15-09-2016, 00:15
I bought a few of the cheap NRF24l01 modules a couple of years ago and found the range was terrible in "real world" conditions. The modules were ok outside, but as soon as a wall was placed in the way, range dropped dramatically.
Lower frequencies generally penetrate obstactles better. The NRF24l01 modules are on 2.4GHz, but don't have the advantage of the exotic modulation techniques used by WiFi systems operating in that unlicensed band. Using an amplifier will get you more range, but may be illegal (it is in Australia, where I live) and/or cause harmful interference to other users of the 2.4GHz band.
I think the RFM95 / RFM96 range of LoRa radios sound promising as a way of getting much better range, without large antennas or contributing to the interference problems on unlicensed radio bands.
https://tronixlabs.com.au/wireless/lora/...australia/
Lower frequencies generally penetrate obstactles better. The NRF24l01 modules are on 2.4GHz, but don't have the advantage of the exotic modulation techniques used by WiFi systems operating in that unlicensed band. Using an amplifier will get you more range, but may be illegal (it is in Australia, where I live) and/or cause harmful interference to other users of the 2.4GHz band.
I think the RFM95 / RFM96 range of LoRa radios sound promising as a way of getting much better range, without large antennas or contributing to the interference problems on unlicensed radio bands.
https://tronixlabs.com.au/wireless/lora/...australia/