HM-10 CC2541 Range

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hi all,

I recently purchased an HM-10 BLE module. Unfortunately while the site advertised it as a module with the CC2540 chip, what I received was an HM-10 counterfeit with a CC2541 chip. This wouldn't in itself be an issue if it wasn't for the range. For the project that I'm playing around with, I need a range of 50 meters - 100 meters in open space; however, the HM-10 that I purchased seems to only be able to transmit to a range of about 2 meters - 3 meters.

So far, I've mostly been trying to see if there was a UART configuration that I could make via AT commands to increase the range, but it has so far been for naught. The range between the module's output power is minimal (+-0.5 meters), and I haven't been able to find a solution for the problem using software.

A solution that was recommended to me was to scrape off the onboard antenna, and then try and attach an external antenna to increase the range. I'm slightly hesitant of doing this, as I've never modified a module in such a manner before, and am fairly sure I'll just end up damaging it.

Has anyone worked with these counterfeit HM-10 modules and knows how to extend the range?
Failing that, does anyone know of where I could purchase a powerful Bluetooth Low Energy module with a range of 50 meters - 100 meters?

Any advice or help that can be given is greatly appreciated, thanks. :slight_smile:

Documentation/Datasheet:

2

I know this is an old thread, but did you ever find a solution? I too bought an HM-10 on Amazon and the range is only about 10 feet! Trying to figure out which modules are legit and have the true expected range.

3

There are several threads on converting fake to kosher, I understand it is just software. I am surprised to hear it affects the range. Your problem could be caused by HM-10, of whatever dialect, communicating with a device that is not another BT-4.

4

So i had same issue, it was a faulty module, one module had couple of feet range other one that came with it was blasting the signal in other room thru a concrete wall with no problem.

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