I'm developing an IoT sensor, predominantly for the purpose of door/window sensing. I've developed a custom PCB basesd on an ATMega328 and an RFM69W module.
I'm very impressed with the RFM69 so far, under certain conditions. It can easily go through several brick walls from one end of the house and out the other end. However things change when I'm trying to fit the PCB + antenna into its designated case.
The RSSI drops significantly when I angle the antenna down parallel to the long axis of the case (and parallel to the ground plane of the PCB).
I've optimised these loaded coil antennas but I cannot get the required range when angling the antenna.
Does the RFM69 antenna always have to be perpendicular to its ground plane?
Would I have to change the PCB layout so as to angle the RFM69 at 90 degrees?
Any good ideas for improving this design?
Many thanks
I'm very impressed with the RFM69 so far, under certain conditions. It can easily go through several brick walls from one end of the house and out the other end. However things change when I'm trying to fit the PCB + antenna into its designated case.
The RSSI drops significantly when I angle the antenna down parallel to the long axis of the case (and parallel to the ground plane of the PCB).
I've optimised these loaded coil antennas but I cannot get the required range when angling the antenna.
Does the RFM69 antenna always have to be perpendicular to its ground plane?
Would I have to change the PCB layout so as to angle the RFM69 at 90 degrees?
Any good ideas for improving this design?
Many thanks