I am starting a project and am looking for the cheapest way to get a small 2.4GHz transmitter and receiver. The receiver can be any size, really as it will be mounted on an rc car/plane/robot (although smaller is technically better, but size is not so much a concern). But I would like the transmitter to be as small as possible (very specific reason) yet still really powerful.
I have found some 2.4GHz RF Integrated circuits for around $6 are those any good? I am willing to write driver software for them or anything I may have to do to get it functioning. If I go the IC route, how much power can those provide and will I need an antennae to get long range? Antennae on transmitter and receiver or just transmitter?
My target range is 1 mile (2 if possible), but I know that is probably optimistic, not sure how much power that would require or what kind of antennae. My goal is to make the transmitter really small and lightweight. Maybe 1/2 mile would be more realistic, or ever 1/4 mile.
Any suggestions or tips on ways to get long distance wireless communications in a really small and (relatively) cheap device?