nrf24L01+ power setting question

[stevef]

Hi,

I am using a nrf24l01+ with the PA and external antenna and have success in transmitting and receiving data over quite large distances and through walls.

My question is regarding the PA_MIN / PA_LOW / PA_HIGH and PA_MAX settings.

I am only transmitting one way as far as the data is concerned and as the amount of data is minimal, I only have the data rate at 250KBPS.

I have been range testing and with several different physical modules and arduinos i get better transmission ranges if the Transmitter is on PA_MAX and the receiver is on PA_LOW than I do with both ends on PA_MAX

I understood from the protocol that an ACK was being sent, so it made sense that both ends were PA_MAX to get the max range.

Anybody care to enlighten me on why this could be the case?

Should I have both receiver and transmitter the same?

Thanks

[Robin2]

stevef:
Should I have both receiver and transmitter the same?

I have never experimented with power settings - I think all mine have been set at the maximum.

In one test I had a pair of the PCB antenna nRF24s working at 110 metres in clear line of sight outdoors. I could not try anything farther as I could not tell at a longer distance if it was working (due to poor test design ).

My suggestion is to use whatever works best for you.

...R
Simple nRF24L01+ Tutorial