Channel Selection

Unlike the Herelink radios that automatically hop channels to avoid interferences, the Doodle radios operate on a fixed channel.

It is important to select an optimal channel to maximize radio range and performance.

Astro's Doodle radios operate on the 2.4 GHz band, which is also commonly used by other WiFi systems. By default, units are shipped from factory with channel 3 selected. This is a channel that avoids most of the typical WiFi routers.

How to scan and change channels

• Go Pilot Pro App > Radio Settings > Channel, then press "Start Channel Scan"

• After the app starts scanning, a visual is displayed after 5 scan samples, and continues to scan.

  • It is recommended to run the scan for up to 3 minutes for accurate results.

  • Losing connection is expected when scanning/changing channels.

• After scanning, the best channels available in the current radio space is highlighted with green.

• Tapping on any of the channel numbers will initiate a channel switch.

  • It will take up to a minute for the system to change channels on both sides and confirm that change has been applied successfully.

• To stop scanning, do one of the following: Change a channel, stop scanning manually, go to a different menu, or exit app. This will take a few seconds.

Doodle Channel Allocation

Each channel is a 10MHz channel and follows the same center frequency as 2.4GHz Wifi with the following allocations:

The Doodle Labs Radio Backpack includes an RJ45 ethernet port on the bottom of the module. This interface is disabled by default as a security measure. To instructions below will go over enabling or d

Enable/Disable Ethernet on the Doodle Labs Module

1. Open the Pilot Pro App and open the side menu

1. Navigate to 'Radio Settings'

1. Go to the 'Advanced' tab, and enable/disable RJ45 Access

The Pilot Pro has a modular interface on the back to allow for different radio modules to be installed. We currently offer a Herelink Module, and a Doodle Labs Module.

The Doodle Labs Radio is our fully Blue Compliant radio offering that transmits RC control, video, and telemetry.

For technical information about the Doodle Labs Radio Module specs, please visit our Radio Techinical Specs page

Pro Tips for Resolving Radio Connectivity Issues

1. Too Close? Ensure that your air and ground radios are at least 2 feet apart. Doodle radios are powerful, and if they are too close, they may create interference with each other.

2. Too Soon? Give it time. Each radio takes about 60 seconds from power-up to fully boot its system. Ensure both the air and ground radios have been powered on for at least 60 seconds before checking connectivity.

3. Multiple Aircraft? Be mindful of multiple Doodle radio pairs in the same environment. Doodle radios are not frequency hopping and are shipped with channel 3 selected by default. If multiple pairs are on the same channel, they will interfere with each other. Make sure to select for each pair.

4. Determine Which Path is Broken Pilot Pro and the tablet have separate communication links. It’s possible for one to be connected while the other is not. If the Pilot Pro’s LED is blue, it indicates no connection. A green LED means it’s connected.

5. Environmental Radio Interference Doodle radios operate on the 2.4 GHz band, similar to typical Wi-Fi devices. We default to channel 3 to minimize interference with common Wi-Fi routers. However, you may need to perform a to find a less congested channel.

• Ensure that your air and ground radios are at least 2 feet apart. Doodle radios are powerful, and if they are too close, they may create interference with each other.

• Power on Astro with one battery.

• Power on Pilot Pro.

• Give it time. Each radio takes about 60 seconds from power-up to fully boot its system. Ensure both the air and ground radios have been powered on for at least 60 seconds before checking connectivity.

• Open the Pilot Pro App and open the side menu

• Navigate to "Radio Settings". Then open "Pairing Manager"

• Find the bind button under Astro. Its next to the yellow XT connector on the IO Panel.
• Also locate the external compass module (on boom 4).

• Press on the bind button 3 times. Then make sure the LED on the external compass module starts to blink fast in white/pink.

• Wait 30 seconds (for Doodle to fully switch to pairing mode). Then press Scan in the Pilot Pro App. From the list of results, find the one that matches Astro's serial number. Then press pair.

• Wait 60 seconds for process to complete.

Binding

• Prepare tweezers or paperclip.

• Power on Herelink Air unit by powering on the aircraft

  • For Astro, you need to take the cover off first.

• Using tweezers, press and hold the Herelink Air Unit's "Pair/Reset" button until LED2 blinks (hold approximately 3 seconds).

• Repeat this step on the Pilot Pro's Herelink Radio.

• Ensure the light goes solid.

• Open the flight app on Pilot Pro (AMC for Astro) and verify the connection to the aircraft