Cheap 433 MHz data transceivers!

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manuka

Senior Member
FWIW -I've just been pointed to a Melbourne crowd selling tiny RF Monolithic (RFM) 433 MHz transceivers at just Aus$5 (under a "Madness special"). They look interesting little darlings, & very "Virtual Wire' PICAXEable, although I doubt if their specs will translate into ranges beyond 50-100m. Stan

Oops! Sorry for the BOLD heading blunder- force of habit in postings...
 

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moxhamj

New Member
Nice find. Almost cheaper than D9 plugs/sockets/wire etc! I buy from this shop every month or so - well worth getting on their email mailer list.
 
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ArnieW

Senior Member
manuka said:
FWIW -I've just been pointed to a Melbourne crowd selling tiny RF Monolithic (RFM) 433 MHz transceivers at just Aus$5 (under a "Madness special"). They look interesting little darlings, & very "Virtual Wire' PICAXEable, although I doubt if their specs will translate into ranges beyond 50-100m. Stan

Oops! Sorry for the BOLD heading blunder- force of habit in postings...
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Thanks for this one Stan - I'm only 5 mins away from this mob. I can see wireless experimenting in the crystal ball now :D
 
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manuka

Senior Member
Hippy- thanks. AFAIK headings can't normally be edited on this Forum, so guess your more exalted rights allowed the tweak.

ArnieW: Can you grab & test out a few please? The store apparently still has ~600 in stock, so maybe let them know about PICAXE possibilities if the price stays right.
 
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ArnieW

Senior Member
manuka said:
ArnieW: Can you grab & test out a few please? The store apparently still has ~600 in stock, so maybe let them know about PICAXE possibilities if the price stays right.
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Hi Stan,

I put in an order for some on the weekend but expected an email or something but I've not yet heard back from them. I might give them a call tomorrow.

As far as testing goes I'll give it my best shot, although I'm a bit short on time. I could always send you one or two for testing if you like.

cheers, Arnie
 
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Dippy

Moderator
Can you check your link Marcos, I tried it and just got a topcities opening page offering me a website - not very helpful. Maybe a typo?

I'm certain this thread will turn into My Favourite RF Module.... (even though I haven't tried the one you mention, mine is best) :)

I would just caution anyone who works in design/production to be a little careful with 'bargains' generally speaking. Prototyping is one thing but when your product 'goes to press' in 3 months time you may find this product no longer available. This applies to much of the cheap-jack anonymous stuff. Fine for hobbyists who don't require product longevity or continuity.
 
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marcos.placona

Senior Member
Ok, fixed. The RF modules I'm talking about have been discussed here for a while, and they sure are part of the "el cheapo" you don't like :D

As you said, they are fine for hobbyists, but I really wouldn't dare using them when full reliability is necessary
 
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manuka

Senior Member
The MRF24J40MA mentioned at posting #8 is a 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver module. In general 433 MHz will offer superior ranges than 2.4GHz, & for pedestrian 2400 bps style PICAXE work this lower freq. should be preferred.
 
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Dippy

Moderator
Hey Stan, why not do a list of tried&tested modules including price, availability and any testing you've done. Just something general.
I keep hearing/seeing posts which say My Module is Great, but they could have got 'greater' if there was a summary table.
 
hippy

hippy

Ex-Staff (retired)
A comparative summary would be useful, especially what sort of actual range one gets in reality ( at what +V ), clear LoS and through a wall. Maybe include manufacturers claimed ranges so we can judge how reality meets expectations, value for money etc ?

I'd include XBee and XBee-Pro on the list as well.

I know that is actually a lot of work but it's easy for me to ask for it :)
 
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manuka

Senior Member
Good point Dippy, but (aside from the zillions on offer) it's often a "horses for courses" issue, comparable perhaps to reviewing cars. Hence these little $5 units may well be hopeless for serious use, but could be ideal for patient "wet your feet" hobby work. Schools however usually have low budget & ruggedness in mind as well as ease of use, & avoid tweaking needs.

Of course I keep getting email from professional crowds who insist their $$$ 433 MHz/ 2.4GHz offering is the best- it may well be for demanding mission critical work...
 
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Dippy

Moderator
Well, 'mission critical' aside, people would love it.
Horses for Courses Absolutement!

So a nice table where they can see (claimed) range as column number one would be nice :)
People can then look at the Table to determine the right horse, yes?

A special couple of columns marked "Ebay < 50 pence" and "Tested within Manuf's Parameters" would also sway the choice :)
And certainly "Ebay <50 pence" and "Mission Critical" may be mutually exclusive.

A lot of work I know, it was just a thought which could save people faffing.
 
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