12f675_fuse_about_to_blow!

[LEDave]

Range-- What are you using for an antenna?

At the moment it's a single wire (AWG 24) approx 6.5" long.

The booklet says: "Alternatively, the pin receptacle can be removed and an alternative antenna connection can be made. For example a coaxial wire can be connected to the antenna pad on the front side of the pcb and ground pad on the back side of the pcb."

Early days yet but would one of these be any better?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35648

Dave

[mackrackit]

For something permanent that would be good, but you still need a ground plane with any 1/4 wave antenna.
For prototyping I use a wire stuck into a bread board with the bread board setting on an aluminum plate. The plate is connected to ground (zero rail).

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Techn...df/6201025.pdf
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Techn...20Radiates.pdf

[LEDave]

For something permanent that would be good, but you still need a ground plane with any 1/4 wave antenna.

I remember reading somewhere that for a 1/2 wave antenna you don't need a ground plane, is that an option here?

For prototyping I use a wire stuck into a bread board with the bread board setting on an aluminum plate.

Is the wire then attached to the plate or the RX device?

Dave

[mackrackit]

I remember reading somewhere that for a 1/2 wave antenna you don't need a ground plane, is that an option here?

Yes but it will basically need two 1/4 wave wires. the ground plane sorta takes place of the second wire. 1/2 wave has advantages but for a portable the 1/4 wave is the most practical.

Is the wire then attached to the plate or the RX device?

The wire is the 6.5 inch antenna.
Using the above setup I can get .5 mile line of site with these.
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/TWS-434.htm
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/RWS-434.htm

[LEDave]

I see, does it have to be an aluminium plate or would a good size piece of vero board be ok.

I liked those RENTRON TX_RX modules, I don't think for one moment they'd ship to the UK? Probably cost too much in postage, then again the module price was excellent.

Dave

[mackrackit]

I see, does it have to be an aluminium plate or would a good size piece of vero board be ok.

Has to be electrically conductive.
Probably find something in the kitchen that would work....

[LEDave]

Probably find something in the kitchen that would work....

I've just tried a small aluminium vice from the shed and an aluminium tray (from the kitchen funnily enough ) the vice added another 5 - 10 yards, the tray not so much. I had a few funny looks from the neighbours every time I waved back at Mrs LEDave to say an LED had blinked as I walked up the street.

I'm sure the distance can be boosted with some more tweaking.

Dave