Hello Sparkfun forum,
Have developed a device called a KiteMessenger (KM) that ascends the tether of a
single line kite using a sail. When the KM reaches the desired height, say 90
or 100 meters, a 433 mhz transceiver fob button is pushed and the receiver
in the KM sends a signal to an Arduino Beetle that operates a servo. The servo
moves a travel arm which release two rings. One of the rings holds a payload,
a parachuting armadillo or a bag of candy. The second ring releases the sail
which allows the KM to return to the ground. And so the operation can be
repeated.
https://www.kitemessenger.net/KM_WebSit … m_gif.html
The KM works prefectly. The PCB for the receiever, Beetle and servo have been
designed and tested. 3D printing has been developed and months have been spent
designing and creating the sail, the parachute and the mechanics. Several iterations of each
of the main elements of the KM have been created, integrated and tested getting the minor
defects worked out in each iteration.
https://www.allenpitts.com/electronics/ … _x_460.jpg
The plan is to make six of the KMs and take them to the Washington State Kite
festival, the worlds largest kite festival for demo.
One last improvement is considered.
The range of the 433 mhz is 100 meters on a good day. Would like to extend the range
to 150 or 200 meters. The transceiver used in the KM is
https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Control … 170&sr=8-8
Wireless Relay 12V Long Range Remote Control Switch, Universal 433Mhz RF Transmitter Receiver Mini Remote Relay
in Latched Module for Home Use and More DC 3.7V 4.5V 5V 6V 7.4V 9V 12V By BWSS
The description of the Wireless Relay 12V Long Range Remote Control Switch… says the range is 3280 feet, 1009 meters.
And the KM transcevier has been tested to 200 meters successfully. On the ground. But with the KM up in the air
beyond about 90 to 100 meters the response is spotty. My knowledge of RF engineering is limited
but reserach indicates that on the ground the radio wavwes are bouncing off the ground
and other objects on the ground. But up in the air, with nothing to reflect off of, the signal
is given to dissapation.
Research has led to considering the RFM69HCW Wireless Transceiver - 915MHz
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13909
Would like to stabilize with SparkFun as the electronics supplier because
-
Have done business with SparkFun in the past withh good success and excellent tech support
-
Have no prejudice against Pacific Rim suppliers but communications and shipping
have been problematic in the past.
- The KM currently uses Arduino technology (DFRobot DFR0339 ‘Beetle’) and SPI which
would make and adaptation fairly simple.
The question is: the BWSS transceiver has a transmitter fob and a receiver PCB. The RFM69HCW
is called a transceiver. So is there a transmitter and a receiver on the RFM69HCW? Would
a system like the KM have a RFM69HCW on the ground and a RFM69HCW up in the air also.
How does one cause the transmitter part of the RFM69HCW send a signal to the receiver
element of the RFM69HCW?
Thanks.
Allen Pitts
Dallas Texas
