nRF24L01+PA

[dzairo]

Hi all.
I have queston for all woho use nRF24L01+ with PA .
I have 3x this module and tested it .. one module I use in my serial gateway , second use in my node ..
if test it then don't see any changes about range .
still same distance ..

I use this :

what is your real experience ??

regards..

[hek]

What is your PA-level in MyConfig.h?

[dzairo]

Hi.
I use standard setting :
#define RF_24_PA_LEVEL RF_PA_MAX
#define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_LOW

I thinks that is not problem.. ask other user if test nRF24L01+ with PA + LNA .. and what distance have ..
this version is +20db signal power , manufacturer say 1km .. I have same range like standard module..

regards.

[hek]

@dzairo said:

#define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_LOW

Set this to RF24_PA_MAX also.

[dzairo]

hmmm. this is not problem I thinks. but I try it of course

rebards

[daulagari]

I assume you have an antenna connected, right?

With an antenna[*] comes directivity so if things are not pointed correctly you can indeed get less range than using a normal board.

[*] Unless you use invented an isotropic radiator

[dzairo]

....antenna problem ?..
hmmm. must find someone who use this module and have real experience..

[daulagari]

I have the module in use but did not directly compare the range with an normal module.

That is also almost impossible because the antennas are different and with things working on 2.4 GHz, moving an unit just 5 centimeter can make a huge difference.

[dzairo]

hmmmm... on e-shop write 1km .. but I have same distance like standard module with PCB antenna..

[daulagari]

on e-shop write 1km ..

Can you provide the link?

but I have same distance like standard module with PCB antenna..

Like I wrote, I am not 100% surprised. What is the range you get?

Have also a look at http://forum.mysensors.org/topic/182/standard-versus-lna-pa-radio-modules

[BulldogLowell]

@dzairo said:

hmmmm... on e-shop write 1km .. but I have same distance like standard module with PCB antenna..

Unless you are comparing in an open field, line-of-sight, then comparing distance is somewhat nebulous.

What you likely want is better performance throughout your home. The radio's (despite your increased power output antenna) performance is to a much greater extent affected by the position of the two transceivers and the objects between them.

I too have struggled with trying to glean some improvements in my network with higher power antennas , with not much success. The only one I have working (and it sucks up batteries) is the mailbox sensor which is line of sight with my gateway through a window.

[dzairo]

for example : http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-2-4G-NRF24L01-PA-LNA-SMA-Antenna-Wireless-Transceiver-communication-module-/400673455926

U know this ,that external antenna with external amplifier must make twice more distance..

[BulldogLowell]

@dzairo

Twice the distance through air, perhaps.

But, through a wall constructed of concrete reinforced with steel... well, it may penetrate the paint twice as deep, I guess.

[daulagari]

Guys, please have a look at http://forum.mysensors.org/topic/182/standard-versus-lna-pa-radio-modules

Ignoring antenna effects, if only one side has a ePA + LNA your link budget is only 2.6 dB better. In open air 6 dB means doubling the distance, in other environments you need often 10 dB extra to double distance.

[dzairo]

no ,I tested it on free space.. I can compare ..

[daulagari]

Free space is a good start but like indicated there are still numerous gotchas:

• How is the powering/decoupling of the radio's
• Are the antennas pointed to each other
• How high are the antenna placed above ground

What is the range you get?
Some photo would be nice.

[dzairo]

today is late .. tomorrow .. where are you from?

regards

[dzairo]

...ehm... today I make some test..
I test standard module (PCB antenna ) and module with external antenna..
same result .. if use standard module then 30m is distance +- few meter .. with external antenna also same distance ..
I solder big capacitor to mule 2200uF , 6.3V .. and power 3V for node and 3.3V for gateway ..

I make test with all antenna what I have .. must find beter antenna and will make testing again.. ..
in osme forum I read that user have with 1Mb speed 540m distance..

regards..

[daulagari]

I test standard module (PCB antenna ) and module with external antenna..
same result .. if use standard module then 30m is distance +- few meter .. with external antenna also same distance ..

30 meter is less than I would expect for two antennas seeing each other and enough clearance but to give some meaningful feedback a photo would help.

I solder big capacitor to mule 2200uF , 6.3V .. and power 3V for node and 3.3V for gateway ..

A big capacitor is not better, what counts is ESR (or the "Freq. measured" in the table) and the capacitor being big enough. The higher the frequency the better the capacitor can "reject" high frequency noise on the power supply.

[EasyIoT]

@dzairo I'm using nRF24L01+ with PA on my server side and normal NRF24L+ on node side. At beginning I have norlam NRF24L+ on server side. I dint't see big improvement in range/reliability when I change to PA module. But I notice something strange. PA module works better with PA_HIGH than with PA_MAX.

[dzairo]

interesting..
write more .. or make more test..

thanks..

[dzairo]

Hi all I find this :

nRF24L01 range test (arduino) – 17:36
— iforce2d

and this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xhvphsj1ms

and now say me what is wrong in my testing.. I must contact video producer for question..

regards.