SpaceCommsKit Explorer · SCK-915 · Three Configurations

SpaceCommsKit Explorer
SCK-915 · The Right Kit for Every Stage

From single-board evaluation to a complete two-radio development system — every kit ships bootloader-flashed, lab-keyed, and ready to operate.

See Pricing → Read the Docs
The Hardware

OpenLST Inspired · SCK-915 Evolved

The SpaceCommsKit board matches the OpenLST reference gerbers from Planet Labs exactly — with two modern component substitutions for parts that are no longer in production.

SCK-915 board with 915MHz antenna

SCK-915 board with 915MHz SMA antenna

Component Substitutions

Two components in the original design became unavailable. Both replacements are pin-for-pin equivalents — same footprint, same electrical specification, no schematic changes required.

Original PartReplacementFunction
Qorvo RFFM6403SB RFFM6406 RF Front-End Module
pSemi PE4259 PE4250MLI-2 RF Switch
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Source Verified

All components sourced exclusively from Digi-Key, Mouser, or manufacturer direct. No clone parts, no gray market chips.

Board Specifications

ParameterValue
RF Frequency915 MHz (US ISM band — no license required)
Modulation2-FSK with Forward Error Correction
Data Rate7.4 kbaud
TX Power+27 dBm
Receiver Sensitivity−112 dBm
MicrocontrollerTexas Instruments CC1110 · 26MHz
Flash Memory32 KB
Interface3.3V TTL UART × 2 · 115200 baud
Supply Voltage5V DC · Never exceed 5V
Board Size50 × 60 × 5 mm
AssemblyHand-assembled · Tennessee, USA
Custom Accessories

3D Printed Stands — Designed In-House

Every Ground Station Kit and Explorer Dev Kit includes custom 3D printed board stands designed specifically for the OpenLST board. The OpenLST logo is embossed on the front face. Stands include mounting points for the board and cable management.

OpenLST ground station with custom 3D printed stand

Ground Station Kit — board in custom stand with power adapter

OpenLST Explorer Dev Kit complete setup

Explorer Dev Kit — both radios, stands, and accessories

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Critical — Power Supply Requirements

These boards operate at 5V DC maximum — never connect more than 5 volts under any circumstances. During RF transmission the power amplifier draws a significant current spike. If the reboot LED illuminates during transmit, your power supply cannot deliver sufficient current. Always use the included 5V 3A adapter or a supply rated for at least 2A at 5V.

Pricing

Choose Your Configuration

All kits are hand-assembled to order. Lead times vary with component availability — contact us for current lead time before ordering.

Entry · HWID 0001
Single Board Kit
$500 USD

One fully provisioned OpenLST radio board with antenna. Ready to integrate into your own hardware setup.

  • 1× SCK-915 radio board (CC1110 · 915MHz)
  • 1× 915MHz SMA antenna
  • Bootloader flashed
  • Lab AES keys (all-F) loaded
  • HWID assigned (0001 or your choice)
  • User Guide PDF
  • Developer Guide PDF
Order Now →
Most Popular
Standard · Ground Station
Ground Station Kit
$750 USD

Complete ground station setup — board in custom stand with power management. Plug in, connect, operate.

  • 1× SCK-915 radio board (CC1110 · 915MHz)
  • 1× 915MHz SMA antenna
  • Custom 3D printed board stand
  • Inline power switch
  • 5V 3A power adapter
  • Bootloader flashed · Lab keys · HWID
  • User Guide + Developer Guide PDF
Order Now →
Professional · HWID 0001 + 0004
Explorer Dev Kit
$1,500 USD

The complete two-radio system. Everything you need for RF link testing, payload experiments, OTA firmware development, and remote imaging.

  • 2× OpenLST radio boards (HWID 0001 + 0004)
  • 2× 915MHz SMA antennas
  • 2× Custom 3D printed board stands
  • 2× 5V 3A power adapters
  • Both boards bootloader flashed · Lab keys
  • SCK Ground Station software (Windows)
  • User Guide + Developer Guide PDF
Order Now →
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LEO Satellite Applications

The SpaceCommsKit Explorer SCK-915 is designed and characterized for terrestrial RF communications. For LEO satellite applications, a directional antenna (7–10 dBi yagi) and reduced data rate (1.2–9.6 kbaud) are recommended to achieve adequate link margin across a full orbital pass. This approach mirrors how Planet Labs operated the original OpenLST design on their Dove constellation — the same RF architecture, tuned for the geometry of the pass. At 915MHz a +27dBm ground station with a 7dBi yagi provides comfortable link margin to a 400–550km LEO satellite at elevation angles above approximately 15°.

⚠️ Ships to United States only. Boards are not conformal coated. Lead times vary with parts availability. Orders are assembled by hand — please allow 1–3 weeks.

Questions before ordering? info@spacecommskit.com  ·  Volume or university pricing available on request.

Regulatory & Compliance

Experimental Research & Development Device

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Regulatory Notice — Please Read Before Purchasing

The SCK-915 is an experimental RF development board intended for research, experimentation, and educational use only. It is not FCC certified for commercial or consumer use. Operation is permitted under FCC Part 15.23 (Exemptions for research and development). The operator is responsible for ensuring operation does not cause harmful interference to authorized radio services. Ships to United States only.

Full Compliance Statement

The SpaceCommsKit Explorer SCK-915 is an experimental radio frequency development board designed for research, experimentation, engineering development, and educational purposes. It is not certified under FCC Part 15 for general commercial or consumer use.

Operation of this device is intended under the provisions of FCC Part 15.23, which provides an exemption from certification requirements for devices used in research and development, experimentation, and educational activities. Under this exemption, the device may be operated by or under the supervision of a licensed engineer, researcher, or qualified technical professional.

The operator assumes full responsibility for ensuring operation does not cause harmful interference to authorized radio services, compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and appropriate use within the scope of research and development activities.

By purchasing the SCK-915 you acknowledge that this device is sold for experimental, research, and development purposes under FCC Part 15.23. You accept responsibility for compliant operation. This device is not for resale or integration into consumer products without appropriate FCC certification.

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Research Use

University labs, R&D teams, and independent researchers

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Educational Use

Engineering programs, satellite communications courses

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Development Use

Engineers developing RF systems and spacecraft payloads

Coming Soon

Next Generation High-Speed Board

Higher throughput. Same open-source philosophy. Same ground station software. Sign up to be notified when it launches.