Hello,
I haven't seen a lot of range testing comparing nRF24L01+ and the newer RFM69 chips. The RFM69W is the "standard" one, but there's also a high power one that looks about the same, designated RFM69HW. The RFM69 is a newer version of the RFM12 that's been popular in the past.
RFM12: 433MHz
RFM69W/HW: 915MHz
nRF24L01+: 2.4GHz
There has been a lot of indoor testing between the older RFM12 and nRF24L01+, and from what I've read, the results is that the 433MHz and the 2.4GHz module have about the same range in typical indoor applications. But I haven't seen how the RFM69 compares.
One other consideration besides range is cost and availability. In the US, there seems to be very few cheap vendors for the RFM69, while the nRF24L01+ is plentiful and can be had for about $2 each. The RFM69 is about $6.
Has anyone range tested the RFM69 indoors? Or found a good/cheap source for the modules?
Here's what I've been able to gather from the data sheets. Took some liberties to compare apples to apples, but my understanding of wireless is pretty rough, so there might be some nuances I don't understand.
The RFM69 is 915MHz and the nRF24L01+ is 2.4GHz. You'd expect the longer wavelength of the RFM69 would have better wall penetrating power and distance, but lower data rates. Given that wireless sensor typically are only transmitting small amounts of data, and the major concern is transmission reach, the RFM69 is probably better. Experimental data from low power lab forum indicate RFM69HW can have hundreds of meters range.
915MHz also doesn't interfere with all the wifi signals in the neighborhood, so that's another advantage for the RFM69 modules.
RFM69W
Transmit power = +13dB
Receive sensitivity = -120dB
current consumption transmit = 45mA @ 13dB
Temperature: -40 to 85 C (-40 to 180F)
RFM69HW
Transmit power = +20dB
Receive sensitivity = -120dB
current consumption = 130mA @ 20dB
Temperature: -20 to 70 C (-4 to 158F)
nRF24L01+ (No power amplifier)
Transmit power = 0dB?
Receive sensitivity = -82dBm @ 2Mbps, -104dBm @250kbps
current consumption = 13mA @ 0dB
Temperature: -20 to 70 C (-4 to 158F)
nRF24L01+ w/ PA+LNA and Antenna
Transmit power = 20dB
Receive sensitivity = -82dBm @ 2Mbps, -104dBm @250kbps
current consumption = 130mA @ 20dB
Temperature: -20 to 70 C (-4 to 158F)
Just posted to another thread a basic overview of my experience with the RFM69HW modules (the high powered ones, +20dB output power) and in short, it is very good!!! I think that HopeRF make a really high quality product that is easy to use, reliable and has good performance. Oh and they are cheap - always a plus! There are also some excellent open source Arduino libraries that make using these modules very very easy!!!
I can't compare the RFM69HW to the RFM12B as I haven't used them, but a quick glance at the specs says that the RFM69HW is going to win hands down.
Re the range, that the OP was interested in. As I said in the other thread, outside I have the RFM69HW's working at 1km+ no problems at all and indoors I can get them to work throughout my two story house without any problems either - no dead spots. I'm using they 433MHz modules exclusively, so can't compare at 915MHz or any of the other frequencies the RFM69HW's support. I would expect the 915MHz modules to not have quite the penetration indoors, but it won't be a massive difference and it probably depends more on the RF environment around your house or office (ie is there any RF interference in the band you select)
If you are comparing two good modules, I think the RFM69HW's would fit in this category, then your RF performance is going to be heavily influenced by your RF design. In particular your PCB board layout, antennas, power supply design (and power supply decoupling). If you are not using an "off the shelf" design then everyone's experience is going to be different and depend on your RF design skills.
I'm using a RFM69HW breakout board (http://modtronicsaustralia.com/shop/rfm69hw-breakout-board-with-module/) that allows me to hook up my choice of SMA antennas, giving me the option of providing more antenna gain if required. This board is what all my "range testing" has been done with.
FrankRob:
Just posted to another thread a basic overview of my experience with the RFM69HW modules (the high powered ones, +20dB output power) and in short, it is very good!!! I think that HopeRF make a really high quality product that is easy to use, reliable and has good performance. Oh and they are cheap - always a plus! There are also some excellent open source Arduino libraries that make using these modules very very easy!!!
How are you using your RFM69HW modules? With Arudinos? Which library are you using?
The RFM69 is a great module! Just make sure you have it running at 3.3V for power and logic. In other words, do not connect directly to a 5V Arduino! You'll need a 3.3V board (like Whisper Node, Moteino or Anarduino) or a level shifter...
You also might be interested on this one: Whisper Node - AVR - Wisen which is an Arduino clone with built-in RFM69, 4Mbit Flash, LDO and a Step-up regulator, making possible to run on a single AA battery. The power consumption for the whole board is less than 4µA in sleeping mode, making possible to have projects running for years... or to simply use battery as backup.
