Advice about the right wireless module for my application

[gussabina]

Hello All:

I 'm working in a project that needs low power nodes (running from battery) transmitting data to a central point/Gateway. I'm not concerned with an specific standard or wireless type, other than be low power and have a good range. My expectations about range would be to cover a large house or small office/factory, if it's inside. For outside, ~250 meters would be good.

I'm currently using 2.4GHz in a Mesh configuration with a proprietary protocol (with some nodes able to route but need to run from main power), but range is not that great (~70 meters outside).

I saw some people are using RFM69 modules in SubGHz configurations and I would like to ask for advice to see if this would be a good option for my application. I see cost is ~$4 which is very good. Also, I would like to know if it's possible to regulate Tx power via software to lower the power in case the full range is not necessary (for nodes close to the Gateway).

I would appreciate comments regarding this or any other better solution or experience you may have that could be a good fit for my project.

Thanks in advance
Gus

[Felix]

RFM69HW-915 will do great, it's what I use.
RFM69_ATC (part of RFM69) will autoregulate the TX, see example sketches for use.

[gussabina]

Hi Felix:
Thanks for the advice.
Would you recommend the Trace antenna? How is the range compared with the wired antenna version? What would be the main differences?

Thanks
Gus

[Felix]

Please read this blog entry: http://lowpowerlab.com/blog/2016/05/30/moteino-with-trace-antenna/