Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Mounting Parallax 433 MHz Modules — Parallax Forums

Mounting Parallax 433 MHz Modules

Greg NortonGreg Norton Posts: 70
edited 2008-01-09 19:01 in General Discussion
I just purchased a pair of the 433 MHz RF modules (they work great BTW - thanks Parallax). What I'm searching for now is a good way to mount them in the finished project. Ideally I'd like to have just the antenna sticking out of the project box, but I don't see any obvious way to accomplish this. The only place they appear to disconnect is at the base of the antenna where it connects to the board. Can the board be connected to the antenna with a cable of some sort?

Is it possible to use these with a different antenna that I could mount through-hole on the project box? Does anyone have any other ideas here?

Also - assuming I end up needing to mount the entire thing inside the box, can I safely add hardware on the screw that joins the antenna to the board? Will this affect the range of the RF link if I do so?

Thanks.
Greg

Comments

  • FranklinFranklin Posts: 4,747
    edited 2008-01-07 04:21
    Here is one, it all depends on what type of fitting is used for the antenna. I'm sure someone here or at Parallax could tell you. www.linxtechnologies.com/Products/Antennas/Monopole/WRT-Series-Compact-Antennas

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    - Stephen
  • DgswanerDgswaner Posts: 795
    edited 2008-01-09 05:47
    Greg, I used the screw that attaches to the antenna to connect into a standoff which securely holds down the RF module. in my project box I drilled a whole so that the bottom plastic part of the antena fits in really snug. I attached the two with a small piece of wire and the crimp type eyelet connectors. It connects from the module with the same screws that hold it in place and to the antenna with the existing threaded hole. I have not noticed signal loss what so ever. I can provide a picture if your interested.

    my only complaint about these RF modules is that there is little to hold the unit down. and I can't get them to work with a propeller.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    "A complex design is the sign of an inferior designer." - Jamie Hyneman, Myth Buster

    DGSwaner
  • Greg NortonGreg Norton Posts: 70
    edited 2008-01-09 18:43
    DGSwaner -

    Thanks for the information!· I think I understand what you are saying here but if you don't mind posting the picture that would be great.

    Is there anything holding the antenna to the project box besides the friction of the snug fit in the hole?· I don't think it would be an issue but I just wanted to clarify.

    Thanks.

    Greg
  • DgswanerDgswaner Posts: 795
    edited 2008-01-09 19:01
    I was just using friction, I figured that once it was permanent I could glue it or, there is a groove at the bottow where a clip could be made to hold it in.

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    "A complex design is the sign of an inferior designer." - Jamie Hyneman, Myth Buster

    DGSwaner
Sign In or Register to comment.