I'm attempting to use six latching 4-Channel RF modules together for a project for another member. Unfortunately, I can't seem to get consistent results. I'm using three of the four channels to light up blinking LED's and, for two of the modules, play an audio file.
When all six are side-by-side, they work well. Push a button on the transmitter and the corresponding LED blinks on all six. Press the same button again, they all go out, perfect.
However, when I separate them, say three to fifteen feet (no walls between them, only open air in a basement), repeatability goes out the door. Sometimes they all work, but often 4-5 work and one or two miss a signal.
I've added a length of wire for a receiving antenna, beefed up the regulator, increased the voltage to the transmitter, etc., all to no avail. Sometimes these helped a little, but the problem never goes away entirely.
The RF modules come from China through eBay:
Am I expecting too much from these? The problem is having six modules - if they all aren't receiving the signal, then some won't come on when they are supposed to and some will go on when they are supposed to be off which defeats the purpose of the project.
Is there a better solution? I've looked at other RF modules on eBay and they all seem to use the same RX/TX IC pair, so I doubt I'll get a different result. Should I look at Linx (hate to spend that kind of money, but if this doesn't work reliably, it does the other member no good and I'm out of a lot of money anyway)? Anyone have a positive experience with a minimum 3-CH RF system working on multiple receivers simultaneously and reliably?
Here is the original thread for anyone interested in more background.
When all six are side-by-side, they work well. Push a button on the transmitter and the corresponding LED blinks on all six. Press the same button again, they all go out, perfect.
However, when I separate them, say three to fifteen feet (no walls between them, only open air in a basement), repeatability goes out the door. Sometimes they all work, but often 4-5 work and one or two miss a signal.
I've added a length of wire for a receiving antenna, beefed up the regulator, increased the voltage to the transmitter, etc., all to no avail. Sometimes these helped a little, but the problem never goes away entirely.
The RF modules come from China through eBay:
Am I expecting too much from these? The problem is having six modules - if they all aren't receiving the signal, then some won't come on when they are supposed to and some will go on when they are supposed to be off which defeats the purpose of the project.
Is there a better solution? I've looked at other RF modules on eBay and they all seem to use the same RX/TX IC pair, so I doubt I'll get a different result. Should I look at Linx (hate to spend that kind of money, but if this doesn't work reliably, it does the other member no good and I'm out of a lot of money anyway)? Anyone have a positive experience with a minimum 3-CH RF system working on multiple receivers simultaneously and reliably?
Here is the original thread for anyone interested in more background.