Description

Transmitting data over long distances is like magic, and you can now become a magician with this powerful and easy-to-use radio module. When you want to chat with a PC, use a WiFi connection, when you want to chat with smartphone, it's more like Bluetooth, but to chat over long distances? Most WiFi, Bluetooth or Zigbee modules work in 2.4 GHz, which is good for fast transfer, but not on distance. If you don't want to transfer video, but lighter data over a long distance, and on a free frequency, this module in 868 or 915 MHz is perfect.

The radio packet of this module are simpler than WiFi or Bluetooth, no equipment is required. The only thing to do is to transmit the data, and another module (using the same encryption key) to receive it. The receiver can then send an e-response to acknowledge the message. The modules manage the packet setup, the error correction and can also automatically retransmit if you don't care about saving energy.

 These modules are perfect for use on most microcontrollers like Arduino. To create a link, at least two modules working with the same frequency are required.

These modules are sold in 4 variants (2 modulation types and 2 frequency types). RFM69s are the easiest to use and already well known. LoRa radio modules are a little more powerful, but also a little more expensive.

This module is the RFM69HCW version at 868 or 915 MHz frequency. The FSK packet transmission is at +20 dBm and has extra features such as encryption and automatic data forwarding, up to 500 m range with a single antenna, and up to 5 km with a directional antenna and some enhancements.

•     An Arduino library allows you to easily manage the Radio packages.
•     Uses amateur or free ISM radio frequencies
•     Uses a simple antenna cable or uFL or SMA connector to be soldered
•     SX1231 radio module with SPI interface
•     50mA (+13dBm) at 150 mA (+20dBm) required during transmission and 30mA listening
•     Range of approx. 500 m depending on buildings, frequencies used, etc...
•     Multipoint network creation with single node address
•     Encryption AES-128

All radio modules are sold independently and can only discuss between modules of the same series. For example, RFM69 900 MHz modules will only be able to communicate with RFM69 900 MHz and LoRa 433 MHz modules will only be able to communicate with LoRa 433 MHz modules.

Each module is sold with a header connector, a 3.3V controller is present on each module and it is possible to supply them with logic between 3V and 5V. It will be necessary to make an antenna with a copper tip and it will be necessary to solder it to make the antenna, you can also solder an uFL or SMA connector (not supplied)

Characteristics

• Dimensions: 25.3mm x 29.3mm x 3.5mm / 1.0" x 1.15 "x 0.14" / 1.0 "x 1.15" x 0.14
• Weight 3.4g

Documentation

Adafruit RFM69HCW and RFM9X LoRa Packet Radio Breakouts