wojjed82:
Im explornig NRF for some time, and what I’ve already found is that maximum range of our stuff is apx 15 meters outside and 10 meters inside, with raiusn atennas. We’re based on openbeacon soultions, but implementation is ours. Do You also have such a ranges ? That ranges were with with 0 dBm gain.
I know that the chip antenna version of my [[nRF24LU1 modules](http://store.diyembedded.com/) (basically a 24L01 and 8051 uC on one chip) can get up to 60 m outside. I have a layout based on the 24L01+, but I haven't range tested it yet. I would expect it to perform similarly, though.
wojjed82:
Now we’re trying to use atmel’s amplifier T7026 to improve ranges - has some of You had any experience with that IC ?
You may be able to extend your range by either changing your antenna or updating your layout to a more RF-friendly version. Also keep in mind that RF amplifiers are not high efficiency devices typically, so you will be wasting about as much power as you're gaining in the process. This is usually a last resort.
wojjed82:
Could You also explain me LNA_GAIN ? Should it be set 1 or 0 to have better ranges ? When i set it as 1 the ranges were smaller - is it correct ?
From p. 23 of the 24L01 datasheet, "The gain in the Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) in the nRF24L01 receiver is controlled by the LNA gain setting.
The LNA gain makes it possible to reduce the current consumption in RX mode with 0.8mA at the cost of 1.5dB reduction in receiver sensitivity." In other words, leaving the LNA_GAIN bit set will give you the best sensitivity at your receiver. If you clear the bit, your current consumption will be less, but your sensitivity (and range) will suffer.
wojjed82:
Also im getting problems with ACK - i dont know what i shoud set in NRF - i’ve found, that EN_AA should be set for data pipe 0, RxAddrP0 = TxADDR for PTX, but for receiver - EN_AA should be set for all pipes ? or it doesnt matter ?
Checkout Tutorial 2 on my site for understanding ACK.](http://store.diyembedded.com/)
