Matek mR900-30-TX mLRS (MAVLink long range system) firmware 900MHz Lora 30 dBm TX Module KIT

Looking for a reliable 900MHz long-range communication module that won’t fizzle out at the first sign of a faraway signal? Say hello to the Matek mR900-30-TX mLRS. Featuring LoRa technology, this transmitter operates in the 900 MHz band with a powerful 30 dBm RF output. Built for MAVLink protocol and fine-tuned for long-range performance, the Matek mLRS kit makes your RC communication smoother and more robust than your WiFi during a Netflix binge.

But, before you rush off: note that the Matek mLRS system isn’t interested in being best buds with ELRS or Frsky R9. Compatibility? Strictly limited to the SX126x and STM32WLE5xx chipsets.

Key Features

• Frequency: 900MHz (868MHz for EU, 915MHz for FCC)
• RF Power: Adjustable from 21dBm up to a whopping 30dBm (1000mW)
• Chipset: LoRa SX1262 with STM32G431KB for optimal communication
• MAVLink Firmware: Reliable, long-range communication
• Antenna Connection: IPEX MHF-1 to SMA or RP-SMA
• Bluetooth Built-in: HC-04 Bluetooth for configuration via AT commands
• LED Indicators: Red, Green, and Blue LEDs for status (not mood lighting, sadly)
• Power Supply: 5-13V DC through JR_PIN3

Specifications

• mR900-30
  • STM32G431KB,  mLRS firmware
  • LoRa SX1262 with TCXO
  • PA/LNA SKY68383-11
  • RF Frequency: 900MHz (868MHz, 915MHz FCC)
  • 915MHz RF power: 21dBm(min) / 22dBm / 24dBm / 27dBm / 30dBm(1000mW)
  • 868MHz RF power: 24dBm(min) / 24dBm / 24dBm / 27dBm / 30dBm(1000mW)
  • Antenna connector: IPEX MHF-1 to SMA
• mRx-Tx Adapter
  • Built-in HC-04 Bluetooth module
  • Built-in 5V fan controller,  running if output power>=500mW
  • TX2: RC IN(CRSF)
  • one buttom for DFU mode and Bind
  • Red and Green LED for mLRS status
  • Blue LED for Bluetooth status
  • Power supply: 5-13V DC @ JR_PIN3 (VIN)

• Packing:
  • 1x mR900-30-TX,
  • 1x IPEX MHF1 to SMA adapter cable 5cm,
  • 1x IPEX MHF1 to RP-SMA adapter cable 5cm
  • 1x 5V Fan (25*25*10mm) and some screws
  • no SMA antenna & 3D printed Case packed
• Downloads:
  • JR Bay Case 3D print (stl)
  • mRX-TX Adapter 3D (step)

LED Status

• [Red flashing 2Hz], not connected to transmitter
• [Green flashing 1Hz], connected to transmitter
• [Red and Green alternately ], Binding mode enabled

Binding

• After powering on,  press the bind button (for ca. 4 seconds) on the receiver. When in bind mode, the green and red LEDs will blink alternatively with ca 2.5 Hz.
• https://github.com/olliw42/mLRS-docu/blob/master/docs/BINDING.md

Firmware

• mLRS https://github.com/olliw42/mLRS/tree/main/firmware/pre-release-stm32
• Target:  tx-matek-mr900-30-g431kb-default

Tips

• mLRS Github  & Documentation
• mLRS Discord
• mLRS Facebook group
• MATEKSYS mLRS 900MHz series are NOT compatible with ELRS 900MHz & Frsky R9 series using the SX127x. They will not bind with each other.

Routing and Layout

Dip switch

• Dip switch 1/2/3 all ON,  enable HC-04 communication with UART1 of STM32G431
• Dip switch 3 ON,  1 & 2 OFF,   connect USB-TTL to G/3v3/BT-T/BT-R to configure HC04 via AT command
• Dip switch 1/2/3 all OFF,  you can connect other Bluetooth or WiFi module to G/3v3/Rx1/Tx1

Firmware and Flashing

Download STM32CubeProgrammer from ST website

• https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stm32cubeprog.html

mLRS firmware:

• https://github.com/olliw42/mLRS/tree/main/firmware/pre-release-stm32
• Targets:  tx-matek-mr900-30-g431kb-default

Make sure STM DFU driver has been installed. Check out “Install DFU Drivers” in this page

Connect the TX module USB to computer while holding the boot button in.

1. Select USB
2. USB1 and click Refresh
3. Connect
4. select “Erasing & Programming”
5. Tick all sectors and click “erase selected sectors”
6. Browse firmware (hex or bin file) related to the hardware.
7. Click “Start Programming”
8. After programming, unplug USB and plug USB back in. If red LED blinks at 2Hz, the TX module is waiting for connecting with receiver.

LUA

https://github.com/olliw42/mLRS/tree/main/lua

The mLRS Lua script provides the most convenient way to change the Tx and Rx module’s settings.

The Lua script works on both OpenTx and EdgeTx radios but there are two different versions depending on the display of your radio:

1. If your radio has a 480×272 color screen (e.g. Jumper T16, Radiomaster TX16S) then use the “mLRS.lua” file
2. If your radio has a black and white screen (e.g. Frsky Taranis X9E, Radiomaster Zorro) then use the “mLRS-bw.lua” file

Note: The mLRS script requires EdgeTx version 2.9.x or later.

Three things need to be done in order to use the Lua script:

1. The Tx module must be configured for CRSF or mBridge mode, by setting the parameter “Tx Ch Source” to “crsf” or “mbridge” respectively. Since firmware version v0.2.13 “crsf” is the default setting, so this will be already completed after an initial flash. If not, the CLI needs to be used to set this parameter accordingly, as described in CLI Commands.

2. In EdgeTX/OpenTX, navigate to MDL->MODEL SETUP and configure the external RF module for CRSF or mBridge protocol with 400K baud rate.

   • Note: mLRS only officially supports 400K baud rate.

3. The Lua script “mLRS.lua” or “mLRS-bw.lua” located in the “lua” folder of the repository needs to be copied to the “SCRIPTS/TOOLS” folder of the radio’s SD card. One can follow the common tutorials for how to do this.

You should then be able to run the Lua script by going to SYS->TOOLS on the radio, and selecting “mLRS Configurator”.