by improper operation, installation, or modification by the user.
Precautions
- The LQ12 power input supports a 2S ~ 4S Li-ion battery. Supply power to the module strictly according to these power specifications.
- Before powering on, make sure the antennas are installed to avoid damage to the RF circuitry.
- During use, make sure the antennas are unobstructed and not bent, and keep them as far away as possible from large metal structural components to avoid affecting communication performance.
- Do not disassemble or modify the product without authorization. If you encounter a problem that cannot be resolved during installation or use, contact our company.
- During installation, make sure that adequate spacing is maintained between electronic devices to reduce electromagnetic interference.
- Before use, make sure all connections are secure and reliable and that all components are operating normally.
- Before use, inspect the surrounding environment and make sure there is no interference from other devices operating in the same frequency band, as this may affect data transmission.
- If you encounter a problem that cannot be resolved during product installation or use, contact our company.
Product Overview
The LQ12 link kit is a high-performance, multifunctional remote-control system tailored for unmanned devices such as UAVs, unmanned ground vehicles, and unmanned surface vessels. It is suitable for a variety of complex application scenarios and meets diverse remote-control communication needs. It enables high-speed transmission of Ethernet, serial-port, SBUS, USB, and other data, meeting the needs of complex tasks in a wide range of remote-control industries.
The product is available in 1.4G and 2.4G/5.8G versions. It supports adaptive frequency hopping and dynamically selects the optimal frequency to ensure stable communication. In an unobstructed, interference-free line-of-sight environment, the maximum communication distance can exceed 25 km@1.4G.
Product Specifications
Product Features
- Ultra-high-bandwidth HD image transmission, with a maximum bit rate exceeding 10Mbps under the default configuration. (Up to 30Mbps with custom firmware)
- Supports 64 QAM, 16 QAM, QPSK, and BPSK modulation modes, as well as autonomous dynamic adjustment among multiple code rates.
- Low latency, with basic link latency <30ms.
- Multi-channel transmission: transparent Ethernet, serial-port, and SBUS transmission.
- Beyond visual line of sight, with a maximum communication distance exceeding 25 km (SRRC, unobstructed and interference-free line of sight).
Product Model Description
LQ12 products are available in 2 models based on the RF frequency band and application scenario
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Class D | Mobile unit, 2.4G/5.8G frequency band, SBUS output |
| Class S | Mobile unit, 1.4G frequency band, SBUS output |
⚠️1.4G and 2.4G/5.8G products cannot be used together.
Different application scenarios may require different firmware configurations. Clearly communicate your requirements to customer service.
Core Specifications
| Overall Performance | |
|---|---|
| Maximum communication distance (interference-free and unobstructed) | >20km @1.4G >15km @ 2.4GHz >10km @5GHz |
| Number of RF channels | 8 channels + 24 channels (2.4G/5.8G version), 7 channels (1.4G version) |
| Maximum transmit power | 27dBm |
| Data throughput | Default configuration: Ethernet port --> Ethernet port, >10Mbps Custom configuration: Ethernet port --> USB, >15Mbps Custom configuration: USB --> USB, >30Mbps |
| Data channels | Transparent serial-port + SBUS + LAN transmission |
| Ground control station supported by data link | QGroundControl, etc. |
| Signal output | 16-channel S.Bus output |
| Functional interfaces | SBUS / Data interface: 4-Pin Network interface: 4-Pin USB interface: 4-Pin |
| Dimensions (excluding antennas) | 57 × 47 × 18.1 mm |
| Weight (excluding antennas) | 63 g |
| Antenna gain | 3 dBi |
| Operating voltage/current | 7V~17V (2S ~ 4S Li-ion), 2A |
| Power consumption | Maximum 4.5W (2T2R @ 25dBm) |
| Operating ambient temperature | -10℃ ~ 55℃ |
Kit Contents
The sales kit includes the following products and accessories:
- LQ12 mobile unit ×1
- Matching MMCX antennas ×4
- 4pin cables ×3
- Ethernet adapter boards ×2
Component Description
Interfaces and Buttons
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Network interface | 100M network interface. It is typically connected to network devices such as a computer board, gimbal, network camera, or LiDAR |
| USB TypeC interface | Connects to a PC for LQ12 firmware upgrades |
| USB interface | Connects to an onboard computer for data communication (it is the same interface as USB TypeC and cannot be used at the same time) |
| Remote control/data transmission interface | SBUS output interface, 3.3V high level. Default baud rate: 100kbps, 1 start bit, 2 stop bits, and 1 even parity bit. SBUS outputs signals from the remote-control sticks, dials, buttons, etc. UART data transmission interface, 3.3V high level, default baud rate: 115200bps, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit, and no parity bit. Typically used to transmit Mavlink data |
| Power interface | External power supply interface, 7~17V (2S ~ 4S) input |
| Debug interface | Debug serial port, baud rate: 115200bps. 3.3V high level |
| Reset button | Press to restart the module |
| Pairing button | Press and hold for 5s to pair. If pairing is unsuccessful, the module exits pairing mode after 60s |
| Antenna interface | Connects to an MMCX antenna connector with a male center pin |
| LED indicators | RX2, data transmission RX indicator TX2, output TX indicator SBUS, SBUS transmission indicator; after pairing, this indicator flashes to show that SBUS output is normal LINK, connection indicator; flashes slowly when not paired, flashes quickly during pairing, and remains steadily lit after the wireless link is connected ACT/ETH, network indicator; lights when an Ethernet network connection is established and flashes during communication |
Product Operating Conditions
- Ambient temperature:
-10℃ ~ +45℃ - Storage temperature:
-20℃ ~ +50℃ - Relative humidity: no more than
85% - Atmospheric pressure:
86kPa ~ 106kPa - The place of use must be free of potentially explosive media. The surrounding media must not contain gases that corrode metals or damage insulation, or conductive media. The location must not be filled with water vapor or have severe mold growth.
