Pic + RF Module or RFPIC

[koossa]

Good day

I want to do RF communication..
If I compare a Pic + separate RF Module with a RFPIC, it seems that the rfPic is cheaper and more reliable. Is this correct?

If so, why do so few people use it?

[mackrackit]

Not so sure they are cheaper.
The receiver RFPIC still needs a "regular" PIC plus many other external parts.
The transmitter is based on a 12F675. the 675 is a nice part but has limits.

The RF modules like the ones Bruce sells are pretty much plug and play and can be used with any PIC.

More reliable???
Who knows???

[koossa]

Dave, thank you very much for your reply!!

What I want is a cheap and reliable way to transmit data.
According to the microchip link (http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts...cName=en010384) the rfPIC12F675K cost USD2.40

I actually want the most cost effective way to Transmit RF data over about 15meters.
I did play around with RF in the past and I struggled so much that I just never touch it again, so I want a solution that would not take me months to get working.

[mackrackit]

That seems cheap, but the you need the receiver also. rfRXD0420/0920 $2.89 from MicroChip. LQFP package If you are doing a production run they would be great.

But if it is a one or two thing....

The cheapest/ease of use I know of is these
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/TWS-434.htm
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/RWS-434.htm
All the need is an antenna and a PIC.
I tested some and had no trouble at a half mile line of sight.

Just my opinion.

[koossa]

Dave, thank you!

My problem is, that my customers will have for example 10-500 transmitters and 1 receiver and I want to go in production with it, so $1 would make a huge difference

I just want to transmit a 15 digit ID, one at a time.
Do you think I would easily get the Microchip rfPIC12F675K running?

[mackrackit]

I see. Many units...

I have not used the parts individually. Helped with a dev board setup. Seems pretty straight forward.

Here is a sample code from Bruce
http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/show...4830#post44830

Sending the data should be easy enough. You will need a checksum or some other error checking.
The basic code could be

SEROUT2 PORTC.6, 16780, [ STR DATAOUT\16, $d, $a]