Will a NRF24L01+PA+LNA help with my signal problems

[mfalkvidd]

@greymarvel no worries. There is a lot of information to take in :)
Don't be afraid to ask more if things are unclear.

[Thucar]

@Greymarvel for a gateway I would suggest using a shielded version of the NRF24L01+PA+LNA as well as this supply adapter

I was having world of issues with my setup until I did that.

[GreyLinux]

@thucar
yeah I read somewhere that unshielded the NRF24L01+ was awful . The socket adapter you linked what is the benefit of using it ? Is it meant to replace the regulator and make a better connection for the radio ?

[Thucar]

I has an onboard voltage reg as well as caps. So you do not need to use any additional hardware.

[GreyLinux]

@thucar
that is brilliant I will be getting one of these anything to make life easier . Thanks for your help

[GreyLinux]

@mfalkvidd I need your advice regarding the radio's on my Arduino nodes . I've wired the power for the radio to vcc on the Arduino which is boosted by a 3.3v step up booster .
I have a decoupling capacitor between the vcc and Gnd of the radio but I think my limited range is because of the noise from the booster . If I wire the power of the radio directly to the battery the radio fails completely as seen in the serial monitor . What are my options ?
Should I used one of the adapters recommended by @Thucar on all my battery sensors ?

[mfalkvidd]

@greymarvel people here are using different solutions. My preferred way is to power the Arduino and the nrf24 directly by 2xAA, with a 4.7uF capacitor as close to the nrf24 as possible (between vcc and gnd). No step-up, no ldo.

I like this solution because it involves very few components, which means less things that can go wrong and easier troubleshooting if something does go wrong.

[GreyLinux]

@mfalkvidd
is it possible for me to remove the booster if I've removed the regulator on the pro mini?
How long do your sensors last without a booster ?
Why do you think my radio's fail when I power them straight from the battery ? Cheap clones maybe ?

[mfalkvidd]

@greymarvel said in Will a NRF24L01+PA+LNA help with my signal problems:

@mfalkvidd
is it possible for me to remove the booster if I've removed the regulator on the pro mini?

Yes. See https://www.mysensors.org/build/battery for more information

How long do your sensors last without a booster ?

About 10 years

Why do you think my radio's fail when I power them straight from the battery ? Cheap clones maybe ?

It could be anything.

[GreyLinux]

@mfalkvidd
you sir are amazing , I soldered the 47uF capacitor practically on the radio and now I'm getting about 10 metres before I get Nack=0 messages . Hopefully with the addition of the NRF24L01+PA+LNA on the gateway I should be able to cover all of the property.

Thank you so much again for your help .

[Thucar]

@Greymarvel for me that 47uF cap is essential whenever I'm not using the full adapter I suggested for your gateway.

I'm getting over 30 meters through two 35cm concrete walls and some trees with the following setup: Gateway with a shielded nRF24L01-PA-LNA (not DIY foil shielded, but proper shielded one) and the forementioned adapter.

Solar + battery powered sensor with the basic nRF24L01 (PCB antenna) the only booster is that 47uF cap on the radio power pins.

[Tmaster]

Hi to @Greymarvel .Well i already seen this movie before. I bought diferent nrf24 nodes,amplifed ,not amplified,with or without capacitors. In fact i had worst redults with amp nodes. I just change to rfm69hw and w
. No more low power/high power...etc. now i got my 4000m2 terrain covered (around 80m long).
I didn't check max range but i never had lost a packet again. I was a very good increment on my network stability.
That fake nrf24 chips are crazy and unstable and yes,all ebay cheap nodes are fake second i know.