An open-source long-range RC system based on LoRa with peer-to-peer aircraft communication and full telemetry.
Raven is an open-source long-range system (LRS) for radio-controlled aircraft, built on LoRa technology to provide reliable communication between transmitters and receivers over extended distances. It solves the problem of limited range in traditional RC systems while adding peer-to-peer communication between aircraft for advanced features like automated VTX channel selection and in-flight radar displays.
RC aircraft enthusiasts, drone builders, and DIY electronics hobbyists who need a customizable, long-range communication system with telemetry and peer-to-peer capabilities.
Developers choose Raven for its open-source nature, compatibility with low-cost ESP32 and LoRa hardware, and advanced features like full telemetry integration and aircraft-to-aircraft communication not typically found in commercial LRS systems.
Raven Long Range System
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.
Supports 7 frequency bands (e.g., 433MHz, 868MHz), allowing operation in diverse regions and conditions, as highlighted in the main features for adaptability.
Enables direct aircraft-to-aircraft communication for innovative features like in-flight radar displays and automated VTX channel selection, which are unique to open-source LRS systems.
Provides full telemetry integration, including voice alerts on OpenTX radios, enhancing pilot feedback without additional hardware, as specified in the README.
Compatible with low-cost ESP32 and LoRa boards, with a typical setup costing $20-30, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts, per the hardware setup notes.
Requires setting up the esp-idf toolchain, managing submodules, and flashing boards via command line, which can be daunting for users unfamiliar with embedded development, as detailed in the compilation instructions.
OTA updates over Bluetooth are supported, but iOS and Android apps are 'coming soon,' limiting immediate usability for mobile-dependent configurations, as admitted in the features list.
Air protocol is currently limited to 100Hz, with higher rates only planned for the future, which may not meet the needs of applications requiring real-time responsiveness compared to commercial systems.