- The place of use must have provisions for protection against rain, snow, wind, sand, and dust.
- Before use, be sure to confirm that the antennas are properly connected and securely fastened. (Operation without a load may degrade RF performance or cause damage)
Basic Instructions
Pairing
Simultaneously press and hold the PAIR buttons on the enclosures of the mobile unit and station unit for more than 5 seconds. The LINK status indicators will flash quickly. When the LINK indicators remain steadily lit, pairing is successful.
- During pairing, keep the units within 1m of each other.
- If a new device is successfully paired, the previously connected device will no longer be connected.
- Staying away from Wi-Fi devices such as routers provides a better transmission experience.
Parameter Configuration
(TBD. Parameter configuration is an advanced method and is generally not required for ordinary users. Contact ROBOSN if necessary.)
Common Applications
UAV Remote Control Application
The factory-default firmware does not support this application and must be updated with special firmware. Contact ROBOSN.
In the UAV application, the ground control station is a remote controller with a screen connected to the LQ12 via USB. On the mobile side, the gimbal is connected to the LQ12 via an Ethernet cable. This enables UAV control, data transmission, and HD image transmission.
Application Examples
UAV Application Example
The following example shows a typical connection method for an open-source-flight-controller UAV when remote control, data transmission, and the data link are operating simultaneously.
Wiring Instructions for an Open-Source-Flight-Controller UAV
The following uses a UAV as an example to explain the connection methods for remote control, data transmission, and the network data link.
The station unit is a ground control station in which a computer is connected to the LQ12. Its wiring is illustrated in Example 6.1.
As shown below, the remote control/data transmission (LINK) interface of the mobile-unit LQ12 connects to the open-source flight controller to transmit SBUS remote-control signals and Mavlink signals. The network (ETH) interface connects to the gimbal camera.
As shown below, connect SBUS on the LINK interface to SBUS IN on the flight controller, and connect TX/RX to RX/TX on the flight controller's telemetry serial port.
Data Link Pairing
After the mobile-unit and station-unit LQ12 devices are fully wired, power them on.
Simultaneously press and hold the PAIR buttons on the enclosures of the mobile unit and station unit for more than 5 seconds. The LINK status indicators will flash quickly. When the LINK indicators remain steadily lit, pairing is successful.
After pairing is successful and the flight controller establishes a Mavlink data connection, the TX2 indicator on the station-unit LQ12 will flash.
QGroundControl Settings
Install and open QGroundControl (QGC) on the PC:
Mavlink Serial Port Settings
In the Application Settings --> Comm Links menu, configure the serial port for the Mavlink data stream. Select the serial port corresponding to the current device and set the baud rate to 115200. Selecting Automatically Connect on Start is recommended so that QGC automatically connects to the flight controller the next time it starts after pairing.
RTSP Stream Settings
Set the video stream address in the Application Settings --> General menu. The following uses an RTSP stream as an example.
In the Source field, select RTSP Video Stream and enter the stream address in the RTSP URL field. (Note that it must
begin with //)
QGC Setup Successful, Flight Controller and Image Operating Normally
After setup is successful, return to the main interface. QGC will download the flight controller information and display the flight status. The RTSP video stream will also be displayed normally in the video window at the lower left.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Unable to Pair?
Check whether the LINK indicator flashes slowly when the power is turned on. Slow flashing indicates that power is normal. If it does not flash or light up, check whether the power supply is operating normally. If the power supply is normal, check whether the device version is the factory-default version.
Confirm that the two devices being paired are both 1.4G devices or both 2.4G/5.8G devices.
Unable to Play the Video Stream?
Reconfirm that the IP addresses of the devices connected to the data link equipment are on the same subnet, such as 192.168.1.x;
Confirm that the ETH/ACT indicator is lit or flashing;
Confirm that the video stream address is correct, such as whether an RTSP address begins with rtsp://;
Wireless Packet Loss/Disconnection?
Make sure the power supply provides a stable 7V~17V, 2A output. (Some customers have connected the station unit to a screen power distribution board, where insufficient power caused disconnection and transmission failure.)
Inspect the antenna installation. Confirm that the antennas are securely fastened, that the center pins inside the antenna interfaces are not deformed and causing poor contact, and that the antennas are not bent or damaged;
Check whether the device is close to an interference source such as Wi-Fi.
How Do I Lock the Device to the 2G or 5G Band?
This can be configured in the JSON configuration:
In the JSON configuration, set the "init_band" parameter under "channel" to "2G/5G" and the "band_hop" parameter to "manu", as shown below. Save the configuration and restart the device for the settings to take effect.
