RFM69HCW Wireless Transceiver - 434MHz

The RFM69HCW Wireless Transceiver operates on the 434MHz frequency, a part of the unlicensed ISM band specifically set aside for low-power, short-range, license-free radios. This versatile and cost-effective radio module is ideal for constructing affordable short-range wireless networks of sensors and actuators, making it a perfect fit for home automation, citizen science, and more.

The RFM69HCW module can transmit at up to 100mW and up to 300kbps, but these values can be adjusted to suit your specific needs. For instance, you can increase the transmission power and reduce the data rate to maximize range, or decrease both for short-range sensor networks that use minimal battery power. With full power and simple wire antennas, this module can transmit messages through several internal walls in a large office building. In open air, it can reach 500 meters or more.

Communication with a host microcontroller is achieved through an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and there are several Arduino libraries available for use. The RFM69HCW supports up to 256 networks of 255 nodes per network. It features AES encryption to keep your data secure and can transmit data packets up to 66 bytes long.

Two versions of the RFM69HCW are available from SparkFun: a 915MHz version and the 434MHz version. The choice between these two depends on your location, as the ISM band varies by region. Generally, the 915MHz version is for use in the Americas, while the 434MHz version is for use in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Features:

• Power Output Capability: +20 dBm - 100 mW
• High Sensitivity: down to -120 dBm at 1.2 kbps
• High Selectivity: 16-tap FIR Channel Filter
• Robust front end: IIP3 = -18 dBm, IIP2 = +35 dBm,80 dB Blocking Immunity, no Image Frequency response
• Low current: Rx = 16 mA, 100nA register retention
• Programmable Pout: -18 to +20 dBm in 1dB steps
• Constant RF performance over voltage range of module
• FSK Bit rates up to 300 kb/s
• Fully integrated synthesizer with a resolution of 61 Hz
• Supports FSK, GFSK, MSK, GMSK and OOK modulations
• Built-in Bit Synchronizer for Clock Recovery
• Incoming Sync Word Recognition
• 115 dB+ Dynamic Range RSSI
• Automatic RF Sense with ultra-fast AFC
• Packet engine with CRC-16, AES-128, 66-byte FIFO
• Built-in temperature sensor

Documents:

• Hookup Guide
• Datasheet
• LowPowerLab RFM69 Library
• Radiohead Library