Hi all.

I am looking for a reasonably priced TX/RX pair for hobby use which 
comes complete with a fair degree of error correction and a good range...

I have been playing with the Linx TXM/RXM 433MHz 'long range' modules 
which have been a good education, but I have ended up spending a lot of 
time trying to figure out issues in areas where I can't test (because i 
have no logic analyzer, oscilloscope, and little experience, etc).

I have made some successful projects with them, but they (the projects) 
are 'brittle' when it comes to reliability.

So, I am looking for a different module set to use for future projects, 
and I want a 'more idiot-proof' combination. I want to make wireless 
projects, but I don't want to become an RF Expert to use it.

The ball-park I am looking in is:

1. Able to support serial communication 'transparently' (with 'simple' 
UART and perhaps some heyes-style configuration). No need for huge 
speed, 1200baud or better.
2. Range of about 50m/150ft *through walls* (North-American stud-frame 
construction house).
3. Compact unit small enough to include with 'the real project' and 
batteries in a smallish enclosure (3x6 inches or so) (excluding antenna).
4. Efficient enough to run off battery (i.e. has a good 'idle' mode).
5. Including antenna for the appropriate range, I am looking at the $30 
per unit or better ballpark, but willing to compromise for potential 
functionality.
6. Bonus if the unit is a transceiver, not individual TX/RX modules.
7. Bonus if the unit is able to support 3V through 5.5Volt or so.
8. Bonus if there is existing (off-the-shelf) support for a USB 'dongle' 
or some such for a direct PC-to-project communication channel.

Now, there are a *lot* of possible modules out there that have these 
characteristics.

So much so that I am overwhelmed with the possibilities, and I am 
looking for someone with experience to just say "These 'XXX' units are 
great, they just work, and are easy to use".

Unfortunately, every manufacturer says exactly that about their 
products, so I am looking for a less 'invested' opinion.

I have done a lot of digging and reading, but I am intentionally *not* 
mentioning any of the modules I have considered so as not to 'bias' any 
suggestions.

I will likely take the prevailing advice/wisdom and 'buy in' to that 
product (get evaluation kits, etc.), and hopefully it will support my 
hobby needs for current and future projects.

So, anyone willing to make a recommendation for a module that is Rolf-Proof?

Alternatively, anyone willing to challenge my assumptions on what I need?

Thanks in advance.

Rolf
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist