Hi all,

I have been doing lots of reading on this subject, and to be honest, I am confused!

I am trying to come up with a GPS solution for my bait boat, to be transmitted from the boat to a tablet on the bank. I am looking at using a GPS module with a serial output to be transmitted back to my tablet via a Bluetooth module. The problem is range, I can make this approach work with an off the shelf class 2 module, with a simple connection of GPS Tx to Bluetooth Rx but only achieve around 40m, I would like to use a class 1 transmitter to reach over a 100m, but I can't seem to find one to suit, so here I am looking for help, any would be much appreciated.

Best regards

Jason

 

I’m no expert on the latest tech but I don’t think any Bluetooth solution will give reliable service at 100 meters. It simply wasn’t (and isn’t) meant for that.

 

I have seen things like the link below, I am looking for something like this, but preferably with just power and rx connections,

https://uk.farnell.com/laird-techno...7-01/bluetooth-mod-bism-ii-ceramic/dp/2325595

 

I knew I should have googled a bit before answering.

https://www.kanda.com/blog/microcontrollers/create-long-range-bluetooth-wireless-link/
https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected/things-you-should-know-about-bluetooth-range​

At least the articles confirmed one thing I knew - that the range of Bluetooth is better with the latest versions. That would be the one thing that raised an eyebrow about the device you linked. I'd be looking for BT 4 or later if I'm shooting for long range.

Maybe this: https://www.fanstel.com/bt832x-bluetooth-5-module/

 

Many thanks for your reply Wayne, some useful information for me to digest.
That module has greater range than any I have seen, but they all seem very over complicated for what I want, all I want to transmit is simple serial messages from a GPS module to a tablet with mapping software on it.
I have the feeling I may be going down the wrong path, and that an easier solution to my problem is out there.

 

Many thanks for your reply Wayne, some useful information for me to digest.
That module has greater range than any I have seen, but they all seem very over complicated for what I want, all I want to transmit is simple serial messages from a GPS module to a tablet with mapping software on it.
I have the feeling I may be going down the wrong path, and that an easier solution to my problem is out there.

Fwiw, I’m not aware of one except maybe an ad hoc wireless network.

 

Just an update,
I have decided to try a pair of 433mhz serial port modules, these have plenty of range, GPS to serial module in the boat, and serial Module to a short range Bluetooth module on the bank, hopefully this will enable me to connect the tablet via Bluetooth to the GPS module with plenty of range.
Not sure if, or how well this will work, but will be fun experimenting with it.