Extending Range of 2.4 GHz RF Module for Serial Communications

I need to design Wireless Device control using

4*4 Keypad +MCU + Wireless module----->> Wireless Module+MCU+Devices.

https://www.sunrom.com/p/rf-serial-data-link-uart-2-4-ghz

I had successfully designed my task with above link's rf module, but its limited up to 30m in open space n with limited obstacles(i.e upto 1 wall. ).

Does any other way to increase range with same module?? I am using power supply for transmitter is 5v/2A same at rx side.

I need to do same task with some more larger range i.e. about 60-80m in open space n it can communicate across atleast 4-5 room's wall.

Kindly suggest me proper way for it.

Regards,
Hardik

- - - Updated - - -

@punisherzz
@ckshivaram
@bigdogguru

I had read one old blog which link given below where there where i had find similar question,
Now regarding APC220 can any one please tell me what is the indoor range can be obtain??
I required around 20-30m indoor range.

https://www.edaboard.com/threads/222327/

hardik.patel said:

Does any other way to increase range with same module?? I am using power supply for transmitter is 5v/2A same at """"tx"""" side.

Click to expand...

Can i increase the range by increase the power by 5V/3A or 5V/4A instead of 5V/2A?

I am afraid to increase the power of transmitter because it may damage the module, am i right??

hardik.patel said:

Can i increase the range by increase the power by 5V/3A or 5V/4A instead of 5V/2A?

I am afraid to increase the power of transmitter because it may damage the module, am i right??

Click to expand...

Increasing the current ratings of the power supply is not the issue, as they are all 5v power supplies, the current rating simply indicates that the power supply can deliver up to those maximum current ratings. Doing so would have no impact on the current requirements of the remainder of your design.

In any event, after reviewing the stated specs and examining the photos of the RF transceiver modules, they appear to be operating within their maximum specified range of 30m. There does not appear to be any option for an external antenna, which maybe beneficial in this case. A reasonably effective external antenna would more than likely increase the RF modules range. You maybe able to sever the existing connection to the PCB antenna and attach an appropriate thin coaxial cable to the PCB trace with an appropriate connector at the other end for an external antenna. However, as there appears to be no schematic available for the RF module, what if any ramifications of such a modification would have are unclear.

I should state, RF engineering is not my forte, therefore perhaps you should get a second opinion.

Worst case, the current RF modules could certainly be replaced by a more appropriate RF module, with an external antenna connector, for the task and range requirements.

I'm going to move the thread to the RF section, as the topic concerns RF module, more than a microcontroller issue.

BigDog

I concur with Bigdogguru. Depending on where it is fitted, and whether you can live with it being slightly directional (more than it already is), you might be able to use it as the active element in a short Yagi antenna. In other words, fit a reflector behind it and one or more director elements in front of it. Something along the lines of a TV antenna where the module replaces the bit the cable would attach to. That would increase it's forward transmit and receive gain but at the expense of having to aim it at the other end of the link.

FYI, during experiments I have achieved a range of > 20Km using this princple, using similar but not identical modules and through a clear 'line of sight' path. In fact it was telemetry from a helicopter to a ground station.

Brian.

bigdogguru said:

operating within their maximum specified range of 30m. There does not appear to be any option for an external antenna, which maybe beneficial in this case. A reasonably effective external antenna would more than likely increase the RF modules range.

Click to expand...

100% agreed.

The only solution for better range is to replace the complete module, or for testing, modify the existing module so that an external antenna can be connected. You can cut the signal and ground wire of the internal PIFA antenna and attach a small coax connector (U.FL or similar). Keep all connections/wires as short as possible.