Extend range for NRF Moduler?

[espruino-discuss3]

Posted at 2014-12-14 by ak

Hi Esproinos,

I'm using NRF Modules with antennas to conntect two espruinos, like thisL http://arduino-info.wikispaces.com/Nrf24L01-2.4GHz-HowTo
Does anyone has a good solution to extend the range to around 500m to 1000m?
Is something like this a solution?

[espruino-discuss3]

Posted at 2014-12-14 by DrAzzy

A WiFi range extender will not extend range of something that isn;t WiFi. The NRF module is not WiFi.

You will probably need to use a different radio technology. There's been some discussion of long range radio in the interfacing section, but no clear decision on which one is best. 500-1000m is long enough that you're probably looking at LoRa or similar.

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Posted at 2014-12-14 by @allObjects

For point-to-point connectivity, you do not need that much power (4W). Directional antennas are sufficient. For areal coverage, you need more power. The question is also what is your expected data rate, and how reliable the connectivity and how large the packet size should be. Regarding reliability: are you thinking of a system that would allow and have retries?

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Posted at 2014-12-15 by @gfwilliams

As @allObjects says, if you're doing point-to-point then a directional antenna (if you can find a 2.4ghz one) might mean that you can get the range that you need.

Otherwise I think you're going to have to use a different type of radio I'm afraid.

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Posted at 2014-12-15 by Spocki

Have a look at these NRF24L01 modules with PA and internal or external antenna: http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=AS_20141215040106&SearchText=nrf24l01+pa

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Posted at 2014-12-16 by ak

@spocki: Thanks, that's what I'm currently using but in real live I can not reach 500m or more with this solution.
@allObjects:
Short project description: In my application I'm measuring voltages. One unit is placed on a daily fixed position and is used as reference. With the 2nd unit in the hand I walk around and do the measurements (like a master unit that triggers also the measurement for the reference unit). A directional solution is a good idea but will not work for me.
Data Rate: The data rate is low, lets say around one measurement every 10s.
Retries: are ok.
Required range: 500m - 1000m in real live

So I'm not sure if the NRF24L01 module is the best solution for this.

Thanks & regards, Andreas

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Posted at 2014-12-16 by ak

Thanks for your reply! Just for my understanding, this would be a solution?
http://www.streakwave.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=12-205&eq=&Tp=