I've searched and have been unable to find any recommendations on the best hardware (ESP32, Nano 33 BLE, HC-06, etc.) for the longest distance. Has anyone done any comparison testing on Bluetooth range between devices? I'll be using it with an Android.
I haven't used an Arduino with Bluetooth. What distance do you need? The distance depends on the two devices and even if you have a very good Bluetooth module to the Arduino, this does not mean that you will necessarily have a greater range. For greater distance, use Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is designed for short distances.
Bluetooth classic depends on the transmitter power and target environment
carry out tests using proposed devices in the target environment
for example, recently had problems with wearable BLE devices - range was dependent on sensor positions on the body, etc
did some recent tests using a Microchip BM71 BLE device - range indoors betwen 4m and 10m depending on environment, e.g. device enclosure, PCB design, wall between devices, etc
what is the environment? what range are you looking for?
I'm wanting to control things in and around my 44' RV. Testing with an ESP32 I can barely maintain communication 30' away. I'd like reliable connectivity 60' anyway.
I can use the IoT cloud but that requires internet connectivity. I do not always have internet when camped in remote places.
I believe I could use a local MQTT setup that did not rely on internet connectivity (I've not done this yet so I'd have some learning to do). This is likely a good solution but then if I have WiFi turned off on my phone because my hotspot (AT&T) has no internet connectivity, I'd have to turn it on to control things then turn it back off for my phone (T-Mobile) to have connectivity.
Most likely, the ultimate solution would be a combination of Bluetooth with a fallback of IoT Cloud. This way if no internet, I could just move closer to control what's needed via Bluetooth.
I plan to build my Android app with MIT App Inventor. I see the IoT Cloud has an API. I've not used it yet but I'm sure it's not difficult.
Please give me your opinions on my plan. I'm just learning and my biggest hurdle is just knowing what the best direction is to go.
I have found outdoors WiFi range extenders such as the TP-link CPE210 can help
also XBEE modules are worth looking at
Why? You can set ESP32 to work in AP mode and then no router is needed as well as internet. Then your Android device will connect directly to ESP32 and so will communicate.
Bluetooth will likely be unreliable, especially if outside due to moisture vapor absorption of the 2.4G signal. LoRa is far superior.
Added:
Understanding Bluetooth Range | Bluetooth® Technology Website
But if Bluetooth does not have the range, which seems likley, its not a 'solution' is it ?
From what I understand about LoRa, it would be better. However, as far as I know, Android does not have the ability to use LoRa (I could be wrong).
My goal is to use my phone to control things. Don't want to carry another device.
LoRa is a transport link...
LoRa Mesh Radio : 4 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables
LoRa is an RF modulation technology for low-power, wide area networks (LPWANs). The name, LoRa, is a reference to the extremely long-range data links that this technology enables. Created by Semtech to standardize LPWANs, LoRa provides for long-range communications: up to three miles (five kilometers) in urban areas, and up to 10 miles (15 kilometers) or more in rural areas (line of sight). A key characteristic of the LoRa-based solutions is ultra-low power requirements, which allows for the creation of battery-operated devices that can last for up to 10 years. Deployed in a star topology, a network based on the open LoRaWAN protocol is perfect for applications that require long-range or deep in-building communication among a large number of devices that have low power requirements and that collect small amounts of data.
Added afterthought:
I have an ESP32 and its BT is good >= 40 feet (with my Motorola One) and that's through some drywall and a block exterior.
It's made by ezsbc.com, excellent quality.
Some ESP boards are superior ... find a great one and stay with the model. The non-superior implementations range from poopy to just OK.
Best answer yet and directly addresses my post. Thank you runaway_pancake. I've ordered a couple to test with.
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