SparkFun RFM69 Breakout (434MHz)

The SparkFun RFM69 Breakout is a compact, versatile piece of technology that provides easy access to all the pins of the RFM69HCW module. This inexpensive radio module operates in the ISM (Industry, Science, and Medicine) radio band, making it the perfect choice for creating affordable short-range wireless networks for home automation, citizen science, and many more applications.

The RFM69HCW operates on a frequency of 434MHz and can transmit at up to 100mW and up to 300kbps. However, these values can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. For instance, you could increase the transmit power and decrease the data rate to maximize range, or reduce both for short-range sensor networks that conserve battery power. With simple wire antennas and at full power, the RFM69HCW is capable of sending messages across large office buildings, penetrating numerous internal walls. In an open-air environment, it can reach distances of 500 meters or more. With more complex antennas and modulation schemes, similar modules have been used to successfully transmit data from space to the ground.

The RFM69HCW uses an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) to communicate with a host microcontroller, and there are several excellent Arduino libraries available for this purpose. The module supports up to 256 networks of 255 nodes per network, features AES encryption to ensure your data remains private, and can transmit data packets up to 66 bytes long.

SparkFun offers two versions of the RFM69HCW: a 915MHz version and this 434MHz version. The ISM band is license-free, but the band itself varies in different regions. Generally, the 915MHz version is used in the Americas, while the 434MHz version is used in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Please check your local regulations for details.

Features:

• Transmit power: -18dBm (0.016mW) to +20dBm (100mW) in 1dBm steps
• Receive sensitivity: down to -120dBm at 1.2kbps
• Modulation types: FSK GFSK MSK GMSK OOK
• Bit rates (FSK): 1.2kbps to 300kbps
• Voltage range: 1.8V to 3.6V
• Current consumption: 0.1uA sleep, 1.25mA standby, 16mA receive, 130mA transmit (max)
• Encryption: AES 128-bit (optional)
• Packet buffer (FIFO): 66 bytes
• Dimensions: 20.32mm x 27.94mm

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Hookup Guide
• Datasheet (RFM69HCW)
• LowPowerLab RFM69 Library
• Radiohead Library
• GitHub