DTC BluSDR Radio integration Guide for ARK Jetson PAB Carrier
Video Guide
Introduction
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for integrating the DTC radio system with the ARK Jetson PAB Carrier, enabling seamless deployment in UAV and robotic platforms.
It covers hardware connections, software configuration, and troubleshooting tips to establish a robust, high-throughput wireless link over a private DTC mesh network. Standard IP networking features were designed from the ground up for robust performance in the most demanding dynamic environments, free from the compromises of competitor solutions based on consumer standards.
Whether you're configuring a new vehicle or upgrading an existing system, this integration guide ensures a reliable connection between the Jetson-based companion computer and your ground control station—optimized for use with ROS2, PX4, MAVLink, and other ARK Electronics Software Frameworks.
Hardware setup
The DTC BluSDR radio requires external power to operate reliably. We recommend using the ARK 12S Payload Power Module, which provides regulated and protected power suitable for airborne and mobile robotics platforms.
In addition to powering the BluSDR, connect an Ethernet cable from the radio's LAN port directly to the Ethernet port on the ARK Jetson PAB Carrier. This connection enables high-throughput data exchange between the Jetson companion computer and the mesh network formed by the DTC radios.
Note: CA4005 battery or 6-18VDC power source can be used as power options (ARK 12S Payload Power Module)
You also need the radio for the Ground side, see below:
⚠️ Ensure all connections are secure and that antennas are properly attached to avoid damage during operation.
You can pick your two radios from the DTC BluSDR™ Radio Technology Family:
https://www.dtccodan.com/products/the-blusdr-family For this integration the following hardware were used:
ARK Jetson PAB Carrier
For long-range applications, the BluSDR-90-UL offers the same connectivity as the BluSDR-30 (with the exception of the power connector), allowing it to be used as a direct drop-in replacement.
DTC Software Setup
Configure Radios
You will need to be on a Windows computer for the initial setup, to download DTC’s
Node Findersoftware, from here.After downloading the Node Finder software, run it.
Connect the radio to your PC temporary while powering it up.
Hit the
reloadbutton until a radio shows up.
You might observe, the IP address is
0.0.0.0. This is because it is currently in DHCP mode. But you want it to have a static IP so you can access the configuration page. Right click on the radio, clickConfigure Network, and assign a static IP for the radio.
Set a static IP address for the host PC in the same subnet as what you set for the radio.
Note: You have to repeat this step on Linux once the radios are configured in case you use Linux (In case of the Jetson at least)
In a web browser, enter the IP you set for the radio on
Domo Node Finder. A login screen should be brought up. Leave the username blank and enter “Eastwood” for the password. You should now be in the radio configuration screen.
On the left navbar, go to Presets -> Mesh Settings
Mesh idshould be the same for all radios on the same mesh, so no need to change it.Node idshould be unique for each radio on a mesh network. By default is it set to 0. Set this radio’sNode idto 1.Check
Enable Transmitter. Set the frequency, PA linearity, and channel bandwidth to what is desired.Hit the save button to save the desired settings.
Once you are done, turn off the radio and swap it with the one you are going to use on the Jetson side. Temporarily wire the Jetson Radio to your GCS computer so you can configure it.
Repeat the steps above for the Jetson Radio, making sure to match the settings. Make sure the
Node IDon the Jetson Radio is different than theNode IDon the GCS radio.
Also make sure to make IP address of the second radio different than the first radio.
Ip
192.168.0.128
192.168.0.41
192.168.0.98
192.168.0.99
Subnet mask
255.255.255.0
255.255.255.0
255.255.255.0
255.255.255.0
Ground PC
Linux
Windows
Jetson
After connecting the radio, you can SSH into the pre-flashed Jetson via Micro USB to continue configuration or verify connectivity.
Once connected via SSH, set a static IP address on the Jetson that matches the radio network’s subnet. This allows seamless communication with the DTC radio and other devices on the mesh network.
After setting the static IP, you can disconnect the USB connection and restart the Jetson. Once it reboots, you should be able to SSH into the Jetson over the network via the IP address you assigned.
Establishing the connection
Once you set up all the static IP-s on both the Ground PC and the Jetson you can go ahead and power up the drone. You'll be able to reach to both IP-s from the Ground PC and you can also SSH to the Jetson from the established network.
jetson.local should load, here you can interact with our services
QGround Control
You can go ahead and add the Link for the Drone in QGC, jetson.local should give you the correct address you set previously.
Finally, you can add the RTSP video stream using the same IP and :5600/camera1
As you can see below the connection and the camera stream are established
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