Build custom radio protocol for low data rate and long distance

[Adrian Lita]

Hello,

I would like to build two boards that can send small messages between them, at long distance. For that I would like to use some of your devices (I used 51822 in the past for BLE connectivity) with a custom radio protocol.

The message itself should't require a rate higher than 500 bps, but my aim for the range would be around 2 km LOS.

My first question is whether you think this might be possible the nRF51822 devices. And second question is if there are some examples regarding this available.

Thank you!

[FormerMember]

With the nRF51 in 250 kbps mode, it is possible to achieve a range of 300 m, line-of-sight, you can read more in this thread.

You can also have a look at the nRF52840 with its various data rate options. The nRF52840 has a maximum output power of 8 dBm. Perhaps this blog post about long range testing with the nRF52840 can be interesting.

[Adrian Lita]

Thank you for the answer!