SeeedStudio 2km 433 MHz RF Module - character string transmissions

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

I'm trying to send a small amount of data (10-20 bytes) over a distance of about 500 ft.

I have things working nicely with the general purpose 433MHz T/R pair over about 50 ft. using at 17cm antenna and the VirtualWire library. Sorry to mix measurement systems. I knew ahead of time that this pair is only "rated" at 100m (being generous), so I purchased the SeeedStudio 2km RF modules which are rated for longer distance. I was thinking that if they're rated for 2km, I could probably get 500 ft.

Now that I have the 2km modules, I see that the "encoding" really means that it will transmit 4 bits at a time, and do so at low speed.

My questions:

1-Is there a way to bypass the encoding/decoding to be able to use these modules with the VirtualWire library? (I'd even be happy to use the 2km transmitter with the low power receiver).

2-Is there a Sketch out there for the 2km modules that will transmit a short character string from one to the other, even if that transmission takes seconds and not milliseconds? My data doesn't update frequently, so a long (but fairly reliable) transmit cycle doesn't bother me.

3-If neither of the above are possible, is there a higher power RF Transmitter that will work like the low power 433 MHz pair does?

Thank you.

2

Link please 8)
These ? http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/2KM-Long-Range-RF-link-kits-w-encoder-and-decoder-p-321.html

Sparkfun has a nice Wireless Buying Guide : https://www.sparkfun.com/pages/Wireless_Guide
You can scroll through that page and see the range... oops, the 1000m modules is retired.
This one is 500 meter : https://www.sparkfun.com/products/155
But I doubt if 10mW really can get 500 meters range. According to the manual of that module, you have to hold it 5 meters high to get 500 meters.

There are other similar modules. For 500 meters, buy a module that has a good antenna included.

When you buy a long range RF module on Ebay, it might not be legal in your country.

Did you have a look at the XBee modules ?