NRF24L01+PA + LNA newbie questions

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
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Hi, I'm going to get a RC controller for my new model airplane, this time, I thought it would be fun to make one of those Arduino based transmitter/receivers using this version of NRF24L01 from cdebyte with a promised maximum range of 2.5km in optimal conditions, and learn one or two things. me? I only need it to be able to respond at a distance of 500 meters, so that's why I'm using the most powerful NRF24L01 I can find in my country, because the cheaper Chinese clones here are said not to have any more range than 150m. So here are my questions:

  1. Let's say this thing can work in a maximum range of 600m at the ground level, what's the altitude at which it will respond without any issues? I know it depends on many things, but I need to know if it can go as high as, say, 30 meters.
  2. Considering I have no legal issues, can I use two 8dbi antennas for the two modules? How will that compare to a 2dbi antenna? Is the difference significant?
  3. For the maximum range, should I use two modules of the same model? Or can I use a powerful one like this one for the transmitter and a weaker Chinese copy for the receiver?
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Welcome to the forum

What is the wingspan of the model ?
Are you going to fly it using FPV or line of sight ?

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With a sensitive receiver maybe 500 meters. Altitude only helps.

I am assuming one on each end, no problem if they are compatible with the modules.

That would be a good starting place but you probably could use the cheaper one if you get enough distance from it.

Be sure to use a separate power source for the radios, the Arduinos have problems supplying power.

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4

8dBi vertical antennas will probably be directional in the vertical sense. With both antennas vertical this is not normally a problem.

However an RC plane can climb or descend at an angle so the remote antenna is no longer at the optimum reception angle and you can loose control.

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5

90cm
I want to try both

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So what antenna do you suggest I use to get a better responsive range?

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Do what you stated you wanted to do, try both and let us know what you found.

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8

Two things to take into consideration

  • Flying LOS you will hardly be able to see the model, let alone discern its orientation making control of it impossible
  • Flying FPV you will need a transmitter on board capable of transmitting the video signal 500 metres
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9

Just use standard 2dBi antennas.

If you want a more responsive range then use a longer range comms radio such as LoRa.

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10

Any link to a Lora-Arduino rc controller?

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I'm just gonna use a 3dbi antenna, do you think that'll get me a nice balance between range and responsiveness? One more question, do the antennas on need to be of the same length both sides? Can I use a longer antenna for the transmitter and a shorter antenna for the receiver? Does that improve range?

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A Google search on 'arduino lora rc' points to some examples and there is a system called ExpressLRS that is discussed at length in the RCGroups forum.

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