We are Developing a product using RF NRF24l01+ LNA+PA board. We are facing the problem of Range in Urban area we get only 100 meter. Is there any way to increase the range

[Hussain Merchant]

We are Developing a product using RF NRF24l01+ LNA+PA board. We are facing the problem of Range in Urban area we get only 100 meter.Is there any way to increase the range of this module??

In Close area we are getting data of 30Nodes. But as distance increases say 30 meter per node we are not getting the data after 5 nodes. Our aim to connect 50 Nodes in series of 30 meter.

We are using NRFNetwork library.

Kindly suggest the way to increase the Range of NRF24l01+ LNA+PA board.so many nodes can connect via Mesh/Network topology.

[run_ar]

Hi,

The range is increased using the ePA/LNA as you say. But it's not possible to extend the range any further than what can be achieved within regulatory limits. For Urban areas it can be hard to increase range as there can be many "hard" barriers such as concrete walls or metal tinted glass. Maybe adjusting the datarate to 250 kbit will give longer range, but it also means more on air time which increase the likelihood of the signal being blocked.

[Hussain Merchant]

Okay Thanks,

We have already adjusted datarate to 250Kbit. but no luck..Is there any antenna suggestion which provide good gain upto 6db or more. Please share the link.

[ketiljo]

What kind of antenna are you using now? A 1/4 wave external antenna (SMA connector) will give you the best range. I'd expect a line of sight  range at 1000m+ with a PA and a good antenna at 250 kbps. Less when there are obstacles.

[Hussain Merchant]

I dont the know the exact specification of antenna. But which comes with NRF24l01+ LNA Module. We are using that only.

Kindly suggest any good antenna to improve the range.

[ketiljo]

It depends on the type of connector, if any, that's on your board. 

[Hussain Merchant]

In PCB SMA Connector is mounted.

In Close area we are getting all data, No data loss all working smoothly. Is there any special care in software we have take for long distance say upto 30 Meter each node place in serial fashion?

[ketiljo]

Can you try with something like this? https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/pulselarsen-antennas/W1010/1616689

[Hussain Merchant]

we are using  https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/pulselarsen-antennas/W1010/1616689 this antenna only which has 2dbi/3dbi.... is there any other antenna which have more gain then this.?

[ketiljo]

Are you sure that the PA is working as it should? Have you measured the output power? What range do you get line of sight?

[Hussain Merchant]

We don't have the Equipment to test the output power. Is there any test code in Arduino we can write and check the output power.My setting is on PA MAX LEVEL and i am getting the approx range of 250 Meter at line of sight