[mc1322x] PCB antennas - Transmit range

[Jon Smirl]

On Fri, Jun 11, 2010 at 7:39 AM, Daniel Berenguer
<dberenguer at usapiens.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Someone has asked me about the transmit range of the Econotags and
> Redbees modules as he needs something for controlling his unmanned air
> planes. I've not started playing with the RF interface and I'm not
> really concerned about this range because I'll end by using my custom
> hardware. The web-site talks about 500 ft in open spaces. Do the
> Redwire PCB antennas work so good?

If you want more range look at the TI CC430 900Mhz devices. You can
buy little boards from TI for under $100.

You can also add external power amps to most 2.4Ghz chips.  The amp
chips are under $1 but you will need a new PCB. The range of the
Econotag is fine for indoor use.

You're going to need 2000-3000ft for reliable plane control. Of course
you can get fancy and program the plane to come back if it gets out of
range.

Search around and see if you can find a power amp design for the
mc13224. I know they exist for the other chips.


>
> Thanks for your comments.
>
> Daniel.
>
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-- 
Jon Smirl
jonsmirl at gmail.com