Hello folks,
I've a problem when i'm using a 433Mhz Transceiver module with my Arduino UNO. Manufacturer of this module claims, it has 100m range outdoor and at the least of 50m indoors, when the transmitter module is operated at 12v. It doesnt come with any external Antenna. But it gives pretty decent range when im using the module without connecting to Arduino (i.e direct adapter 12v).
Now the problem im facing is, the module doesnt function at 12v from an external source when connected to Arduino.
The connection flow would be like: (Its actually a 4channel Wireless Relay Board):
Power Socket: 12v 1 A (Adapter)
GND --> Arduino's GND (Above pin13)
R1 ---> Arduino's pin2
R2 ---> Arduino's pin3
R3 ---> Arduino's pin4
R4 ---> Arduino's pin5
It doesnt respond to my signal when i connect in this fashion, but it responds quite well, when i remove my arduino and try to control it via the provided Toggle Switches.
If i use the recommended connection for Arduino, i.e Arduino's 5V, and GND to Transmitter's VCC and GND, it works, but i get pretty bad range(due to less Voltage input) , and it even struggles to function the same in next room.
I want to know, If i could boost my transmitter voltage to 12v, by still connecting to my Arduino UNO board with some changes in the connection or adding extra ICs and stuff.
It would be a great help, if someone comes with a solution for it, ive tried all over the internet, i really didnt get a solid answer for this problem. So decided to finally post it here.
The antenna is more important than whether you use 5 volts or 12 volts to supply the transmitter. Use a 17 cm piece of straight wire (vertical) on both the transmitter and receiver and you will get vastly improved range.
MarkT has probably got it pegged. He is suggesting you need a level shifter, since the arduino outputs 0-5v, and your system is probably looking for input of 0-12v.
You can check the voltage when you are using your toggle switches and see what shows up.
If this is the case, there are several ways to correct it.
use a relay board with 4 mechanical relays to simulate the toggle switches.
Oh. If that's the case, i've used L293D to try the same. I could get the desired voltage but it didnt sync, RF module doesnt seems to respond in such fashion.
Based on the info from SurferTim, then a small diode between the arduino output pin and the transmitter board, only allowing the ground (low) to pass, would seem to be a solution. What do you think?
