>   Suggestions/advice are appreciated.

I've used the rfPIC12F675K (434MHz) a few times

http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/devicedoc/70091a.pdf

All were samples, which is pretty low cost !!!

http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductDetails.aspx?Category=3DrfPIC12F675F

Part of the exercise was to compare aerials. I found a Splatch
compared well with a straight 1/4 wave, and line-of-sight range
is around 250m (600ft)

https://www.linxtechnologies.com/en/products/antennas/sp

I have an application which has a whole house between transmitter
and receiver, no problem. Range is ~ 40m

Joe

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