RF: Bi-directional communication with simple RF ASK modules

Using Arduino Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hi,

I have two RF Link Transmitters and two RF Link Receivers (everything is 434MHz). I have two Arduino UNOs; each UNO has a pair of rx/tx modules. The idea is to create a cheap bi-directional communication mechanism.

I can send a message from UNO board A to UNO board B but I cannot figure out why I can't do the reverse (send a message from B to A). I've checked the wiring and code many times - I can't figure out what is wrong.

I'm not crazy in thinking this should just work, correct?

Thank you in advance,
LT

2

What are you using for code? Virtualwire?

How about a simple transceiver instead? nrf24L01+

3

My apologies CrossRoads; I should have mentioned that. I am using the RadioHead (RadioHead: RadioHead Packet Radio library for embedded microprocessors) library (which I thought superseded the VW library). Again, everything is fine when communicating in one direction.

I'll definitely take a look at the nRF24L01+ but I was mainly just trying to sanity check that what I'm doing with my existing hardware should work.

All the best,
LT

4

I would think that this could work, particularly if you have the proof of concept that A can send to B with A's receiver running at the same time.
Backing up one step, can you confirm that when you only power the Rx or TX module on each UNO, they can talk to the other. That is, can A send to B and B send to A if you are working them in the typical unidirectional mode.

Please post your code and connections. Are you using antennas. How are they mounted and oriented?