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Signal strength and communication range

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Total Posts: 10

Joined 2018-08-14

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We are using ANT for our communications and we have a few questions.

We have a few different nrf52 modules. We started with a sparkfun nrf52832. For the integrated 5v regulator we moved to the nrf52840, tried the holyiot 18010 (advertised as 5v capable but is NOT). Then moved on to the E73.

We've set the TX power to +8dBm but the RSSI is around -75 to -80dBm over a distance of 4 meters with two 18010 modules(or the sparkfun messaging to a 18010), the E73 modules has -75 to -80dBm over a distance of 50 centimeters messaging to a 18010. Because of the bad antenna on the E73 we are planning to use a MDBT50Q-U1M

The wiki states a range of 30 meters at 0 dBm.
I know noise is an issue but this is a very big difference 30m@0dBm versus 4m@+8dBm. How can we achieve a 30m range?.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!       [ Edited: 09 July 2019 07:57 AM by fhfs ]
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Total Posts: 744

Joined 2012-09-14

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Unfortunately there can be large variability in sensitivity between different modules, not to also mention that ANT requires a 32.768 kHz crystal of at least 20PPM accuracy or better which many modules do not carry to save on cost.

Have you had a chance to evaluate the D52 module?      
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Total Posts: 10

Joined 2018-08-14

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We have not tried the D52 since we have an u.fl connector requirement. We have tested the MDBT50Q-U1M and we are getting much better results. The low frequency clock source can also be sourced from the 32mhz clock (if you are not worried about power consumption) but this also resulted in a bad connection on the E73.